Leaders from 80 international delegations arrived in Rome this week to take part in the 2 June celebrations to mark the founding of the Italian Republic in 1946.
Festa della Rupubblica recognizes the day when Italians decided via popular referendum to become a republic instead of a monarchy.
Guests of honor yesterday included UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, US Vice President Joe Biden, and the presidents of Israel, Palestine, China and Russia.
Roads and airspace were closed to make room for a huge military parade near the Colosseum, along Via dei Fori Imperiali.
The day also featured a flyover by the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic air force team and a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The public holiday was marked by special pomp and circumstance this year, as Italy also celebrates its 150th anniversary of unification.
