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
Most of Italy’s national holidays fall on fixed dates. Easter Monday (Pasquetta) moves each year with Easter. Since 2026, October 4 (Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy) is again a national public holiday.
- 1 January: New Year’s Day
- 6 January: Epiphany
- Easter Sunday and Easter Monday: April 5 and 6, 2026; March 28 and 29, 2027
- 25 April: Liberation Day
- 1 May: Labor Day
- 2 June: Republic Day
- 15 August: Assumption of Mary (Ferragosto)
- 4 October: Saint Francis of Assisi (national holiday since 2026)
- 1 November: All Saints’ Day
- 8 December: Immaculate Conception
- 25 December: Christmas Day
- 26 December: St. Stephen’s Day
On these days most businesses and government offices are closed, and public transport schedules may be reduced.
Regional and Local Holidays
Each city also celebrates its patron saint, with local closures of offices, schools, and many businesses:
- 25 April: Feast of Saint Mark (Venice)
- 28 April: Sardinia Day (Sardinia)
- 24 June: Feast of Saint John (Florence, Turin, 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)
- 3 November: Feast of Saint Justus (Trieste)
- 6 December: Feast of Saint Nicholas (Bari)
- 7 December: Feast of Saint Ambrose (Milan)
These are not national holidays, but local businesses and schools may close and special events are held.
Other Important Dates
These dates matter culturally but do not bring nationwide closures:
- Ash Wednesday: February 18, 2026; February 10, 2027
- 19 March: Father’s Day (Saint Joseph)
- Good Friday: April 3, 2026; March 26, 2027
- Mother’s Day (second Sunday of May): May 10, 2026; May 9, 2027
- End of daylight saving time (last Sunday of October): October 25, 2026; October 31, 2027
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.