On November 4th, Italy celebrates a significant date in its history: the National Unity and Armed Forces Day (National Unity and Armed Forces Day).
The occasion commemorates the end of the First World War for the country, marking a moment of territorial conquest and recognition of the military.
Despite being one of the oldest feriados nacionais, the date does not give Italians a day off.
Origin of National Unity and Armed Forces Day
National Unity Day was established in 1919 to celebrate the end of World War I and the victory over the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The date marks the signing of the Armistice of Villa Giusti, on November 4, 1918, which ended the fighting in northeastern Italy.
With this, Italian soldiers were able to occupy regions that previously belonged to the opposing empire, consolidating Italian unification with the incorporation of areas inhabited by Italians, such as Alto Adige and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
How the date is celebrated in Italy
Currently, November 4th is celebrated with military parades and tributes, with the main event being held on Altar of the Fatherland, In Rome.
At the monument, located in Piazza Venezia, the Italian President and the Defense Minister pay tribute to The Unknown Soldier, the Unknown Soldier, who represents all the soldiers who lost their lives in combat.
The ceremony includes the laying of a wreath and presentations of the Frecce Tricolori, an aerobatic team of the Italian Air Force, which decorates the sky with the colors of the Italian flag.
In addition to the capital, cities across the country hold ceremonies at war memorials and cemeteries, while military barracks and sites open their doors to the public on an exceptional basis.
This celebration reinforces Italy's commitment to the memory of its soldiers and the preservation of its history.
Other official non-holiday dates in Italy
National Unity Day is one of several “non-days” in Italy, officially recognized national holidays that do not give workers time off.
These dates also include Italian Unification Day, on March 17, and the days of the national patron saints, Saint Francis and Saint Catherine, celebrated on October 4.
Italy still celebrates dozens of dates of recognition and remembrance, such as International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27 and Europe Day on May 9.
These official dates without holidays are part of the national memory calendar, but without interrupting the Italians' working hours.
For those looking forward to the next break, it comes on December 8, the date the Catholic Church celebrates the Immaculate Conception. Next comes the holidays of Christmas, St. Stephen's Day on December 26, and New Year's.
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