Republic Day in Rome (2 June): the Imperial Forums parade, times and how to watch

Updated on October 8, 2026

Every 2 June, Italy celebrates the birth of the Republic (the 1946 referendum) and Rome is the stage: the President of the Republic lays a wreath at the Altar of the Fatherland, then a large military parade marches down Via dei Fori Imperiali, between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia, with the Frecce Tricolori flying overhead. It is a public holiday, so parts of the city are closed to traffic, but the parade is a free show if you know where to stand. The details below are those of the 2026 edition, the 80th year of the Republic.

Highlights

The parade on Via dei Fori Imperiali

The march starts at 10 am: military and civilian corps, flags and bands, with the ruins of the Forums as a backdrop. Grandstand seats are requested in advance on the Ministry of Defence platform (eventi.difesa.it); without accreditation, you watch from the areas open to the public, so arrive early.

Via dei Fori Imperiali closed to cars

The avenue, laid out in the Fascist era, is pedestrian that day and serves as the stage. It is also a chance to see the Forums from the road with no traffic.

The tribute at the Altar of the Fatherland

Around 9:15 am the head of state lays a laurel wreath before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Vittoriano, then joins the parade. The ceremony is broadcast on television.

The Frecce Tricolori

The national aerobatic team flies over Rome trailing the three colours of the flag; the flypast concludes the parade and can be seen from almost anywhere in the centre, for example around the Colosseum.

Free state museums

According to the City of Rome, entry to state museums and archaeological parks is free on 2 June during normal opening hours; check the list for that day, as queues are longer. See also our ideas for free things to do in Rome.

Practical info

Tips

The 2026 programme was: 9:15 am tribute at the Altar of the Fatherland, 10 am parade, 9 pm "I volti della Repubblica" show in Piazza del Quirinale, by invitation and broadcast on television. The programme changes every year (in 2027, 2 June falls on a Wednesday): check turismoroma.it a few days before. Arrive early and bring water: it can be hot in early June. Streets around the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia and the Circus Maximus are closed, so plan to come on foot or by metro. For getting around that day, see our guide to transport in Rome; for the season, Rome in summer.

How to get there

Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00184 Rome: metro line B, Colosseo or Cavour station, or metro line C, Colosseo/Fori Imperiali station. Some stations may close for security reasons; check the ATAC website on the day.