Army Day: from May 1st to 4th Bari at the center of celebrations

From May 1st to 4th, 2025, the city of Bari will host the official celebrations for the 164th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Army, an event that combines tradition, national pride, and popular participation. The date of May 4th marks a fundamental moment in our history: in 1861, the Minister of War Manfredo Fanti decreed the end of the Sardinian Army and the birth of the Royal Army, officially establishing what is today the Italian Army.

"In view of the law dated March 17, 1861, by which H.M. assumed the title of King of Italy, the undersigned informs all Authorities, Corps, and Military Offices that from now on the Royal Army shall take the name of Italian Army, with the old denomination of Sardinian Army being abolished"
– Signed Manfredo Fanti, Minister of War

The Army Village and the celebration in the square

To duly celebrate this important milestone, Bari will host the “Army Village”, transforming the heart of the city into an open-air exhibition of the main assets of the Armed Forces.

Indeed, here is a more generic version of the paragraph:

Citizens will be able to get closer to the military world through exhibitions, demonstrations, and interactive activities designed for all ages. There will also be information stands and spaces dedicated to the history of the Army.

Throughout the event, Radio Esercito, the official web radio of the Armed Forces, will be present, ready to welcome guests, broadcast the event live, and engage the public with games, music, and interviews.

Parking and traffic restrictions: attention to road conditions

To allow the smooth running of the celebrations, the Local Police of Bari has arranged a long series of parking and traffic restrictions, affecting numerous areas of the city center, particularly those adjacent to the seafront and the main squares involved.

Starting from April 25th to May 5th, 2025, a no-stopping ban will be in effect on via N. Sauro, via Arcivescovo Vaccaro, via Matteotti, via Gorizia, and many other streets. In some cases, the bans will be active 24/7, until the dismantling operations are completed.

In particular:

• On April 28th, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, traffic bans will be enforced on much of the seafront and surrounding streets.
• On April 29th, in the morning hours between 12:01 AM and 9:00 AM, no-stopping and traffic bans are expected on molo San Nicola, lung.re A. Di Crollalanza, and corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
• On April 30th, further closures from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on all streets adjacent to the coastal area.
• On May 1st, a holiday, the bans will affect via Fiume and corso Cavour (Oriente parking area).
• On May 2nd, from 12:01 AM to 4:00 PM, piazza Diaz, via Matteotti, and via Caduti del 28 luglio 1943 will be affected.
• On May 5th, the concluding day, there will be a phase of targeted bans from 12:01 AM to 9:00 AM, involving molo San Nicola, lung.re Di Crollalanza, and piazzale IV Novembre.

Finally, for logistical and operational reasons, from April 29th to May 5th, the transit of military vehicles over 3.5 tons will be allowed within a specifically designated perimeter.

For more information, we invite our readers to visit the link of the Municipality of Bari.

A celebration that unites tradition, technology, and participation

The celebration of the 164th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Army is not just a historical reenactment. It is also an opportunity for today's citizens to get closer to the military world, often perceived as distant, discovering its values, skills, commitment, and modernity.

The Italian Army, indeed, today more than ever, is a living reality, made up of professionals in uniform who operate daily both on national territory and in international missions, with a strong technological, training, and humanitarian component.

In this sense, the initiative of the Army Village in Bari represents a bridge between past and future, between the glorious history of an Institution born in the heart of the Risorgimento and contemporary challenges, including peacekeeping and international cooperation.

Bari is therefore preparing to proudly and participatively welcome the Army Day 2025, transforming the heart of the city into a meeting point between citizens and military personnel. An opportunity to reflect on our roots, honor the service of Italian soldiers, and renew a bond that, for 164 years, has been a cornerstone of national identity.

Happy Army Day to everyone!