The best time to visit San Marino is today. On September 3 each year, the people of this tiny European country celebrate the founding of the San Marino Republic hundreds of years ago. There are plenty of activities to experience and witness on this day, including crossbow events, flag-waving competitions, and a beautiful concert by the military.
Visitors to San Marino can buy a visa for EURO 5,00, but it only makes a good stamp in your passport, and there are no legal requirements. San Marino has the same concept as Seychelles with a message to tourists: “We are friends with all and enemies with none.” San Marino is a paradise for those collecting stamps.
The U.S. Secretary of State today issued the following greeting to the people of San Marino: On behalf of the American people and the government of the United States of America, please accept my best wishes to the people of San Marino as you celebrate the Feast of San Marino and the founding of your great republic. For centuries, San Marino has stood as an example of the spirit of independence. We recognize San Marino’s historic importance as the world’s oldest republic and respect your longstanding dedication to democracy and self-governance. The United States counts San Marino as an ally and steadfast friend, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.
The third of September is the feast day of St Marinus, the Saint who founded the Republic of San Marino.
After Solemn Mass celebrated in the St. Marinus Basilica, the saint’s relics are carried in procession through the streets of the city. In the afternoon, after the religious celebrations have ended, the festivities assume a more popular nature. At Cava dei Balestrieri a crossbow tournament is held, and in Piazzale Lo Stradone the Military Band offers a concert, followed by a very popular bingo event. The day closes with a breath-taking firework display.
After Solemn Mass celebrated in the St. Marinus Basilica, the saint’s relics are carried in procession through the streets of the city. In the afternoon, after the religious celebrations have ended, the festivities assume a more popular nature. At Cava dei Balestrieri a crossbow tournament is held, and in Piazzale Lo Stradone the Military Band offers a concert, followed by a very popular bingo event. The day closes with a breath-taking firework display.
Provisional program
Tuesday 3 September
10.30 Reading of the Proclamation of the Crossbowmen
In the streets of the old town
14.30 Departure of the Historic Parade
Porta San Francesco
15.00 Prayer of the Crossbowmen to the Patron Saint
Basilica del Santo
15.30 Big Crossbow Tournament and Flag-throwing Exhibition
Cava dei Balestrieri
17.15 Historic Pageant Parade
In the streets of the old town
17.30 Concert of the Military Band of the Republic of San Marino
Piazza della Libertà
19.00 Big Bingo Event
Piazzale lo Stradone
In the Republic of San Marino, the veneration of the Saint who, according to the legend, founded the Republic, is extremely deep-rooted and widespread. The legend tells how this master stone-cutter left his native island of Arbe in Dalmatia and came to Mount Titano to establish a small community of Christians anxious to escape the persecutions of emperor Diocletian. In 301 A.D., the first community from which the Republic of San Marino originated, formed.
The first evidence of the independence of San Marino
What is certain is that the area had been inhabited since prehistoric times, but the first document confirming the existence of an organized community on Mount Titano is the Placito Feretrano, a parchment dating back to 885 d.c. , preserved in the State Archives.
The Regular Militia participates in official ceremonies and collaborates with police on certain occasions; the members of the Military Band are part of the Regular Militia.
Firsts statutes and laws of San Marino
At a time when the authority of the Empire was waning and the temporal power of the Pope had not yet been established, the local population, like those of several other Italian city-states, decided to give themselves some form of government. Hence a free city was born. The small community on Mount Titano, in memory of the legendary figure of Marinus, the stone-cutter, called itself “Land of San Marino”, later “Free city of San Marino” and finally “Republic of San Marino”. The government was entrusted to an assembly of the heads of families called the “Arengo” presided over by a Rector.
As the community grew, a Captain Defender was appointed to share the responsibility of the executive with the Rector.
It was only in 1243 that the first two Consuls, the Captains Regent, were elected to office for a period of six months; a twice-yearly appointment made regularly since then right up to now, thereby confirming the efficiency of the institutions.
Always anxious to promote peaceful relations and goodwill, the Arengo drew up and promulgated the first laws, the Statutes, inspired by the principles of democracy. Even though in 1253 there are evidence about the existence of the firsts Statutes, in 1295 the first set of laws is available in the Republic of San Marino.
The autonomy of San Marino
Thanks to the wisdom which inspired the ancient free city of San Marino, the community was able to overcome perilous situations and consolidate its independence.
The events of history were complicated and their outcomes often uncertain, but the love of freedom enabled the free city to maintain its liberty.
The Republic of San Marino was twice occupied by military forces, but only for a few months at a time: in 1503 by Cesare Borgia, known as Valentino, and in 1739 by Cardinal Giulio Alberoni. Freedom from Borgia came after the tyrant died, while in the case of Cardinal Alberoni, civil disobedience was used to protest against this abuse of power and clandestine messages were sent to obtain justice from the Pope who recognized San Marino’s rights and restored independence.
Napoleon Bonaparte payed homage to San Marino
In 1797, Napoleon offered gifts and friendship to San Marino and also the extension of its territorial boundaries. The people of San Marino were very grateful and honoured by such generosity, but refused with instinctive wisdom to enlarge their territory, satisfied as they were with their “status quo”.
Garibaldi’s episode
In 1849, when Giuseppe Garibaldi was surrounded by three enemy armies after the fall of the Roman Republic, he found unexpected safety for himself and his surviving companions in San Marino.
American President Abraham Lincoln honorary citizen
In the year 1861, Abraham Lincoln showed his friendship and admiration for San Marino when he wrote among other things to the Captains Regent “Although your dominion is small, nevertheless your State is one of the most honored throughout history..”.
The neutrality of San Marino during the Second World War
San Marino boasts an exceptional tradition of hospitality. This free country has never refused asylum or help to those persecuted by misfortune or tyranny, whatever their condition or ideas. During the last World War, San Marino was neutral, and even though its population was made up of only 15.000 inhabitants, it gave shelter and asylum to 100.000 evacuees coming from the surrounding areas of Italy which were being bombed.
The Republic of San Marino has diplomatic and consular relationships with over seventy European and non-European countries.
It is a member state of numerous International Organizations, such as the United Nations Organization (UNO) and many of its Programmes, Funds and Agencies, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank (WB), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). It is also part of the Council of Europe and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL).
The Republic has also had relationships with the European Union since 1991; it participates in the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and that of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) with its own council delegation.
From May 1990 up to November of the same year and from November 2006 up to May 2007, San Marino has held the six-month presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
San Marino has a vibrant travel and tourism industry.
More information on how to visit San Marino visit http://www.visitsanmarino.com
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