When is the Anniversary of the Fall of Fascism and Freedom Day?
Anniversary of the Fall of Fascism and Freedom Day is a public holiday observed in San Marino on July 28th each year.
This day commemorates the end of the 20-year rule of the fascist party in San Marino on this day in 1943.
History of Anniversary of the Fall of Fascism and Freedom Day
Although San Marino was neutral during the first world war, the end of the war marked the start of a period of economic hardship for this tiniest of republics.
The high employment and inflation led to the Sammarinese Fascist Party (PFS) gaining control in 1923. Their grip on power was bolstered by the success of Benito Mussolini's fascist government in Italy.
San Marino once again remained neutral during the second world war. However, the neutrality did not protect the fortunes of the PFS. On July 25th 1943, having led Italy to several significant military defeats, Benito Mussolini was dismissed as the head of government in Italy and placed in custody.
The fate of Mussolini emboldened the people of San Marino to remove their fascist government and three days later on July 28th, the rule of the PFS collapsed.
To ensure nobody could be in any doubt about San Marino's post-fascist position, the new government moved quickly to reaffirm its neutrality. Though it should be noted that this declaration of neutrality did not stop the allies bombing San Marino and for the Germans to briefly occupy the country before the end of the war.
