Public Holidays in Italy
Complete list of official public holidays (festività nazionali) in Italy for , including national holidays and local patron saint observances. Data sourced live from official government records.
Found … public holidays in Italy for .
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About Public Holidays in Italy
Italy observes 12 national public holidays (festività nazionali), established by Law No. 260 of 1949 and subsequent legislation. All employees in Italy are entitled to a paid day off on these dates, or additional pay if required to work. The Italian holiday calendar is deeply shaped by the country's Catholic heritage and its 20th-century political history.
Among the most historically significant Italian holidays is Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione) on April 25. This holiday commemorates the liberation of Italy from Nazi German occupation and Fascist rule on April 25, 1945, when the Italian resistance movement (Partisans) announced a general uprising. It is one of Italy's most important civic holidays, observed with parades, speeches, and cultural events. The Anpi (National Association of Italian Partisans) organizes commemorations across the country.
Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica) on June 2 is Italy's national day, marking the result of the 1946 referendum in which Italians chose to become a republic rather than retain the monarchy. The day is celebrated with a military parade in Rome along Via dei Fori Imperiali, attended by the President of the Republic. It is considered one of Italy's most important state celebrations.
Italy's strong Catholic tradition is reflected in several national holidays. All Saints' Day (Ognissanti, November 1) and Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Immacolata, December 8) are widely observed, with many businesses and shops closing. The Immaculate Conception on December 8 effectively marks the start of the Christmas season in Italy.
A unique feature of the Italian holiday system is the tradition of local patron saint feast days. Each city observes the feast day of its patron saint as a local public holiday. Rome celebrates Saints Peter and Paul (June 29), Milan celebrates Saint Ambrose (December 7), Florence celebrates Saint John the Baptist (June 24), Venice celebrates Saint Mark (April 25), Naples celebrates Saint Januarius (September 19), and Turin celebrates Saint John the Baptist (June 24). These local holidays are in addition to the 12 national ones, giving residents of major cities an extra day off each year.
Frequently Asked Questions — Italy Holidays
How many public holidays does Italy have?
Italy has 12 official national public holidays per year. These are: New Year's Day, Epiphany (January 6), Easter Monday, Liberation Day (April 25), Labour Day (May 1), Republic Day (June 2), Assumption of Mary (August 15), All Saints' Day (November 1), Immaculate Conception (December 8), Christmas Day (December 25), and St. Stephen's Day (December 26). Additionally, each city has a local public holiday for its patron saint's feast day.
What is Liberation Day in Italy?
Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione) on April 25 commemorates the liberation of Italy from Nazi occupation and Fascist rule in 1945. On this date, the National Liberation Committee (CLN) issued the order for a general uprising of Italian Partisan forces, leading to the liberation of most of northern Italy before Allied forces arrived. The day is celebrated with marches, concerts, and public ceremonies, and carries significant political weight as a symbol of Italian anti-fascism and democracy.
Do Italian cities have local public holidays?
Yes. Each Italian city observes the feast day of its patron saint as a local public holiday. Examples include: Rome — Saints Peter and Paul (June 29); Florence — Saint John the Baptist (June 24); Milan — Saint Ambrose (December 7); Venice — Saint Mark (April 25, which coincides with Liberation Day); Naples — Saint Januarius (September 19); Bologna — Saint Petronio (October 4). Only residents working in those cities get those specific days off — they are not national holidays.
When is Republic Day in Italy?
Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica) is always on June 2. It marks the anniversary of the 1946 referendum on June 2–3, 1946, in which Italian citizens voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic — the first time Italian women were able to vote in a national election. The day is observed with a grand military parade in Rome along Via dei Fori Imperiali, near the Colosseum, attended by the President of the Republic and government officials.
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