October 1st - Investiture Ceremony of Their Excellencies the Captains Regent

The Investiture Ceremony of the Most Excellent Captains Regent takes place on April 1st and October 1st of each year.

The two Captains Regent , elected every six months by the Great and General Council from among its members, represent the State of San Marino and are at the head of the legislative and executive power. They always act jointly and have the right of veto over each other. This is to ensure that power is never in the hands of a single individual. This is an institution that originated in the municipal period and has survived intact to the present day, its uniqueness being one of the determining factors for San Marino 's inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008.

The first document in which the existence of two Captains Regent , at that time called “Consules”, appears is dated 12 December 1243 or 1244 (the conditions of the document do not allow to establish the exact year). The “Consuls” at that time were Filippo da Sterpeto and Oddone di Scarito. It is assumed, however, that the origins of the institution could be even older.

To be appointed Captains Regent, one must be an original citizen of San Marino and be 25 years old. The age requirement has been established since the Statutes of the 17th century. Furthermore, it is not possible to be re-elected until three years after the expiration of the mandate. At the end of the mandate, the Regents are subjected to the Syndicate, which has the task of judging them both for the fact and for the non-fact on the basis of appeals presented by any citizen.

The Regency is the highest expression of the State and democracy. In fact, at the end of the semester, with great simplicity, one returns to being an ordinary citizen, without any privileges.

The Investiture Day has a special place in the hearts of all Sammarinese and also exerts a strong attraction on visitors who can “touch with their hands” a fundamental moment in the history and institutions of the Republic .

It is possible to witness the event in the districts and squares of the Historic Center of the City of San Marino . From the early hours of the morning, the Military Corps line up in front of Palazzo Pubblico , for the Flag Raising. Then follow the processions and rites foreseen in detail by the Statutes of 1600. The Captains Regent , the Government Authorities, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, the Military, Civil and Religious Authorities and the Guests of the Republic parade in the procession, escorted by the Council Guard and preceded by the Military Band and the Militia. A ceremony that harmoniously blends important secular and religious aspects. In addition to the institutional moments of Palazzo Valloni and Palazzo Pubblico , the protocol provides for the religious rite at the Basilica del Santo .

Plan

9.30 am
Deployment of the Military Corps and Flag Raising in Freedom Square

9.45 am
The Military Corps line up in front of Palazzo Valloni in Contrada Omerelli

10.40 am
Procession of the elected Captains Regent from Palazzo Valloni to Palazzo Pubblico . The elected Captains Regent enter the Hall of the Council of the XII and pay homage to the Captains Regent in office.

10.55 am
Procession of Their Excellencies the Captains Regent, the elected Captains Regent and the entourage from the Palazzo Pubblico to the Basilica del Santo , where the religious rite is celebrated. At the entrance to the Basilica the Chaplain and the Massari del Santo are waiting

11.55am
Return of the Procession to the Palazzo Pubblico , where the Official Oration is delivered and the elected Captains Regent take the oath and receive the investiture. The Military Band plays the National Anthem. The outgoing Captains Regent pay homage to the Captains Regent in office.

12.45pm
Procession of their Excellencies the Captains Regent and their entourage from Palazzo Pubblico to Palazzo Valloni.

1.00 pm
Liberty Square. Military Corps Deployment and Lowering of the Flag.