Today, April 25th, Italy dresses in the colors of memory and gratitude to celebrate the Liberation Day from Nazi-fascism. April 25, 1945 marked the end of the Nazi occupation and collapse of the fascist regime led by Benito Mussolini. The partisan troops, together with the allies, liberated the Italian cities one after the other, thus putting an end to years of oppression and terror. Since, it's been 79 years.
The liberation was not a random event, but the result of one strenuous resistance on the part of the Italian people, as well as the support of the Americans and allies. Partisans, ordinary men and women, united in an insurrectional movement which, starting from the north, quickly spread throughout the peninsula.
This day represents a crucial moment in Italian history, a symbol of resistance, courage and hope. It is also an opportunity to commemorate the sacrifice of those who fought for freedom during the dark years of the Nazi-Fascist occupation during the Second World War.
Today, April 25th is celebrated with official ceremonies and popular demonstrations throughout the country, to honor the sacrifice of the partisans and reiterate the importance of democratic values and the fight against all forms of oppression and authoritarianism
Milan, the spark of Liberation
The 25 April, Milano was the first large Italian city to rise up. The call to revolt, launched by the National Liberation Committee of Northern Italy (CLNAI), found an immediate echo among the population, who took to the streets to liberate the city from the Nazis.
The CLNAI issued decrees establishing its power and death sentences for fascist hierarchs, without explicitly mentioning Benito Mussolini, who fled Milan that day and was captured and shot three days later. The intimation to the Nazi-fascists by the partisans was “Surrender or perish!”.
By May 1, 1945, all of northern Italy was liberated, with key cities including Bologna on April 21, Genoa on April 23, and Venice on April 28.
The war on Italian territory It officially ended on May 2, with the definitive surrender of the Nazi-fascist forces to the allies, formalized during the surrender of Caserta, signed on 29 April 1945. These dates mark the definitive defeat of Nazism and fascism in Italy.
The establishment of April 25th as a national holiday
In 1946, on the proposal of the Prime Minister Alcide de Gasperi, Umberto II of Savoy issued a lieutenant legislative decree on April 22nd, establishing the celebration of April 25th as a celebration of the total liberation of the Italian territory. The holiday was initially established only for that year.
«To celebrate the total liberation of the Italian territory, 25 April 1946 was declared a national holiday.» (Lieutenant Legislative Decree 22 April 1946, n. 185, art.)
Subsequently, decrees were issued to celebrate the anniversary also in 1947 and 1948. It was only in 1949 that the celebration of April 25th was permanently institutionalized as a public holiday, together with the Italian national holiday of 2 June.
Celebrations for April 25th
During the celebrations of April 25th, the President of the Italian Republic and the highest officials of the State pay homage to Shrine of the Unknown Soldier, placing a laurel wreath in memory of the fallen and missing Italians in the wars. On this day, the Italian and European flags are displayed on all buildings that house public offices and institutions.
Furthermore, in all Italian cities, especially in those decorated for military valor for the war of liberation, public demonstrations are organized to commemorate the event.
April 25th is not only a day of celebration, but also a warning against oblivion and indifference. It is an opportunity to reflect on the values of freedom, equality and tolerance that are the basis of our society. It is an imperative warning against all forms of authoritarianism, intolerance and discrimination. Every April 25th is an invitation to honor the past and look to the future with confidence and determination.
