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 Italian summer vacation season. In August, many of your favorite shops, businesses and restaurants will be closed, though 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.

In Naples, the Restate a Napoli festival in the Piazza del Plebiscito is held for a week in early August. This is a chance to see free musical and theatrical performances each day. For this year’s event schedule and links to reserve your free tickets, visit facebook.com/restateanapoli.

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.

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. He is the protector and patron saint of Naples. It is believed that he has saved the city from volcanic eruptions and plagues. San Gennaro’s blood, allegedly, now sits in a special ampoule in the Naples cathedral. The blood has solidified. However, it liquifies on occasion, an action credited with miraculously stopping a magma flow in December 1631.  

If the blood liquifies on San Gennaro’s feast day, the church bells will ring, and it is considered a good omen of protection for the city of Naples. If the blood does not liquify it is seen as a bad omen. The day begins at the Cathedral of Naples, where the blood is brought out in a special religious ceremony and then processed through the old quarters of Naples. For the following eight days the blood remains on display in the cathedral.

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