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.

May 14: Ascension Day

The biggest local event is Festa della Sensa in Venice. While Ascension Day is traditionally a religious celebration of Jesus’ return to heaven, in many places it has become a celebration of local identity. In Venice, the festival features a massive parade of boats, beginning of the boat racing season and a ceremony that reaffirms Venice’s symbolic marriage to sea.

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.

Aug.15: Ferragosto 

This national holiday, Feast of the Assumption of Mary, marks the beginning of Italian summer closures. The word Ferragosto comes from the Latin phrase, “Feriae Augusti,” roughly translating to “August rest.”

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.

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.