In the presence of around 2,000 guests, the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, hosted a celebration last night in Washington for the 79th anniversary of the Italian Republic.
After introducing a video message from the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, addressed to Italian citizens, Ambassador Zappia emphasized to attendees the significance of the message from the President of the Italian Republic, especially during this “extraordinary phase in Italy-U.S. relations, which has been further advanced by the recent visit to Washington of the Prime Minister and is clearly outlined in the Joint Leaders’ Statement as a roadmap for the future.”
Marking what was her final Republic Day celebration as Chief of Mission in Washington, Mariangela Zappia expressed her thanks and bade farewell to her compatriots, reaffirming that the Italian Embassy and all Italian Consulates in the United States will continue to stand by them. She concluded by reflecting on Italy’s deep ties with the United States and remarking that “to conclude over 40 years of service to the State with the role of Ambassador of Italy to Washington has been the greatest honor of my life.”
Among the guests attending the celebration at the Embassy were U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Michael Faulkender, the President’s Special Envoy for Russia and Ukraine Keith Kellogg, Special Envoy for Africa Massad Boulos, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, and numerous U.S. Senators and Members of Congress. Also present was a delegation of Italian parliamentarians from the Italy-United States Bilateral Friendship Section of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, visiting the U.S. capital during these days.
In addition to the national anthems performed by artists from the Washington National Opera, the evening’s program featured a contemporary dance performance by the Washington Ballet. Choreographed by Italian artist Mimmo Miccolis, the performance was accompanied by original music composed and played live by JP Wogaman (piano) and Caterina Vanucci (violin). The ballet, MET.AMOR.PHOSY, was inspired by Antonio Canova’s neoclassical masterpiece Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss and aimed to celebrate the excellence and modern spirit of Italian art. A video presentation of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games was also showcased.
Alongside members of the Italian community, including representatives of the Comites (Committee of Italians Abroad), attendees included members of the diplomatic corps, and figures from business, culture, and the media, who had the opportunity to enjoy Italian food and wine specialties. Sponsors included major Made in Italy brands that highlighted their excellence in innovation and technology. Notably on display was the Dallara Indy500 race car, a fully Italian-made single-seater built in Indianapolis for the most prestigious race circuit in the United States. Also featured were the Italian tricolor displayed through three Lamborghini vehicles, Leonardo’s M-346 flight simulator (the world’s most advanced military training system for next-generation jet fighter pilots, which guests could try), three Ducati motorcycles, and a selection of Vespa scooters. Tourism to Italy was also promoted in collaboration with ENIT and ITA Airways.
The event’s success was made possible thanks to the contributions of many sponsors, such as: Campari; Ferrero; Fincantieri; IGT; ITA Airways; Leonardo; Acqua Panna & San Pellegrino; Almaviva; Amplifon; Avio; Amazon Italia; Automobili Lamborghini; Barilla; Beretta; Bracco; Enel; ENI; Ferrovie dello Stato; Hitachi Rail; Intesa Sanpaolo; Pirelli; Prysmian; AFIDOP; Assica; Bindi; Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma; Dallara; and Peroni.
