Behind the Scenes of the June 2nd Parade: The General Rehearsals of the Armed Forces

The June 2nd parade is one of the most solemn moments in Italian republican life. But what the public sees in a few minutes along Via dei Fori Imperiali is the result of weeks—and in some cases months—of meticulous preparation. Every year, the general rehearsals represent a crucial test for hundreds of military personnel, vehicles, and units involved in one of the most complex ceremonies of the country's institutional apparatus.

The Logistic Heart: Centocelle Airport

The core of the preparation is located in Rome, at the military airport “Francesco Baracca” in Centocelle. Here, units from all over Italy are gathered, with men and women from the Armed Forces and State Corps who tirelessly practice formations, timings, positions, and commands.

The goal is twofold: to ensure that everything proceeds with maximum military precision and to convey to the public the cohesive and efficient image of the State. Joint rehearsals between the different components also take place in Centocelle: army, navy, air force, carabinieri, financial police, state police, military corps of the Red Cross, firefighters, and civilian representatives.

Night Rehearsals on the Imperial Forums

On the night between May 28th and 29th, the rehearsals take place along the actual parade route, Via dei Fori Imperiali. To avoid disturbing city traffic, the tests are conducted at night, with a spectacular deployment of men and vehicles under the supervision of the Defense General Staff.

The parade, in fact, is timed to the second: each unit has a precise travel time, a distance to maintain, a march to follow. Even the visual details—such as postures, flags, uniforms, and choreographies—are meticulously attended to, as the ceremony holds not only institutional but also symbolic and communicative value.

The Training of Foot Units and Vehicles

Great attention is given to the foot units, particularly to the academies, military schools, elite units, and mixed platoons that represent the specialties and operational capabilities of the Italian Defense. Movements must be synchronized, steps cadenced, flags well aligned.

At the same time, the motorized units—which include light vehicles, armored vehicles, firefighting and medical vehicles—undergo specific dynamic tests. Stops, restarts, tight turns, and alignments are simulated to avoid errors during the live event.

Finally, dedicated rehearsals are planned for the aerial displays of the National Aerobatic Team (Frecce Tricolori), which will fly over Rome tracing the tricolor in the sky as the authorities pass by.

A Great Collective Effort

The parade rehearsals are the tangible expression of the preparation, commitment, and dedication of thousands of men and women in the service of the State. They involve not only the Armed Forces but also the logistical organization, municipal authorities, civil protection, ceremonial technicians, and Rai personnel, responsible for the official recordings.

Every detail is tested, every sequence rehearsed and rehearsed again, to offer on June 2nd a spectacle that is above all a manifestation of respect towards the Republic, the Constitution, and the Italian people.