Italy Public
Holidays 2026
A comprehensive guide to all nationally recognized public holidays and regional patron saint days across Italys 20 regions.
2026 Italy National HolidaysComplete List
| # | Holiday | Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 – January to March | ||||
| 1 | New Years Day (Capodanno) | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | – |
| 2 | Epiphany (Epifania) | January 6, 2026 | Tuesday | – |
| Q2 – April to June | ||||
| 3 | Easter Sunday (Pasqua) | April 5, 2026 | Sunday | – |
| 4 | Easter Monday (Pasquetta) | April 6, 2026 | Monday | – |
| 5 | Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione) | April 25, 2026 | Saturday | Also St. Marks Day in Venice |
| 6 | Labour Day (Festa dei Lavoratori) | May 1, 2026 | Friday | – |
| 7 | Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica) | June 2, 2026 | Tuesday | – |
| Q3 – July to September | ||||
| 8 | Ferragosto (Assumption of Mary) | August 15, 2026 | Saturday | – |
| Q4 – October to December | ||||
| 9 | All Saints Day (Ognissanti) | November 1, 2026 | Sunday | – |
| 10 | Immaculate Conception (Immacolata) | December 8, 2026 | Tuesday | – |
| 11 | Christmas Day (Natale) | December 25, 2026 | Friday | – |
| 12 | St. Stephens Day (Santo Stefano) | December 26, 2026 | Saturday | – |
New Years Day (Capodanno)
Italians celebrate the first day of the year with family gatherings, special meals, and the tradition of eating lentils and cotechino (pork sausage) for good luck and prosperity. Major celebrations take place in cities like Rome, where crowds gather at the Colosseum for concerts and fireworks.
CelebrationEpiphany (Epifania)
Known as the Feast of the Three Kings, this day celebrates the arrival of the Magi to visit baby Jesus. Italian children traditionally receive gifts from La Befana, a kind witch who delivers presents on her broomstick. Special parades and processions take place throughout Italy.
ReligiousEaster Sunday (Pasqua)
The most important religious celebration in Italy. Families attend Mass, enjoy traditional Easter lamb dishes, and exchange chocolate eggs. The Pope delivers his Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peters Square in Vatican City.
ReligiousEaster Monday (Pasquetta)
Also called Lunedi dellAngelo (Angel Monday), this is traditionally a day for picnics and outings with family and friends. Italians enjoy spending the day outdoors, often traveling to the countryside for la gita fuori porta (day trip).
ReligiousLiberation Day (Festa della Liberazione)
Commemorates the end of Nazi occupation and the fall of Mussolinis Italian Social Republic in 1945. This important national holiday honors the Italian resistance movement. Ceremonies, parades, and commemorations take place throughout Italy, particularly at sites of partisan resistance.
RemembranceLabour Day (Festa dei Lavoratori)
International Workers Day is celebrated across Italy with rallies, concerts, and demonstrations. The famous Concerto del Primo Maggio in Rome draws hundreds of thousands of people to Piazza San Giovanni for a free music festival featuring Italian and international artists.
Workers DayRepublic Day (Festa della Repubblica)
Italys national day celebrates the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946, when citizens voted to abolish the monarchy. The main celebration takes place in Rome with a grand military parade along Via dei Fori Imperiali, attended by the President and other dignitaries.
National DaySt. John the Baptist (San Giovanni)
Patron saint day celebrated in Florence, Genoa, and Turin. In Florence, the historic Calcio Storico (historic football) final is played, and spectacular fireworks illuminate the Arno River.
Florence, Genoa, TurinSaints Peter and Paul (Santi Pietro e Paolo)
The patron saints day of Rome. A public holiday in the capital city, featuring special Mass at St. Peters Basilica and traditional celebrations. Many Romans take the day off while the city honors its founding apostles.
Rome OnlyFerragosto (Assumption of Mary)
The most important summer holiday in Italy, combining the religious Feast of the Assumption with the ancient Roman festival of Feriae Augusti. Most businesses close and Italians flock to beaches, mountains, and countryside. Major cities become quiet as residents escape the August heat.
Summer HolidaySan Gennaro (St. Januarius)
The patron saint of Naples. The famous miracle of the liquefaction of San Gennaros blood takes place at Naples Cathedral, drawing thousands of faithful. A local holiday in Naples with processions and celebrations.
Naples OnlyAll Saints Day (Ognissanti)
A day to honor all saints and martyrs. Italians visit cemeteries to pay respects to deceased relatives, bringing flowers (especially chrysanthemums) to decorate graves. Many families gather for special meals and prayers.
ReligiousSt. Ambrose Day (SantAmbrogio)
The patron saint of Milan. A local holiday that marks the opening of La Scalas opera season with a prestigious premiere. The Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas market fills the streets around the Castello Sforzesco.
Milan OnlyImmaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione)
Celebrates the Catholic doctrine of Marys immaculate conception. This day traditionally marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Italy. The Pope visits the Spanish Steps in Rome to pay homage to the statue of the Virgin Mary.
ReligiousChristmas Day (Natale)
The most important family celebration in Italy. Families gather for elaborate multi-course meals featuring regional specialties. Midnight Mass (La Messa di Mezzanotte) is widely attended. Presepi (nativity scenes) are displayed in homes, churches, and public spaces throughout Italy.
CelebrationSt. Stephens Day (Santo Stefano)
The day after Christmas honors St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Italians continue Christmas celebrations with family visits and enjoying holiday leftovers. Many use this day for leisurely activities and visiting friends.
ReligiousPatron Saint Days
Every Italian city celebrates its patron saints feast day as a local public holiday. Businesses close and festivities take place.
- Venice: St. Mark (San Marco) – April 25
- Florence: St. John Baptist – June 24
- Rome: Saints Peter and Paul – June 29
- Naples: San Gennaro – September 19
- Milan: St. Ambrose – December 7
2026 Long Weekends
Strategic planning opportunities for extended breaks in Italy.
- Easter Weekend: April 3-6 (with Good Friday)
- Spring Break: April 25 – May 1 (ponte)
- Christmas: December 25-27 (Fri-Sun)
- Republic Day: June 2 (Tuesday – ponte opportunity)
Il Ponte (Bridge Days)
Italians often take ponte days to bridge a holiday with the weekend, creating longer breaks.
- Epiphany: Take Wednesday off for 5-day break
- Republic Day: Take Monday off for 4-day break
- Immaculate Conception: Take Monday off
- April 27-30: Bridge Liberation Day and Labour Day
August Closures (Ferragosto)
Many Italian businesses close for extended periods around Ferragosto.
- Most shops close August 10-20
- Some businesses close entire month
- Major cities empty as Italians vacation
- Tourist areas remain open but may be crowded
