Investiture Ceremony of Their Excellencies the Captains Regent

The Investiture Ceremony of Their Excellencies the Captains Regent takes place every year on April 1st and October 1st.

The two Captains Regent, elected every six months by the Great and General Council from among its members, represent the State of San Marino and hold the highest legislative and executive power. They always act jointly and have the right of veto over each other, ensuring that power is never concentrated in the hands of a single individual. This institution, originating in the communal period, has remained intact to this day and was a key factor in San Marino's inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008.

The first document mentioning the existence of two Captains Regent, then called “Consules,” dates back to December 12, 1243 or 1244 (the exact year cannot be determined due to the condition of the document). At the time, the Consuls were Filippo da Sterpeto and Oddone di Scarito, though it is believed that the origins of the institution could be even older.

To be appointed Captain Regent, one must be a native citizen of San Marino and at least 25 years old—a requirement that has been in place since the statutes of the 1600s. Additionally, re-election is only possible after three years following the end of a term. At the conclusion of their mandate, the Captains Regent undergo a judicial review (the "Syndicate") to evaluate their actions or omissions based on complaints that any citizen may file.

The Regency is the highest expression of the State and democracy. At the end of the six-month term, the Captains Regent return to being ordinary citizens, without any special privileges.

The day of the Investiture holds a special place in the hearts of all Sammarinese citizens and attracts visitors eager to witness this fundamental moment in the Republic's history and institutions.

The ceremony can be experienced in the streets and squares of San Marino City’s Historic Center. From the early morning, the Military Corps assemble in front of the Public Palace for the Flag Raising Ceremony. This is followed by processions and rituals outlined in detail in the statutes of the 1600s. The processions include the Captains Regent, escorted by the Guard of the Council and preceded by the Military Band and Militia, as well as Government Authorities, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Military, Civil, and Religious Authorities, and guests of the Republic. This ceremony harmoniously combines significant secular and religious elements. In addition to institutional moments at Palazzo Valloni and the Public Palace, the protocol includes a religious ceremony at the Basilica of the Saint.

Program

9:30 AM
Assembly of the Military Corps and Flag Raising Ceremony in Piazza della Libertà

9:45 AM
Military Corps assemble in front of Palazzo Valloni on Contrada Omerelli

10:40 AM
Procession of the elected Captains Regent from Palazzo Valloni to the Public Palace. The elected Captains Regent enter the Hall of the Council of Twelve to pay homage to the incumbent Captains Regent.

10:55 AM
Procession of Their Excellencies the Captains Regent, the elected Captains Regent, and their retinue from the Public Palace to the Basilica of the Saint, where the religious ceremony is held. At the entrance to the Basilica, they are greeted by the Chaplain and the Wardens of the Saint.

11:55 AM
Return of the procession to the Public Palace, where the Official Address is delivered, and the elected Captains Regent take their oath and receive the investiture. The Military Band performs the National Anthem. The outgoing Captains Regent pay homage to the newly installed Captains Regent.

12:45 PM
Procession of Their Excellencies the Captains Regent and their retinue from the Public Palace to Palazzo Valloni.

1:00 PM
Piazza della Libertà: Assembly of the Military Corps and Flag Lowering Ceremony.

Note: The program is subject to change.