Republic Day Festival in Montalto Marina (Tricolour Flight)

A national holiday that becomes a community celebration

Every year, between late May and June 2nd, the Municipality of Montalto di Castro, in the province of Viterbo (Lazio), transforms the Republic Day celebration into a popular four-day event. The stage for the festivities is the Lungomare Harmine in Montalto Marina, a seaside district that doubles its population in summer and effectively kicks off the beach season here.

The formula is simple and successful: it blends the institutional aspect, with flag-raising ceremonies and official speeches, with the convivial atmosphere of a village fair, featuring music, market stalls, and seaside strolls. It is one of the few occasions where June 2nd, in a town of just under nine thousand inhabitants, feels truly participatory rather than merely formal.

The Tricolour Flight

The heart of the event is the Tricolour Flight, which reaches its third edition in 2026. It involves the parachute descent of an exceptionally large Italian flag—approximately 1,600 square metres—which slowly drifts over the coastline before the eyes of the public gathered on the beach and the promenade. The jump is led by paratrooper Colonel Paolo Filippini, supported by the Montalto di Castro paratrooper unit.

The initiative began as a memorial dedicated to Amerigo Longarini, a beloved figure in the local community, and has grown over the years thanks to the efforts of his family, friends, the National Paratroopers Association of Italy, the National Bersaglieri Association, and local neighbourhood committees, with the support of the municipal administration.

Music, crafts, and regional products

In the days leading up to June 2nd, the Lungomare Harmine hosts a light yet continuous programme designed for families and holidaymakers. Highlights include:

• live concerts and musical entertainment on the beach;
• free afternoon DJ sets;
• performances by the local town band, a staple of Montalto's celebrations;
• a market exhibition of local crafts;
• street performances and entertainment for children;
• stands dedicated to typical local products, ranging from Maremma agriculture to Tyrrhenian seafood.

Two ceremonies, two centres

The day of June 2nd is divided into two hubs, in keeping with local tradition: the institutional ceremony in the district of Pescia Romana, at Piazza della Resistenza in the Borgo Vecchio, and the main event in Montalto Marina, featuring a flag-raising ceremony, speeches by authorities, and musical accompaniment. It is a way to involve the entire municipal territory, which stretches from the coast to the hinterland of the Alta Tuscia.

What to see nearby

Visitors arriving for the festival can take the opportunity to discover a corner of Lazio that is often overlooked. A few kilometres away lies the Vulci Archaeological Park, one of the great Etruscan cities, home to its necropolis and the famous Devil's Bridge. The historic centre of Montalto di Castro preserves the Guglielmi Castle and the medieval village, while the coast offers wide, sandy beaches that are still uncrowded in early June.

Who is it for?

This event is particularly suited to families and those seeking an authentic, unpretentious atmosphere: free entry, daytime hours, and open-air spaces. Those wishing to witness the Tricolour Flight should arrive at the promenade well in advance, as the jump lasts only a few minutes and is very popular.