Italy Liberation Day: People celebrate anniversary of end of civil war

28 April 2017 1:52 PM IST

Italy Liberation Day is held on April 25th each year and has been a public holiday in Italy since 1946.

Italy's partisan resistance movement had been going since the start of the war. It was made up of many different groups.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella, right, flanked by Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti reviews the Carabinieri honor guard during a ceremony to mark Italy's Liberation day. The Liberation was a key turning point in Italy's history as it led to a referendum on June 2nd 1945.
World War II veterans attend a ceremony to mark Italy's Liberation day. The Americans arrived in the city on May 1st and German forces eventually officially surrendered on May 2nd.
Cuirassier presidential guards descend the steps of the monument to the unknown soldier during a ceremony to mark Italy's Liberation day, All fascist leaders were sentenced to death, and Benito Mussolini was shot three days later
People unfold a giant rainbow flag reading peace as they march during a demonstration to mark Italy's Liberation day, in Milan. On the morning of the 25th, a general strike was announced by partisan Sandro Pertini, who went on to become President of the Republic.
People gather in front of Milan's gothic cathedral during a demonstration to mark Italy's Liberation day, in Milan. April 25th was such a significant date because it was the date Milan and Turin were liberated.

Italy\'s partisan resistance movement had been going since the start of the war. It was made up of many different groups.

Italy Liberation Day is held on April 25th each year and has been a public holiday in Italy since 1946.