For prospective visitors to Italy, knowing the major Italian national holidays can significantly enhance the Italian experience and help avoid unexpected inconveniences. Being able to avoid closures or all-too-common traffic jams, for example, will allow you to make the most of your trip.
We hate to hear when a traveler has their heart set on visiting a specific store or a particular museum, only to find it closed on arrival. It can be so devastating!
This is why, after over a decade of living in Italy, I have broken down the most important holidays in Italy and some tips on how they can make or break your vacation.
Below is an overview of the Italian national holidays, advice on traveling during these times, and insights into regional celebrations that might affect your plans. This is part of an Italian calendar I share with my Italy travel clients when planning their trips; now, it’s available to you, too!
Table of Contents
The Major Italian National Holidays
Starting from the top of the year, these are the ten Italian national holidays you will want to know about before planning your trip:
Capodanno (New Year’s Day) – January 1st
-
What It’s About: Italians celebrate New Year’s with festive meals, fireworks, and a sense of renewal.
-
Travel Tip: While festive celebrations abound, many shops, museums, and restaurants close on New Year’s Day. Public transport may run on limited schedules, making it less convenient for travel.
-
Verdict: Avoid travel on this major holiday and plan around it instead. December 31st (San Silvestro or Italian New Year’s Eve) can be lively, especially in cities like Rome and Naples. That said, the period between December 31 and January 6 can be tranquil. Many shops and landmarks are closed for that entire week. Our clients generally find travel less enjoyable in Italy this week since so much is closed.
L’Epifania (Epiphany) – January 6th
-
What It’s About: The epiphany marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men and the end of the Christmas season. Italian children look forward to gifts from La Befana, a witch-like figure who fills the stockings of good girls and boys.
-
Travel Tip: Expect closures similar to New Year’s Day, with some public celebrations and parades, particularly in central Italy.
-
Verdict: It’s a festive day, but you should not land in the middle of your holiday unless you want to experience it. It’s a good idea for most Italian travelers to arrive after this date.
Pasqua (Easter Sunday) & Pasquetta (Easter Monday) – Dates Vary (sometime in March or April)
-
What It’s About: Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Christ with church services, feasts (and lots of Italian Easter food), and family gatherings. Easter Monday (Pasquetta) is more relaxed, with picnics and excursions.
-
Travel Tip: Easter is a busy time in Italy for religious observance, especially in the Vatican City and Rome. Many Italians travel locally for Pasquetta, causing congestion. Restaurants and shops may be closed.
-
Verdict: It’s great for experiencing local traditions, but prepare for crowds and limited services.
Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day) – April 25th
-
What It’s About: This day commemorates Italy’s liberation in 1945 from Nazi occupation in World War II.
-
Travel Tip: Expect patriotic parades and events, particularly in Milan and Rome. Some closures may occur, though tourist hotspots usually remain open.
-
Verdict: It’s a good time to visit if you enjoy Italian and World War II history.
Festa dei Lavoratori (Labor Day) – May 1st
-
What It’s About: This is the Italian version of Labor Day. Most workers are given this day off from work. Bigger cities will have fewer closures than smaller towns, which will basically entirely shut down.
-
Travel Tip: Public transport runs on reduced schedules, and many attractions and businesses are closed. Occasionally, there are strikes or protests on this day as well.
-
Verdict: Avoid extensive travel on this day and enjoy local events if possible.
Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day) – June 2nd
-
What It’s About: This day is like the American Independence Day so it’s arguably the most important of the Italian national holidays. It marked the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946, which was when the Italian monarchy officially came to an end.
-
Travel Tip: The day’s highlight is the military parade in Rome, which draws significant crowds. Many government offices are closed, but tourist sites are often open, especially in larger cities.
-
Verdict: This holiday is perfect for military history enthusiasts, but Rome especially can be busy.
Ferragosto (Assumption of Mary) – August 15th
-
What It’s About: Dating back to Ancient Rome, Ferragosto is a day for relaxation and feasts. Today it’s also synonymous with beach trips, getting out, and enjoying the warm weather.
-
Travel Tip: Many Italians vacation this entire week (sometimes even the whole month), leaving cities quieter but beaches (like the Tuscan Italy beaches) and tourist resorts packed. Shops and restaurants in urban areas may close. You may also find that prices skyrocket.
-
Verdict: You can travel to cities for quieter experiences but avoid coastal areas unless you enjoy crowds. However, keep in mind that many small businesses in cities also close during the August period since this is the height of the Italian national holidays.
Ognissanti (All Saints’ Day) – November 1st
-
What It’s About: Italians honor their saints and deceased loved ones with cemetery visits and church services.
-
Travel Tip: Expect a somber atmosphere with some closures. It’s not a major tourist period, so crowds are minimal.
-
Verdict: It’s ideal for low-season travelers looking for a calm experience. Visiting cemeteries is standard, as are family dinners or lunches.
Festa della Immacolata Concezione (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) – December 8th
-
What It’s About: This Catholic holiday starts Christmas with religious observances and public festivities. The day itself marks the occasion of the Virgin Mary’s ascent to Heaven. Often, cities will have their tree lighting on this day, and Italians everywhere put up their Christmas trees.
-
Travel Tip: Christmas markets and festivities make this a charming time to visit, but some closures can occur.
-
Verdict: It’s a spectacular time to visit if you enjoy markets and holiday cheer.
Natale (Christmas Day) and Santo Stefano (St. Stephen’s Day) – December 25th and December 26th
-
What It’s About: Christmas is easily the most important of the Italian national holidays. There is a midnight mass, a Pope’s mass on TV, and the entire country is closed on Christmas Day. St. Stephen’s Day continues the celebrations usually marked with a traditional Italian Christmas food often at a family lunch.
-
Travel Tip: Almost all businesses and restaurants close on Christmas Day. The only places I’ve ever seen open are 24-hour pharmacies and an occasional ethnic restaurant. By December 26th, some attractions and restaurants may reopen, but most take the two-day break.
-
Verdict: A magical time if you enjoy festive atmospheres and don’t mind closures. Perfect if you’re going to be visiting family or close friends.
Additional Regional Celebrations and Events To Consider
Beyond the Italian national holidays, Italy’s fascinating and beautiful regional holidays can significantly impact travel plans. Here are a few to keep in mind as you book your trip.
Venice Carnival (February/March, Venice)
Venice is famous for its wonderful Carnival celebration. The costumes and masks are elaborate, and there are parades and events throughout the “Carnevale” period leading up to Lent.
Travel Tip: Venice can be crowded and expensive, but the experience is unforgettable. Watch out for pickpockets; otherwise, it’s worth visiting and buying a mask to join in the fun.
Mille Miglia (June, Across various towns including Brescia, Turin, Genoa, and Bologna and Rome)
Mille Miglia is a historic car race that features vintage vehicles traveling through picturesque Italian towns.
Travel Tip: Towns along the route become congested, and roads may be closed, but it’s a unique event for automotive enthusiasts. Check their route against your destination if driving through Northern and Central Italy in June.
Calcio Storico Fiorentino (June, Florence)
A mix of soccer, rugby, and wrestling, this centuries-old competition features teams representing Florence’s historic neighborhoods that compete against each other in Piazza Santa Croce.
Travel Tip: Hotels in Florence fill up quickly, and the city becomes lively. Plan well in advance to secure accommodations. There aren’t many closures; it just gets hectic.
La Festa dei Santi Apostoli Pietro e Paolo (June 29th, Rome)
The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul celebrates these two apostles as the patron saints of Rome. This public holiday features religious processions, special St. Peter’s Basilica Masses, and celebratory fireworks. Some Roman businesses and museums may close, but many stay open to accommodate tourists.
Travel tip: Visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls for a quieter, more reflective experience, then head to St. Peter’s Basilica or Piazza del Popolo for evening festivities. Be sure to arrive early to secure a spot for the fireworks display at Castel Sant’Angelo.
Umbria Jazz Festival (July, Perugia)
Umbria’s Jazz Festival is one of the world’s top jazz festivals, attracting international artists and tourists from Italy and beyond. If you plan to go, book tickets far in advance.
Travel Tip: Perugia becomes bustling; book accommodations early and expect lively evenings in nearly every square. This is a must for jazz lovers, but expect crowds and traffic.
Palio di Siena (July 2nd and August 16th, Siena)
Since 1238 (and possibly even before) there has been a horse race in Piazza del Campo in Siena. Colorful parades and fierce neighborhood rivalries mark this race. It’s crowded and busy but also fun and worth seeing.
Travel Tip: The city is packed during these dates. Book accommodations early and expect limited access to some parts of the city. This is an excellent and historic event if you don’t mind crowds and love Italian history.
Alba White Truffle Festival (October through December, Alba)
The Alba White Truffle Festival is a two-month celebration of the prized white truffle. It includes markets, tastings, auctions, and more.
Travel Tip: This is a wonderful festival for food lovers (especially truffle lovers), though accommodations in Alba and nearby areas book up quickly. Expect traffic on festival days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian National Holidays
Italy celebrates a variety of national holidays, each with its own historical or religious significance:
- Capodanno (New Year's Day) - January 1: The first day of the year is celebrated with fireworks, concerts, and festive gatherings.
- Epifania (Epiphany) - January 6: This holiday concludes the Christmas season, with traditions including the figure of La Befana, a witch who delivers gifts to children.
- Pasqua (Easter Sunday) and Pasquetta (Easter Monday): Dates vary. Easter celebrations are marked with religious processions and special masses, while Easter Monday is a day for family outings and picnics.
- Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day) - April 25: Commemorates the end of World War II in Italy and the fall of Mussolini's regime.
- Festa del Lavoro (Labor Day) - May 1: A day dedicated to workers' achievements; many businesses are closed.
- Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day) - June 2: Celebrates the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946 with parades and a large military procession in Rome.
- Ferragosto (Assumption Day) - August 15: Originally a feast day, it is now a general summer holiday for leisure and relaxation, often spent at the beach or in the mountains.
- Ognissanti (All Saints' Day) - November 1: A day to honor saints and deceased loved ones, often marked by visiting cemeteries and churches.
- Immacolata Concezione (Immaculate Conception) - December 8: A religious day honoring Mary, the mother of Jesus.
- Natale (Christmas Day) - December 25 and Santo Stefano (St. Stephen's Day) - December 26: Celebrated with family gatherings, traditional meals, and religious ceremonies.
- Transportation: Expect public transport schedules to be reduced on major holidays, and plan for potential strikes, which can affect travel.
- Shops and Restaurants: Many businesses, including shops and restaurants, may close or have limited hours during national holidays, especially during Ferragosto, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
- Tourist Attractions: Major tourist sites like museums and historical sites might be closed or have reduced hours on holidays.
- Accommodations: Hotels generally remain open, but it’s wise to book well in advance as some holidays, particularly Easter, Christmas, and Ferragosto, are peak travel times.
- Plan Ahead: Advance booking for travel and accommodation is crucial, especially during major holidays like Easter and summer vacation periods.
- Check Local Calendars: Be aware of local festivals that might coincide with national holidays, which can both enhance your travel experience and impact logistics.
- Embrace the Culture: Participating in holiday celebrations can provide deeper insight into Italian culture and traditions.
- Stay Flexible: Be prepared for unexpected closures or changes in schedule, and have a backup plan for meals and transportation.
Get A Personalized Travel Itinerary
Italian Christmas Traditions
Now that you know the major Italian national holidays, from Epiphany to Ferragosto, reflect the country’s rich history and cultural traditions, each celebrated with unique customs, events, and delicious food. From Easter feasts to Liberation Day parades and the summer festivities of Ferragosto, these holidays showcase the Italian way of bringing people together.
To explore how Italians embrace the festive spirit during the holiday season, don’t miss our article on Italian Christmas traditions. Discover the rituals, foods, and celebrations that make Christmas in Italy so magical.
Have Us Plan Your Italy Trip
Depending on how you arrange it, traveling during an Italian holiday can be a super enjoyable (or frustrating) way to experience the country. If you want help making all your Italy travel come true, contact us for a travel consultation with one of our expert Italy planners!
