Italy (IT)
Italy is a parliamentary republic of 20 regions stretching from the Alpine peaks of the Dolomites to the sun-baked coasts of Sicily and Sardinia, celebrated worldwide for its unparalleled Renaissance art and architecture, UNESCO-laden historic cities from Rome to Florence and Venice, world-defining cuisine and wines, passionate football culture, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle that has drawn expats, artists, and retirees for centuries.
Capital: Rome
Region: Europe
Language: Italian
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Moderate (index 65)
Emergency: 112
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Public Holidays 2026
16 holidays in Italy. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Capodanno
Tue 6
Epiphany (La Befana) Public Holiday
Epifania
The Befana brings gifts to children on this day — more important than Christmas in many Italian families. Schools and most businesses closed.
April 2026
Sun 5
Easter Sunday Public Holiday
Pasqua
Date varies annually. Easter is a major family celebration — traditional lamb and dove-shaped colomba cake. Mass crowds at the Vatican.
Mon 6
Easter Monday Public Holiday
Lunedì dell'Angelo (Pasquetta)
The Monday after Easter. Traditionally spent on a gita (day trip) to the countryside or a picnic with family. Many restaurants and attractions closed.
Sat 25
Liberation Day Public Holiday
Festa della Liberazione
Commemorates the end of Nazi-Fascist occupation in 1945. Major civic parades in Milan, Rome and other cities. A politically charged public holiday.
Sat 25
Feast of St Mark (Venice only) Optional
San Marco
The patron saint of Venice — celebrated on the same date as Liberation Day. Men traditionally give women a bocolo (rosebud) on this day.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day Public Holiday
Festa del Lavoro
Workers' Day. Major concerts and rallies in Rome (Piazza San Giovanni). All public administration, banks and most shops closed.
June 2026
Tue 2
Republic Day Public Holiday
Festa della Repubblica
Celebrates the 1946 referendum that established the Italian Republic. Military parade down Via dei Fori Imperiali in Rome, attended by the President. Spectacular air display by the Frecce Tricolori.
Wed 24
Feast of St John the Baptist (Florence only) Optional
San Giovanni Battista
Public holiday in Florence only. Patron saint of the city. Celebrated with the Calcio Storico Fiorentino (historic football match in period costume) and fireworks over the Arno.
August 2026
Sat 15
Feast of the Assumption Public Holiday
Ferragosto / Assunzione di Maria
The single most important summer holiday. Virtually all of Italy shuts down for the week (Settimana di Ferragosto). Many businesses close for 2–4 weeks around this date. Beaches are packed. Rome is almost deserted by locals.
September 2026
Sat 19
Feast of St Januarius (Naples only) Optional
San Gennaro
Public holiday in Naples only. The liquefaction of the saint's blood in the Duomo di Napoli is a deeply-awaited annual event — the faithful believe failure to liquefy portends disaster.
November 2026
Sun 1
All Saints' Day Public Holiday
Ognissanti
Families visit cemeteries to honour the dead. A quiet, reflective holiday. Followed by All Souls' Day (Commemorazione dei Defunti, 2 November — not a national holiday but widely observed).
December 2026
Tue 8
Immaculate Conception Public Holiday
Immacolata Concezione
The start of the Christmas season. Pope traditionally blesses the statue of Mary at Piazza di Spagna in Rome. Christmas trees and presepi (nativity scenes) go up on this day.
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Natale
Family dinner (cenone di Natale) traditionally on Christmas Eve (24 December, not a public holiday). Christmas Day is family lunch — tortellini in brodo in Emilia, capitone (eel) in the south, pandoro and panettone nationwide.
Sat 26
St Stephen's Day Public Holiday
Santo Stefano
The day after Christmas, also a public holiday. Often spent visiting extended family or attending post-Christmas sales. Technically the day leftover panettone is eaten.
Mon 7
Feast of St Ambrose (Milan only) Optional
Sant'Ambrogio
Public holiday in Milan only, celebrating the patron saint of Milan. The La Scala opera season traditionally opens on this night. A major civic event with O Bej O Bej market in the city centre.
Note: Some holidays in Italy apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.