1. Bastille Day & Festa della Repubblica
France vs. Italy
Bastille Day & Festa della Repubblica

2. Comparisons Bastille Day Festa della Repubblica Origins Traditions
Marks beginning of French Revolution
Third Estate larger than Second and First Estate.
Decapitation of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette
Monarchy of Italy becomes republic and exiles House of Savoy by votes.
Right after WWII and fall of Fascism
Official in June 2, 1946
Traditions
Military Parade
Meals are spent with families
Fireworks are popular, like 4th of July
Laying of laurel wreath in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Concerts performed by bands of different branches of the Italian army
Symbols
French flag
Phrygian cap
Guillotine
Italian flag
Laurel wreath
Emblem of Italy

3. Significance of Independence
When we think of independence, we think of the United States, but we forget other countries as well. In this case, Bastille Day is the national holiday of France, which represents the beginning of the French Revolution. Whereas, the Festa della Repubblica is the exile of the monarchy and the beginning of the republic of Italy, all done in voting instead of years of bloodshed.

4. Similarities
When it comes to celebrating, the French and Italians can agree in one thing, a military parade and the remembrance of days that changed their countries forever. They also demonstrate love and proudness at holding their national banners. But we can’t never forget that they were most likely getting rid of oppressive monarchies and only wanted the best for each citizen in their countries.

5. Differences
There are many differences between France and Italy, especially in what they believe. In this case, France fought for its rights for each individual, years of fear and terror, each street reeking with blood. For Italy, the citizens voted for the government to change seeing that they didn’t do much during WWII and after the fall of Fascism. I guess another key difference would be their symbols, as the French tend to have a more deathly significance, such as the guillotine, but the Italians are respectful when they put a wreath.