On April 25, 2025, Italy marked its 80th Liberation Day, commemorating the 1945 uprising that overthrew fascist rule and paved the way for democracy. Cities including Milan, Rome, Turin, Florence, and Bari held parades, memorial ceremonies, and cultural events to honor the occasion.
Milan: Commemorative Events Span All Day
The Liberation Day festivities in Milan spanned from morning to night on April 25, blending solemnity with vibrant energy.
At 9:30 a.m., meetings were held at the Roberto Bazlen and Luciano Foà Garden and 106 Corso di Porta Romana, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the partisan memorial plaque in Arco di Porta Romana.
Before the parade, Nadia Fulco, representative of the event organizer, addressed the participants, saying, “This proves that our year-after-year efforts have not only drawn participation from more communities but also broken down barriers, uniting them tightly and giving this event true citywide significance.”
During street celebrations, a representative from the Association for the Defense of Human Rights and Religious Freedom (ADHRRF) spoke at the event, stating, “We commemorate Liberation Day not only to honor the victors of war but also to amplify the voices of those still fighting for freedom today. They may be silenced, censored, or imprisoned, yet they remind us that freedom must always be defended.”
Among the participants were Christians from China who called for remembrance of history and attention to Christians still persecuted under authoritarian regimes.
Arianna Scommegna, another representative of the event organizer, remarked, “The participation of Chinese Christians is truly inspiring! It sends an important message because we fight for everyone’s freedom. The locals were delighted to see you here, as your presence is significant.”
Rome: Spreading Hope in Songs
In Rome, official ceremonies, public parades, concerts, and public gatherings drew tens of thousands of people and representatives from all walks of life.
At 8:30 a.m., people laid wreaths at the Fosse Ardeatine Massacre Memorial to honor World War II martyrs. A large parade then began at Largo Bompiani, passed through Parco Schuster, and ended at Porta San Paolo.
At the parade, thousands waved flags and sang Bella Ciao, expressing their love for freedom and condemnation of fascism.
Across Italy, other cities commemorated Liberation Day in diverse ways. On the evening of April 24, Turin held a grand torchlight procession, with people carrying torches through the old town to honor the history of resistance. Florence and Bari organized the “Journeys of Memory” to guide participants to World War II sites, historical archives, and monuments.
