Giant Italian flag adorns Colosseum for Republic Day anniversary

Rome's iconic Colosseum served as a dramatic backdrop for the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic, draped in a massive Italian flag.

On June 2, 2026, eighty highly trained firefighters executed a complex operation to unfurl the enormous tricolor flag, measuring nearly 2,000 square meters and weighing approximately 450 kilograms, across the ancient monument's facade.

This impressive display was a central feature of the Festa della Repubblica celebrations. The firefighters, experienced in difficult rescue operations in various environments, utilized advanced techniques and over 14 kilometers of ropes to secure the flag without causing any damage to the Colosseum's marble.

The operation required meticulous planning and constant monitoring of weather conditions, particularly wind, to ensure the safety of both the participants and the historic site. The resulting spectacle offered a breathtaking view and became one of Rome's most striking images in recent years, complementing the military parade held before the monument.