Around Europe this month, a number of countries are celebrating their “National Days”. They usually commemorate an independence day, a new constitution, or the day an important leader took power. Ultimately, a National Day brings the country together and restores pride. Visiting a country during its National Day and experiencing it first-hand can help you feel less of a tourist and more of a local.
We’ve taken a look at 3 National Days in Europe that are coming up today and over the next week or so. Italy’s Festa della Repubblica, Portugal’s Dia de Portugal, and Malta’s Setta Giugno. Let us introduce you to these countries through the eyes of a local.
Italy – Festa della Repubblica – June 2nd
What does it celebrate?
The Festa della Repubblica serves as the Italian National Day and Republic Day. It’s celebrated annually on 2nd June. It commemorates the 1946 referendum when Italy voted to become a republic after the fall of Fascism. The Republic won by less than 2 million votes and the male descendants of the House of Savoy were exiled. Only in 2002 were they allowed to return to their homeland.
Today, the biggest Festa della Republica celebrations are found in Rome where a military parade is held. Other cities throughout Italy celebrate the day, but to a lesser extent. Around the world, Embassies host banquets and entertain Heads of State.
What happens?
The parade begins with a laurel wreath laid on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier inside the Altare della Patria. The Corazzieri Squadron (the Honour Guard of the President) then arrives on the Via dei Fori Imperiali with the President before the national anthem is played.
One of the highlights is the Frecce Tricolori (Italian Red Arrows) flyover towards the end of the parade. Try and get a good view of the Colosseum to make the most of this wonderful experience.
In the afternoon the Palazzo del Quirinale gardens are normally open to the public for free. Here concerts are hosted by the bands of the Italian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Carabinieri.
What not to miss
Make sure you catch the unique Band of the Bersaglieri. Famous for their jogging pace when parading, the band even runs when playing their instruments – amazing!
What else to see
If you want to see something unusual and less well known, try the ossuary at Santa Maria della Concezione on Via Vittorio Veneto. In 5 crypts you’ll find the bones of over 4,000 Capuchin friars arranged in decorative patterns on the walls. Highlights include an archway of human skulls and attractive ceiling roses formed from vertebrae and knee caps.
To make things even creepier, in the final crypt is the following sign, “What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be.”
Portugal Day June – June 10th
What does it celebrate?
Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas or more commonly Dia de Portugal is the National Day of Portugal. It is celebrated annually on 10th June, in part to commemorate the death of Portugal’s literary icon Luís de Camões in 1580.
A poet, adventurer, and soldier, Camões fought in Africa and survived a shipwreck in modern Vietnam. His writing is considered so wonderful that Portuguese is described as the “language of Camões”.
What happens?
A different city hosts the official celebrations every year, chosen by the President. This year the honour goes to Lamengo in the Norte region of the Douro. National celebrations involve military parades, concerts and orchestras, and firework displays.
For those living abroad, Portugal Day is popular in London, Toronto, Montreal and New York; anywhere with a decent sized Portuguese population. Although not official celebrations, Portugal Day brings together everyone who’s proud of their ancestry.
What not to miss
You may not associate Portugal with great cuisine but there are some great dishes that’ll change your mind. Be sure to try Alheira de Mirandela – a type of fowl sausage. Alternatively why not sample Arroz de Cabidelaa, a rice dish made with rabbit or poultry in a sauce of its own blood, water, and vinegar. Trust me, it’s better than it sounds!
What else to see
Check out the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios which is located above the town on the Monte de São Estevão. Flanked by 2 bell towers, it’s reached up a staggered stairway, as impressive as the Baroque building itself.
Malta – Sette Giugno – June 7th
What does it celebrate?
Celebrated on June 7th, it commemorates the deaths of 4 people during riots held by the Maltese in June 1919. After WWI, the cost of living increased and imports became limited. When the National Assembly met in February, they approved a resolution that would offer independence from Britain.
Tensions were running high leading up to the National Assembly meeting on June 7th. Both the police and postal workers were angry and threatening to strike. During the meeting, a number of protestors broke into an English shop, removed the Union Flag, and burnt it in the streets. This led to rioting and attacks on British officers and the local police. By the time 64 soldiers were called in, thousands of demonstrators were surging through the streets. At some point, shots were fired into the crowd killing 3 people and injuring 50. The next day, a 4th man was bayoneted as he tried to resist arrest and died a week later from his wounds.
What happens?
To commemorate the event, the Band of the Malta Police Force marches from St George’s Square to the Sette Giugno memorial in Hastings Gardens where wreaths are laid. A concert is also held in The Great Siege Square with a number of orchestras performing.
What not to miss
Make time to relax in the afternoon somewhere with a good view and a local Cisk beer. Order some imqaret (a deep fried pastry parcel filled with a sweet date mixture, flavoured with aniseed) and soak up the sun and atmosphere.
What else to see
One of the best ways to see the striking skyline of Valetta is to take a harbour tour. From here you’ll see the imposing Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel which dominates views of the city.
If you’re into diving you’ve come to one of the best dive sites in the Mediterranean. You’ll find a good choice of extraordinary underwater landscapes and wrecks to explore, some of which were sunk on purpose for divers.
Find Out More
If you’d like to discover more about Malta, why not check out some of our other stories on this wonderful island. If you’d rather head towards the Atlantic, read more about the land of Luís de Camões or start planning your next trip to Italy. Stay updated with all the latest travel news and tips by following us on Twitter and Facebook.
