Day of Freedom from Fascism and Memorial Day of the Evangelist Mark in Italy

Although the impact of fascist rule on Italian society varied according to the regime’s policies towards specific classes or groups, arguably, the most dramatic consequences revealed themselves to the Italian populace as a whole during the latter years of the dictatorship. While large numbers of Italians celebrated Mussolini’s consequent fall from power in July 1943, the nastier side of fascism manifested itself in the Italian Social Republic (1943-45), set up under the control of the Nazis, who had occupied Italy after their former ally surrendered to Anglo-American forces in September 1943.

The 25th of April is a national holiday throughout Italy, though not as Saint Mark's Day, but as anniversary of the liberation of Italy from the Nazi-Fascists in World War II (25 April 1945). Saint Mark's Day, or the Feast of Saint Mark, commemorates Mark the Evangelist and takes place on April 25.