What are the public holidays in Italy?

Public holidays in Italy are important dates when employees typically receive a day off work to celebrate national events, cultural traditions, and religious observances. These holidays are recognized across the country and are an integral part of Italian culture and tradition. Here’s a comprehensive guide to public holidays in Italy.


National Public Holidays

Italy celebrates several national public holidays throughout the year. On these days, most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed, and employees are entitled to a paid day off. The main public holidays in Italy include:

  1. New Year’s Day (Capodanno) - January 1
  2. Epiphany (Epifania) - January 6
  3. Easter Monday (Pasquetta) - The day after Easter Sunday (date varies each year)
  4. Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione) - April 25
  5. Labor Day (Festa dei Lavoratori) - May 1
  6. Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica) - June 2
  7. Assumption Day (Ferragosto) - August 15
  8. All Saints’ Day (Ognissanti) - November 1
  9. Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione) - December 8
  10. Christmas Day (Natale) - December 25
  11. St. Stephen’s Day (Santo Stefano) - December 26


These holidays are recognized nationwide, and employees typically enjoy a day off with pay.


Regional Holidays

In addition to the national public holidays, some regions in Italy observe additional regional holidays. These holidays are celebrated in specific areas and may not be recognized in other parts of the country. For example:

  • St. Ambrose’s Day (December 7) is a public holiday in Milan, in honor of the city’s patron saint.
  • St. John’s Day (June 24) is celebrated in Florence, Genoa, and Turin.


These regional holidays often reflect local traditions, historical events, or the feast days of patron saints and are important to the cultural identity of the region. While businesses and schools in these regions may close, these holidays are not observed nationwide.

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