Inauguration Ceremony in San Marino
On 1 April, San Marino marks the start of a new term for its two Captains Regent, the country’s joint heads of state. The investiture ceremony follows a formal route through the historic center and includes a religious service and an oath at the Public Palace.[1][2][3]
A national day tied to the change of office
San Marino’s Captains Regent take office on 1 April and 1 October, each serving a six-month term. The Great and General Council elects them, and each must take an oath before exercising the office.[1][2]
The ceremony is listed among San Marino’s national celebrations. The country’s official tourism site says the handover between outgoing and incoming Captains Regent takes place on these dates, following a tradition set out in the ancient Statutes.[1]
The investiture ceremony
The ceremony is held in San Marino City’s historic center. Military corps assemble in Piazza della Libertà, where the ceremony begins with a flag-raising. A procession then accompanies the elected Captains Regent and other officials between ceremonial locations.[3]
The protocol includes a religious rite at the Basilica of Saint Marinus. The procession returns to the Public Palace for the official address, the incoming Captains Regent’s oath and investiture, and the national anthem performed by the Military Band.[3]
What the ceremony means
The Captains Regent jointly exercise the functions of head of state under the principle of collegiality. The official institutional site describes them as representatives of the state and guardians of San Marino’s constitutional system.[2]
For residents, the investiture marks a regular transfer of the country’s highest office. San Marino’s tourism authority says the ceremony draws participation from the population and welcomes visitors to watch from the streets and small squares of the historic center.[1][3]
Practical effects for visitors
The Central Bank of San Marino lists 1 April as a holiday when the national payment system is closed. This is useful to know when planning bank payments; the cited information does not establish the opening hours of every bank branch, shop or public office.[4]
Visitors can view the public ceremony in the historic center, including Piazza della Libertà and the procession route. The published programme notes that arrangements may change, so check official event information before travelling. Check public-transport arrangements and shop opening hours before you travel.[3]
Frequently asked questions
When is the Inauguration Ceremony?
What happens during the investiture?
The ceremony includes a procession, a religious rite at the Basilica of Saint Marinus, and an oath and investiture at the Public Palace.[3]
Where can visitors watch?
The public ceremony takes place in San Marino City’s historic center. The tourism authority identifies the streets and small squares there as places to watch, with events around Piazza della Libertà, the Basilica and the Public Palace.[3]
Are banks, shops and transport open?
The national payment system is closed for the holiday. Check opening hours with bank branches or shops before you go, and check public-transport arrangements before travelling.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Inauguration Ceremony in San Marino:
- Festività Sammarinesi- Visit San Marino, Republic of San Marino
- LEGGE QUALIFICATA 16 dicembre 2005 n.186 — LEGGE QUALIFICATA SUI CAPITANI REGGENTI- Consiglio Grande e Generale della Repubblica di San Marino
- 1° Aprile - Investitura degli Ecc.mi Capitani Reggenti- Visit San Marino, Republic of San Marino
- Calendario festività- Banca Centrale della Repubblica di San Marino