We were just discussing this at dinner. Is there an Italian national holiday, similar to Bastille Day for the French, or August 1 for the Swiss, or 17th May for Norwegians?

Hello Nora, here is a website regarding holidays in Italy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holidays_in_Italy

Thank you, LoveItaly. It loks like the closest one is the June 2 Republic Day----but it has only been going since 1946. Our theory at dinner was that Italians have more local identity than national.

I think that is true Nora. Each village, small town, city, region etc., has their own celebrations. Actually I don't "think" that is true I know that is true.

Here is one interesting article from the International Herald Tribune..you will probably enjoy reading it. Just one example of how small towns in Italy keep their own idenity.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/02/....0219italy.php

April 25, Liberation Day. There were lots of crowds out and about that day last year.

There is no such day.

The world is divided into psychologically secure nations and insecure ones. Italy belongs in the first group: it doesn't have a national day, it doesn't make a fetish out of its flag, it doesn't abuse its educational system to stuff propaganda about its national story down its children's throats, and it doesn't forever bat on about its specialness.

"There is no such day." What day are you referring to flanneruk?