I Volti della Repubblica: Building a Digital Memory of Italy

As Italy approaches the 80th anniversary of its Republic, the Quirinale has launched a unique national initiative titled “I Volti della Repubblica” (The Faces of the Republic). This project seeks to move beyond traditional history books, inviting citizens to define the meaning of the Republic through their own personal experiences, and voices.

What is “I Volti della Repubblica”?

The initiative is a digital archive project designed to capture the collective identity of Italy. Running from May 18, 2026, through June 2, 2027, the project encourages individuals from all walks of life—students, workers, the young, and the elderly—to contribute to a living memory of the nation. By recording a 30-second vertical video, participants are asked to complete the phrase: “Per me la Repubblica è…” (For me, the Republic is…).

This simple yet profound prompt is intended to spark reflection on core values such as democracy, freedom, rights, and national identity. In an era marked by shifting cultural landscapes and international tensions, the project aims to strengthen the bond between the Italian citizenry and its institutions.

Key Participation Details

• Eligibility: The project is open to all Italian citizens and residents of legal age. Minors may participate with parental or legal guardian consent.
• Format: Submissions must be vertical videos with a maximum duration of 30 seconds.
• Platform: Participants can upload their contributions via the official project platform.
• Cost: Participation is completely free of charge.

A Collective Portrait of Italy

The Presidency of the Republic plans to curate these submissions, potentially featuring them across official institutional channels, including Instagram, YouTube, and X. The project is guided by the philosophy expressed by President Sergio Mattarella: “La Repubblica siamo noi. Ciascuno di noi” (The Republic is us. Each one of us).

While the project is open to the public, the organizers have established clear guidelines for submissions. Content must not contain commercial or political messaging, nor should it include offensive or discriminatory language. The goal is to create an authentic, choral portrait of contemporary Italy rather than a standard social media campaign.

Key Takeaways

• Digital Archive: The initiative serves as a multi-year effort to document the perspectives of Italians on their democratic foundation.
• Inclusivity: By welcoming voices from small villages to major cities, the project aims to represent the full demographic spectrum of the country.
• Institutional Engagement: This is a formal initiative from the Quirinale, bridging the gap between historical commemoration and modern digital expression.

“I Volti della Repubblica” represents more than just a digital project; it is an invitation for citizens to pause and leave a personal mark on the history of the Italian Republic. By contributing, participants help ensure that the story of the nation’s 80th anniversary is told by those who live it every day.