The United States signed a Treaty of Extradition with San Marino in 1906, and established consular relations in 1925, but did not appoint its first diplomatic ambassador to that country until November 22, 2006. Nonetheless, it could be argued that the United States recognized San Marino as early as 1861, when President Abraham Lincoln warmly accepted its offer of honorary citizenship.
Recognition
U.S. Recognition of San Marino’s Independence, 1861.
The United States recognized San Marino when President Abraham Lincoln, in a letter dated May 7, 1861, accepted San Marino’s offer of honorary citizenship.
Consular Presence
Establishment of Consular Relations, 1925.
The United States established a consulate in San Marino on April 9, 1925. The Consul (or Consul General) in Florence has generally been the representative of the U.S. Government to San Marino.
Diplomatic Relations
Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 1861.
The Government of San Marino, in a March 29, 1861 letter from the Regent Captains, offered U.S. President Lincoln honorary citizenship. On May 7, 1861, Lincoln responded, “Although your dominion is small, your State is nevertheless one of the most honored, in all history.” Although the United States had consular relations with San Marino dating to 1925, it did not accredit an Ambassador to the republic until 2006. Ambassador Ronald Spogli, who was also the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, presented his credentials to San Marino on March 8, 2007, and was resident in Rome.
Treaties & Agreements
Treaty of Extradition, 1906.
On January 10, 1906, the United States and San Marino signed a Treaty of Extradition at Rome.
Treaty of Extradition, 1934.
On October 10, 1934, the United States and San Marino signed a Supplementary Convention to the 1906 Treaty of Extradition at Washington, D.C.
Key Diplomatic Events
May 1861 was one of the darkest moments in the history of the United States, as the nation faced a civil war that, in the minds of many around the world, raised doubts about the viability of democratic republics. On May 7, 1861, President Lincoln addressed a letter to the Regent Captains of the Republic of San Marino:
Great and Good Friends
I have received and read with great sensibility the letter which as Regent Captains of the Republic of San Marino you addressed to me on the 29th of March last. I thank the Council of San Marino for the honor of citizenship they have conferred upon me.
Although your dominion is small, your State is nevertheless one of the most honored, in all history. It has by its experience demonstrated the truth, so full of encouragement to the friends of Humanity, that Government founded on Republican principles is capable of being so administered as to be secure and enduring.
You have kindly adverted to the trial through which this Republic is now passing. It is one of deep import. It involves the question whether a Representative republic, extended and aggrandized so much as to be safe against foreign enemies can save itself from the dangers of domestic faction. I have faith in a good result.
Wishing that your interesting State may endure and flourish forever, and that you may live long and enjoy the confidence and secure the gratitude of your fellow citizens, I pray God to have you in his holy keeping. Your Good Friend.
Abraham Lincoln.
O antica Repubblica
Onore a te virtuosa
Onore a te.
O antica Repubblica
Onore a te virtuosa
Onore a te.
Generosa fidente,
Virtuosa,
O, Repubblica.
Onore e vivi eterna
Con la vita
E gloria d’Italia.
O Repubblica
Onore a te.
National Anthem of the Republic
O ancient Republic
honour to you, virtuous
honour to you.
O ancient Republic
honour to you, virtuous
honour to you.
Generous fidelity,
O virtuous one,
O Republic.
Honour and eternal life
with the life
and glory of Italy.
O Republic,
honour to you.
The San Marino holidays and festivals are not the most world-renowned, but they still do pack a punch, entertainment wise. One of the most popular events each year is Medieval Day. During this special event, students can dress up in costumes and re-live the beauty that once dominated medieval San Marino. Another popular event held in the city is the feast-filled San Marino’s Day, which celebrates the establishment of a republic many years ago. Watch out for the fireworks at the end of the evening.
Investiture of the New Captains Regent
Held in the months of April and September every year, the interesting Investiture of the new Captains Regent is held outside Government Palace. It celebrates the installation of the Heads of State, and follows a very strict but intriguing protocol. Tourists who are visiting San Marino on the first of September or April should visit Piazza della Liberta for this celebration.
San Marino World Motorcycle Championship
Even though the event is held in the nearby track at Misano in Italy, the San Marino World Motorcycle Championship is still part of the republic’s calendar. The race is held in the month of June, and thousands of visitors flock to the republic to witness it.
Adriatic Music Festival
The Adriatic Music Festival is held in the month of July, welcoming thousands of tourists and musicians from across the globe. Many of the performances throughout the several-day event take place in the public squares and pedestrian streets of San Marino City. Tourists are advised to book accommodation before arriving into San Marino for the event. Some tourists actually stay in the nearby towns of Italy, such as Rimini.
Medieval Days
If tourists are interested in medieval history, then traveling to San Marino during the summer month of July is recommended. During this month, the Medieval Days festival is held. The local citizens, especially shop owners in the historic old town, dress up in medieval costume, and many ancient events take place. The most popular is the crossbow competition held in the main square.
San Marino Ethnological Festival
San Marino’s Mt Titano becomes the center of world ethnological culture through the San Marino Ethnological Festival. Since the year 1988, a long list of people from diverse cultures have traveled to San Marino to take part in this festival, including Amazon Jungle performances and even local Thai performances. The event occurs across a complete week in mid-July.
San Marino Jazz Festival
The beauty of jazz music is on display for tourists and locals at the San Marino Jazz Festival. Held over three days in July, this majestic festival lures in many world-famous jazz artists and jazz bands. The festival is actually held in the city of Borgo Maggiore, but tourists can literally stay anywhere in the republic and reach the festival in no time at all.
San Marino’s Day
On September 3 each year, the republic celebrates 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. Of course, the fireworks display is simply outstanding, luring the attention of locals and visitors alike.
Marvels of Christmas
The Marvels of Christmas is one of the most important events on the local calendar. The market/fair is operated over the course of a few weeks, from December 1 to January 6. Inside the Marvels of Christmas, dozens of tables and stalls are set up to sell local food, and handicrafts.
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