Public Holidays in Italy
Not all public holidays in Italy coincide with those in Norway. If you are planning a holiday to Italy, it is a good idea to check the Italian public holidays. This way, you will be prepared for store and bank closing times, and increased traffic on the motorways.
You can also consider planning your holiday around one of Italy's festive seasons to add an extra dimension to your trip. For example, if you come during Easter, you can experience how families bring eggs and lamb to church to have the food blessed for their Easter breakfast.
This also allows you to make the most of your Easter holiday, as Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are not public holidays in Italy, and shops remain open as usual.
After Christmas, on January 6th, you will hear about the witch "La Befana" who rides on a broomstick and distributes sweets to children.
Most public holidays and festive seasons are accompanied by traditions that will enrich your holiday.
Here is an overview of the national public holidays in Italy
Banks and public offices are closed. Some shops are open, but many remain closed. Most restaurants are open, but you need to reserve a table.
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January 1st. New Year's Day – "Capodanno".
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January 6th. Epiphany – "Epifania". On this day, La Befana arrives – a witch who brings sweets to children.
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Easter. "Pasqua". Varies according to the calendar, but only Sunday and Monday are public holidays. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are normal working days.
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April 25th. Liberation Day from World War II – "Festa della liberazione".
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May 1st. Labour Day – "Festa del Lavoro". In some places, it is only a half-day holiday.
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June 2nd. National Day. A holiday to celebrate the Republic.
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August 15th. Assumption of Mary – "Ferragosto". Do not drive anywhere – this is the day all Italians either go to the beach or to the mountains.
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November 1st. All Saints' Day – "Ognisanti", to commemorate the dead.
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December 8th. Immaculate Conception – "Immacolata Concezione". Religious holiday.
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December 25th. Christmas – "Natale".
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December 26th. Christmas – "Natale".
Public Holidays in Italian Cities
IN HONOUR OF THE CITIES' PATRON SAINTS
- Lucca: September 13th, Santa Croce (processions).
- Siena: July 2nd and August 16th, Palio.
- Florence: June 24th, San Giovanni.
- Rome: June 29th, San Pietro.
- Bologna: October 4th, San Petronio.
- Genoa: June 24th, San Giovanni.
- Milan: December 7th, Sant'Ambrogio.
- Palermo: July 11th, Santa Rosalina.
Written by Elisabeth Hjorth
May 2025
