How to display the Tricolour: rules and common sense for honouring the Italian flag

Displaying the Italian flag is a gesture of respect and belonging, but doing it correctly is equally important. Whether it's a public body, an association, or a private citizen, the Tricolour has precise rules to follow, and it's not just a matter of formality: it's a way to honour a symbol that tells the story of our history and our values!

The Italian national flag, with its three vertical stripes of equal size: green (hoist side), white (centre), and red (fly side), was officially adopted with the birth of the Republic in 1946, but its origins date back to 1797. Therefore, displaying it is not just any act, but a sign of identity and pride.

🏛 The Tricolour on public buildings

Public buildings, such as schools, municipalities, prefectures, or barracks, are required by law to display the Italian flag. In many cases, the European Union flag is also displayed, which must always be placed to the right of the Tricolour (looking at the building from the front).

If there are multiple flags (regional, municipal, or association), the Italian one occupies the place of honour, meaning in the centre or in an elevated position if hoisted on a pole.

🔸 The flag must be intact, clean, and in good condition.

🔸 The Tricolour must never touch the ground, nor be used to cover objects or as decoration.

🔸 It should be hoisted at dawn and lowered at sunset (unless illuminated, in which case it can remain displayed at night).
🔸 In case of national mourning, it is flown at half-mast.

In short: dignity, order, and consistency are the watchwords when it comes to the Tricolour. Even the simplest gestures, when done with awareness, become an act of respect towards our Republic.

📘 State Ceremonial – The basic rules for the Tricolour

There is a State Ceremonial, D.P.R. no. 121 of 7 April 2000, from the "Regulation governing the use of flags of the Italian Republic and the European Union by State administrations and public bodies", which provides for rules for displaying the tricolour with quite detailed cases in the presence or absence of foreign guests belonging to the European Union or worldwide, both at state, regional, provincial, and municipal offices.

For further details, you can view the scheme directly on the government's website at this link >>

🏠 Displaying the Italian Flag as private citizens

Private citizens can also display the Tricolour, on their balcony, in their garden, or for private events or public demonstrations, but there are still guidelines to follow.

🎯 Here are some practical tips:

• Green must always be on the left for the observer. No flags hung upside down!

• You can attach it to a pole on the terrace or hang it vertically on a wall, but pay attention to the colour orientation.

• If you participate in a procession or event, the flag should always be carried vertically, with respect and never as an improvised banner.

• The flag should not be left displayed if it is damaged, faded, or torn. Respect also starts with these details.

💡 There are no obligations for private citizens, but common sense is always a good ally. The Tricolour is not just any decoration: treating it with care is a sign of civic education.

🇮🇹 When the flag flies as it should, a piece of our pride also flies!

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