Italy Celebrates 70th Anniversary of Liberation From Fascism

In April 1945, an armed uprising which started in Northern Italy, as well as the actions of the anti-Hitler coalition, led to liberation of the country of the Nazi occupation. On April 25, members of the Italian liberation movement freed Milan and Turin.

"Today our republic celebrates the feeling of freedom that has become a cornerstone of our history and our identity. After years of dictatorship, Italy has managed to redeem itself, joining forces that were battling against Nazi-fascism in Europe," President Sergio Mattarella said in Milan, as quoted by the local media.

This day was celebrated as a national holiday for the first time in 1946, and was declared an official holiday for the whole country three years later, in 1949.