The Investiture of the New Captains Regent in San Marino is a public holiday in the country that takes place twice a year, on April 1 and October 1. The captain’s regents are the Republic of San Marino’s two heads of state. The Grand and General Council, the country’s legislative body, elects them every six months. The Regents are picked from opposing political parties and serve for six months. Every year on April 1 and October 1, the captain’s regents are invested. This custom dates back to at least 1243.
History of Investiture Ceremony of the Captains Regent
Hearing the words ‘investiture’ and ‘regent’ may spark some thoughts of nobility, especially concerning European cultures and traditions. However, if you look past the terms, you will discover a sacred ceremony that plays out twice a year in the Republic of San Marino. The first in April and the second in October, both on the first of their respective months.
Let’s go back in time. The Captain’s Regent, also known as ‘Capitani reggenti’ in Italian, refers to the two heads of state in San Marino and was established in the first half of the 13th century. These officials are elected every six months by the Grand and General Council, which is the country’s legislative body. Since inception, they were tasked with managing justice, similar to that of magistrates. It all goes back to December of 1243 when the Grand and General Council elected the first two ‘consuls,’ a term derived from ancient Rome.
Many centuries later, women were finally allowed to participate and be in the running for this incredible honor. In fact, as of April 2020, San Marino now has the most female heads of state in the world after electing its 18th female Captain Regent. Today, as an event that is solidified in the culture and history of this country, the rules around eligibility are clear. They are as follows; you need to hold San Marino citizenship from birth, be 25 or older, Be a Grand and General Council member, and not have been Captain Regent in the past three years. With such a rich history and iconic tradition, San Marino has managed to conserve a particularly unique celebration in the form of an event that takes place in the streets of the Historical Center.
Investiture Ceremony of the Captains Regent timeline
The name of the regency institution begins to evolve at the end of the century.
The first two known consuls are elected by the Grand and General Council in San Marino to serve a six-month term.
The names of the ‘captain’ and ‘defender,’ the two elected individuals, are changed to ‘captain’ and ‘rector.’
A law is passed stating that the Captain’s Regent cannot be prosecuted in any way during their mandate.
A law is introduced to remove all barriers that barred women from holding public office.
Two women, Vanessa D'Ambrosio and Mimma Zavoli, are elected as Captain’s Regent and make history while doing so.
Investiture Ceremony of the Captains Regent FAQs
What is the capital of San Marino?
San Marino is the capital of San Marino and is located in Monte Titano. Dogana is the largest city. Italy, which surrounds the country on four sides, is the country’s only neighbor.
What is the main religion in San Marino?
San Marino is a predominantly Catholic state: more than 97% of the population is Catholic, but Catholicism is not a recognized religion. Approximately half of those who claim to be Catholic practice their faith.
What two countries are within Italy?
Most people know that Italy contains the Vatican City, which is considered a country in its own right. But not everyone knows that San Marino is also a smaller country located in Italy.
Is San Marino a democratic republic?
San Marino is a multiparty democratic republic.
Why isn't San Marino part of the E.U.?
This is because the E.U. was not created with microstates in mind.
Investiture Ceremony of the Captains Regent Activities
Attend the investiture ceremony
If you can afford to travel and make the journey to San Marino, the best way to celebrate the Investiture Ceremony of the Captain’s Regent would be to go and observe the event as it plays out. You’ll be near the action as it takes place in the streets in their historic quarter, you’ll meet lots of locals, and be part of history. Learn some local dialect and immerse yourself in the celebrations.
Add San Marino to your bucket list
If historical events are not your thing, why not look into San Marino’s other attractions? It’s a unique republic with many things to offer avid backpackers and those seeking to explore the roads less traveled. So, next time you want to go to Italy, or if you are putting together your budget list of destinations, make sure you add San Marino; you won’t regret what this charming place offers.
Organize a parade of your own
Celebrating something in the form of a parade has been done for centuries. It will continue to happen as it is the most physical way in which you can honor something, especially when it is as official as an investiture ceremony. Think about some of your own cultural traditions and make a parade out of them; that way, you honor something meaningful to you. By holding a parade, you pay homage to the investiture ceremony in San Marino.
5 Interesting Facts About San Marino
Abraham Lincoln holds honorary citizenship
He was granted citizenship after writing a letter to the Captains Regent in 1861, praising San Marino and writing about how honored their state has been throughout history.
Their regular postal service is ancient
The paid postal service was established in 1607, while the Republic's first postage stamps were issued in 1877.
Has the oldest surviving constitution
The constitution was written in Latin in 1600 and consisted of six books known as “The Statutes of 1600.”
It’s a peaceful tourist destination
It was named the “Least Visited Country in Europe” in 2017 after only 60,000 international tourists visited the country.
Known as one of the smallest countries
It’s the fifth-smallest country in the world, with a land area of 23.6 square miles, trailing only the island nations of Tuvalu and Nauru and the city-states of Monaco and the Vatican.
Why We Love Investiture Ceremony of the Captains Regent
It conserves tradition and historical celebration
The investiture ceremony has been around for hundreds of years and has undergone minimal changes through these centuries. The fact that it has remained the same for the most part shows that it’s a system that works and is well-respected by the country's people. There is something to be said about historical acts and traditions that span centuries, usually because the people so love them.
Female leadership is honored
While women are still new to the regency, females have been appointed to it for a few years, and in some cases, there have been multiple women at the helm. When a country, its state, and its people can see the value of female leadership and respect women's decisions, it can serve them very well. For too long, women have been viewed as too emotional to rule, but it has been proven otherwise by so many women in so many countries worldwide.
The community is involved
It’s not often that a whole community is involved in ceremonies that swear in leaders of any kind, whether political or not, so this unique event is extraordinary. All of the townspeople are welcome at the celebrations that take place in the streets, where the community can observe the new Captain's Regent and the ceremony in which it becomes official. This is such an ode to the country's history, and with so many of the locals being there and participating in some way, shape or form, it makes it that much more special.
Investiture Ceremony of the Captains Regent dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 1 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 1 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 1 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 1 | Sunday |
| 2029 | October 1 | Monday |
