Italy's aerobatic air force marks Republic Day

Italy marked Republic Day with multiple colourful displays over a central square in the city by the country's aerobatic air force. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the ceremony was attended by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

Rome: Green, red and white smoke – the colours of the Italian flag – trailed air force flypasts over Rome on Tuesday, as residents of the capital gathered to mark the country's 74th Republic Day.

The Frecce Tricolori (Tricolour Arrows) put on multiple colourful displays over a central square in the city.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella walked up the steps of Rome's Altar of the Fatherland, where he stood in silent contemplation.

The ceremony was also attended by Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte and president of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Roberto Fico.

Immediately after the ceremony, Mattarella left for a visit to Codogno, the town that recorded Italy's first coronavirus infection in February.

AP