President Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent his sincere congratulations to President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella on the occasion of Italy's national holiday, Republic Day, celebrated today.

Taking this opportunity, the head of Turkmenistan expressed wishes of good health and happiness to President Sergio Mattarella, and peace, well-being and prosperity to all the people of the Italian Republic, the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reports today.

After the end of World War II and the fall of fascism in Italy, on June 2, 1946, a constitutional referendum was held, in which citizens were asked to choose their preferred state system: a monarchy or a republic. Almost 55% of those who voted were in favor of the republic, so June 2 is considered to be the birthday of the Republic in Italy.

Republic Day was first celebrated in 1948, when a military parade was held on Via dei Fori Imperiali in Rome. The following year, after Italy joined NATO, 10 parades were held simultaneously in different parts of the country. In 1950, the parade was included in the protocol of the official celebration for the first time.

This means that the president of the country as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, the prime minister and other statesmen take part in the parade. The ceremony includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Vittoriano. The celebration continues with the opening of the gardens at the Quirinal Palace and musical performances.

The Republic Day holiday is a public holiday in accordance with the law signed on November 20, 2000 by the President of Italy.