There are so many holidays and festivals that cycle through the year in the Naples area. Here are the most important ones to know about.

Our 2026-2027 “Welcome to Naples” magazine is a guide for newcomers ready to venture off base and is a vital resource for understanding your new home in the Naples area.

Jan. 1: New Year’s Day

Businesses will be closed on Capodanno, a national holiday. The day is typically a rest and relaxation time after celebrations and fireworks late into the evening of Dec. 31.

Jan. 6: Epiphany

This national and religious holiday marks the end of the Christmas season with the biblical story of magi visiting Jesus’ after his birth. It is marked with parades, festivals and traditions of le Befana – a kindly old woman, and sometimes witch, who brings gifts for children.

March 21 – 29, 2027: Easter Holidays

La Pasqua, or Easter, in Italy is a religious festival that begins with a large Catholic mass and procession on Palm Sunday and lasts through Settimana Santa, or Holy Week. Processions will also often take place on Holy Thursday and Good Friday before an Easter candlelight vigil begins on Saturday evening, culminating with a celebratory mass on Sunday. Easter day typically finds Italians gathering with family and friends for the day and enjoying a large, long meal. The Easter holidays culminated on La Pasquetta, or Easter Monday, which is often a day to get outside and enjoy family time out in the country. Expect businesses to be closed from Thursday to Monday on Easter weekend.

April 25:  Liberation Day 

This day marks the success of the Italian Resistance and Allied Forces final liberation of the north of Italy from Nazi occupation and fascist control during World War II. There will be wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials and cemeteries, plus parades and musical tributes.

May 1: Labor Day

Expect closures on this national holiday that commemorates the labor movement and working-class citizens. Italians attend small local festivals or head outside for a day in nature.

June 2: Republic Day

Businesses will be closed on this national holiday that commemorates the establishment of a new Italian government following World War II. Expect patriotic events and parades.

August:  Ferragosto & the Summer Season

Ferragosto dates all the way back to 18 B.C.E. in ancient Rome. It marked the end of hard labor during the agricultural season and honored Emperor Augustus. The name Ferragosto comes from the Latin phrase, Feriae Augusti, roughly translating to “August rest.” After the fall of the Roman Empire, the holiday assumed a Christian identity as well, celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (her ascension into Heaven).

Ferragosto is not just celebrated as a single day but instead marks the peak of the Italian summer vacation season. In August, many of your favorite shops, businesses and restaurants will be closed. However, tourist destinations stay open. There will be small local festivities you can attend, though you may choose to join the many Italians that head for the coast or the mountains to soak up summer fun.

On August 15, the official national holiday of Ferragosto, join others for picnics and parties on the beach, take in the religious procession of the Virgin Mary or watch the boat parades. In the evening, the sky will be filled with sparkling firework displays.

In addition to Ferragosto, the summer season is celebrated with the Estate a Napoli program. This is a chance to see a free movie or musical and theatrical performances in the city. This year, the program has been extended well beyond the week of Ferragosto as in years past, with events from July to September. For this year’s event schedule and information on reserving free tickets download the calendar of events from the City of Naples website. 

Sept. 19: San Gennaro

In 305 CE, Saint Januarius (San Gennaro), a bishop of the Catholic Church, was martyred during Diocletian’s reign of the Roman Empire. San Gennaro is the protector and patron saint of Naples who is venerated for saving the city from volcano eruptions and plagues. His blood, it is believed, now sits in the Naples cathedral. The blood has solidified. However, it sometimes liquifies throughout the year.

Yearly, on September 19, the day he was executed, San Gennaro’s feast day is celebrated. If the blood liquifies on this day, the church bells will ring, and it is considered a sign of protection and a good omen for the city of Naples. Traditionally, women in Naples will spend the day and night prior to the feast praying for the blood to liquify, and it is seen as a bad omen if it doesn’t happen. Whether or not the blood runs, Neapolitans still gather to celebrate.

For eight days, the blood is on display in the cathedral and festivities occur throughout the streets of the city. Vendors sell toys, food, trinkets and sweets for everyone to enjoy. Biscotti as well as lemon and cinnamon cookies are a must-have at this event every year. While in town for the celebration, visit the Treasure of San Gennaro Museum, adjacent to the cathedral, for a look at the priceless devotional items sent to honor San Gennaro over the centuries.

Nov. 1: All Saints’ Day

Called Ognissanti in Italian, this national holiday marks the remembrance of all Catholic saints and is also a day to reflect on one’s family heritage. Traditions involve visiting cemeteries to light candles and place flowers like chrysanthemums. A special sweet focaccia dei morti (focaccia of the dead) is baked. Expect businesses to be closed for this holiday.

Nov. 4: National Unification and Armed Forces Day

Held since 1919, this day celebrates the armistice that ended World War I and paved the way for Italy’s unification. It is also a day of remembrance for the lives lost. In Naples you can expect a military parade in the Piazza del Plebiscito, with special ceremonies, Italian veteran groups and flag presentations.

Dec. 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception

A national holiday, businesses are closed on this day that celebrates Mary the mother of Jesus and marks the beginning of the Christmas season. On this day, many Italian families begin preparing for the season, including setting up their traditional Presepe (nativity scene), decorating with festive twinkle lights and setting up the Christmas tree. City and village Christmas decorations, festivals and markets usually begin around this time.

December 25 - 26: Christmas holidays

These two days of national holiday and business closures mark the main celebration of Christmas. What begins on Dec. 8, continues on Dec. 16 as La Novena, or the nine-day period leading into Christmas – a time for caroling, church programs and special performances. On Dec. 24, Christmas Eve is celebrated with a seafood dinner and attendance at mass. Christmas day is all about family time, with gift giving, games and a long, multi-course lunch. Saint Stephen’s Day (Dec. 26) is a continuation of the family festivities with some down time; many folks head out to see all the Presepe (Nativity scenes) in windows, churches and businesses around town. The Christmas season continues after these two holy days, culminating on Epiphany in January.

Welcome to Naples

Holidays

Festivals