It’s the day of the grand celebration on the Titan. Today, Thursday 3 September, San Marino celebrates the Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic with a programme that will fill the historic centre from morning until late evening with religious ceremonies, traditions, historical re-enactments, music and shows. The day will close with a concert by Marina Rei and the traditional fireworks display.
Things begin at 10am in the Basilica del Santo with the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, in the presence of the Captains Regent and with the participation of the Corale San Marino choir. This will be followed by a procession carrying the Relic of the Saint through the streets of the historic centre. At 10.30am, the Reading of the Crossbowmen’s Proclamation (Bando dei Balestrieri) will take place.
The programme will move into full swing in the afternoon. At 2.30pm, the Historical Parade (Corteo Storico) will set off from Porta San Francesco, featuring noblewomen, crossbowmen, flag-wavers, musicians and costumed performers. After the Crossbowmen’s prayer in the Basilica, at 3.30pm one of the most eagerly awaited events will take place at the Cava dei Balestrieri: the Palio delle Balestre Grandi, a crossbow shooting contest accompanied by flag-throwing displays.
Celebrations will continue at 5pm with Holy Mass in the Basilica and at 5.15pm with another parade of the Historical Procession. Half an hour later, at 5.30pm in Piazza della Libertà, the Republic’s Military Band, conducted by Lieutenant Maestro Stefano Gatta, will hold a concert featuring San Marino singer Valentina Monetta.
At 7pm, the Grande Tombola returns to Piazzale Lo Stradone. Prizes include 15,000 euros for the first full house (tombola), 7,500 euros for the second, and 2,500 euros for a five-in-a-row (cinquina). Cards, priced at 5 euros each, will be available in the historic centre and at the Teatro Titano until 6pm.
The grand musical finale begins at 9.30pm at Campo Bruno Reffi with Marina Rei. The singer-songwriter will revisit thirty years of her career alongside Sebastiano Forte on guitar and Dario Giacovelli on bass, also performing tracks from her latest album, Niente amore. Admission is by free donation, with proceeds going to the San Marino Multiple Sclerosis Association (Associazione Sammarinese Sclerosi Multipla).
The final event of the day is at 11.30pm, when the sky above San Marino will light up with the traditional fireworks display, bringing the Founding Anniversary celebrations to a close.
