Anniversary of the Arengo in San Marino
San Marino observes the Anniversary of the Arengo on March 25, recalling the 1906 assembly that ended the Council’s self-renewing system and restored elections by popular vote.[1][2] The date is also associated with the Feast of the Military Corps, with official descriptions documenting military ceremonies in the historic centre.[3][4]
A national holiday on March 25
San Marino’s Law No. 152 of October 30, 2013 lists March 25, Arengo, among the country’s civil and national holidays.[1] The date is fixed, rather than tied to a weekday.
The Central Bank of San Marino lists the anniversary among the days when the national payments system is closed.[5]
What the Arengo changed
Historically, the Arengo was an assembly of household heads. San Marino’s parliament explains that it once held significant political powers, but that later statutes left the Council of the Sixty choosing its own members, a practice known as co-option.[2]
On March 25, 1906, the household heads reconvened in an assembly that served as a referendum. They chose regular elections for the Grand and General Council, ending co-option and giving citizens a direct role in choosing councillors.[2] The anniversary marks this change in San Marino’s political system; it does not commemorate the country’s founding.
Military ceremonies in the historic centre
The official tourism authority identifies March 25 both as the Anniversary of the Arengo and as the Feast of the Military Corps.[3] A published official description of the observance documents a military review, a wreath-laying in honour of San Marino’s volunteers and war dead, and a parade through the historic centre to the Basilica of Saint Marinus.[4]
That description also records a Mass for deceased military comrades, speeches before the Captains Regent, and an oath by new recruits. It describes an official programme, not a guarantee that every element takes place unchanged each year; the programme itself is subject to change.[4]
What visitors should expect
The documented ceremonies use sites in San Marino’s historic centre, including the Ara dei Volontari, the Basilica and Piazza della Libertà.[4] Visitors interested in attending should check the official event information for that year, since the published programme may change.
The Central Bank’s calendar confirms that the national payments system is closed for the holiday.[5] Visitors should check opening hours and transport details directly with the service or business they plan to use.
Frequently asked questions
What does the holiday commemorate?
It recalls the 1906 Arengo, when household heads chose regular elections for the Grand and General Council instead of continued co-option.[2]
Is it a public holiday?
Yes. San Marino’s law lists March 25, Arengo, among its civil and national holidays.[1]
Are banks and shops open?
The Central Bank lists the date as a closure day for the national payments system.[5] Bank branches and shops set their own hours, so check with them before visiting.
Are there public ceremonies?
An official description documents military ceremonies and a parade in the historic centre, but says the programme may change.[4] Check official event information for the year you plan to visit.
Sources and references
Sources used for Anniversary of the Arengo in San Marino:
- Progetto di legge “Modifica dell’art. 2 della Legge 18 dicembre 1990 n. 152 – Calendario delle festività”- Consiglio Grande e Generale della Repubblica di San Marino
- Storia- Consiglio Grande e Generale della Repubblica di San Marino
- Festività Sammarinesi- Visit San Marino, Republic of San Marino
- Arengo Anniversary and Militia Day- Visit San Marino, Republic of San Marino
- Calendario festività- Banca Centrale della Repubblica di San Marino