Calabria Prima Italia 1982 calls for national day dedicated to the name Italia

The informal cultural association ‘Calabria Prima Italia 1982’ has issued an appeal to Italian authorities, including the Presidency of the Republic and Parliament, regarding the lack of a national day dedicated specifically to the name ‘Italia’. The group notes that while there are 51 different national days dedicated to various cultural and social themes, the name of the nation itself remains legally uncelebrated.

The association points out that while Law no. 222 of November 23, 2012, established the ‘Day of National Unity, the Constitution, the Anthem, and the Flag’ on March 17, there is no specific day for the name ‘Italia’. They argue that the name is foundational to the identity of the people and the state, tracing its roots back millennia.

The appeal also references observations by President Sergio Mattarella, who suggested to the Presidents of the two Chambers that the proliferation of mandatory national days for various cultural themes may be excessive and could distract public institutions and schools from essential state duties.