Understanding Italy’s public and regional holidays is crucial for anyone living in or planning to move to Italy. This guide covers the national holidays, important regional celebrations, and noteworthy dates that might affect your day-to-day activities, including business closures.
National Public Holidays in Italy
Italy celebrates several public holidays each year, most of which are tied to the Catholic tradition. Here is a list of the standard public holidays for the year 2024:
- 1 January: New Year’s Day
- 6 January: Epiphany
- 20 April: Easter Sunday
- 21 April: Easter Monday
- 25 April: Liberation Day
- 1 May: Labor Day
- 2 June: Republic Day
- 15 August: Assumption of Mary
- 1 November: All Saints’ Day
- 8 December: Immaculate Conception
- 25 December: Christmas Day
- 26 December: St. Stephen’s Day
Note that on these public holidays, most businesses and government offices will be closed, and public transport schedules may be reduced.
Regional Holidays in Italy for 2024
In addition to the national holidays, each region in Italy may celebrate its own specific holidays, typically dedicated to the patron saint of the locale:
- 25 April – Feast of Saint Mark [Venice]
- 28 April – Sardinia Day [Sardinia]
- 24 June – Feast of Saint John [Florence, Torino, Genoa]
- 29 June – Saints Peter and Paul [Rome]
- 15 July – Feast of Saint Rosalia [Palermo]
- 19 September – Feast of Saint Gennaro [Naples]
- 4 October – Feast of Saint Petronius [Bologna]
- 2 November – Feast of Saint Giusto [Trieste]
- 6 December – Feast of Saint Nicholas [Bari]
- 8 December – Feast of Saint Ambrose [Milan]
These regional holidays might not be official public holidays throughout Italy, but local businesses and schools may close, and special events may be held.
Important Dates and Festivals in Italy for 2024
Italy is rich in cultural heritage and celebrates various non-public holiday festivals that are significant to the cultural and social life of the country:
- 5 March: Ash Wednesday
- 19 March: Father’s Day
- 18 April: Good Friday
- 11 May: Mother’s Day
- 15 August: Ferragosto / Summer holiday
- 26 October: End of Daylight Saving Time
These dates represent culturally significant times for Italians but generally do not result in nationwide closures like the public holidays.
Planning Ahead for Holidays
When planning your schedules, especially for travel or business, take note of these dates. During public and significant regional holidays, services such as public transportation and business operations can be limited.
If you are an expatriate working in Italy, check with your employer regarding days off, as businesses may operate differently based on local custom and the sector of work.