Every year on February 5th, San Marino observes Liberation Day as a public holiday. It is also known as the Feast of St. Agatha, the patron saint, and the Anniversary of the Republic's Liberation from Alberonian Occupation.
Pope Urban VIII formally recognized the Republic of San Marino's independence in 1631. Throughout its history, the nation has been occupied multiple times, but the occupations were brief. For example, in 1739, Cardinal Giulio Alberoni, the legate of Ravenna, chose to arm the insurgents and take control of the republic.
Albernoni imposed a new constitution and tried to force the citizens to
submit to the government of the Papal States. However, the Sammarinese
used civil disobedience to protest his orders. They also sent
clandestine letters to Pope Clement XII to obtain justice. Eventually,
the Pope confirmed the country's independence once again on February 5,
1740. Albernoni's actions displeased Clement XII, and he was replaced by
another legate.
Liberation Day in San Marino coincides with the feast of Saint Agatha,
the country's patron saint. Agatha was born on Sicily in 231 AD and
martyred due to persecution of Roman Emperor Trajan Decius circa 251 AD.
In ancient times, she was one of the most highly venerated virgin
martyrs.
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