Public Holidays in Italy 2026 – National & Catholic Holidays
Italy observes a number of national public holidays each year. On these dates, government offices, banks, many businesses, and schools typically close nationwide. Some holidays are religious (often tied to the Catholic tradition), others commemorative or civic in nature.
Overview of Public Holidays in Italy
Italy’s public holidays are established by national law, and additional local or regional observances may occur in certain municipalities (such as feast days of local patron saints). Some holidays like St. Joseph’s Day, Ascension, and Corpus Christi historically had public status but since 1977 are generally limited to religious or local observance.
List of Public Holidays in Italy (2026)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Capodanno) | National public holiday |
| January 6 | Tuesday | Epiphany (La Befana) | National public holiday |
| April 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday (Pasqua) | Religious holiday; many services closed |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday (Pasquetta) | National holiday |
| April 25 | Saturday | Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione) | Marks liberation from Fascist/Nazi rule |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day / Workers’ Day | National holiday |
| June 2 | Tuesday | Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica) | Celebrates formation of the Italian Republic |
| August 15 | Saturday | Assumption of Mary (Ferragosto) | Major religious and summer holiday |
| November 1 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day (Ognissanti) | Religious public holiday |
| December 8 | Tuesday | Immaculate Conception | Religious public holiday |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day (Natale) | National religious holiday |
| December 26 | Saturday | St. Stephen’s Day (Santo Stefano) | Second Christmas holiday |
List of Public Holidays in Italy (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day (Capodanno) | National holiday |
| January 6 | Monday | Epiphany (La Befana) | National holiday |
| April 20 | Sunday | Easter Sunday (Pasqua) | Religious holiday; many institutions close |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday (Pasquetta) | National holiday following Easter Sunday |
| April 25 | Friday | Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione) | Commemorates liberation from Nazi/Fascist rule |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day / International Workers’ Day | Recognizes workers’ rights |
| June 2 | Monday | Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica) | Marks the 1946 referendum |
| August 15 | Friday | Assumption of Mary (Ferragosto) | Religious/summer holiday |
| November 1 | Saturday | All Saints’ Day (Ognissanti) | Religious public holiday |
| December 8 | Monday | Immaculate Conception | Religious holiday |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day (Natale) | National religious holiday |
| December 26 | Friday | St. Stephen’s Day (Santo Stefano) | Second Christmas holiday |
Regional & Local Observances
In addition to national holidays, many cities and towns observe their patron saint’s feast day, during which local offices and businesses may close. Examples include:
- Saints Peter & Paul (Rome) – 29 June
- St. John the Baptist (Florence, Genoa, Turin) – 24 June
- St. Rosalia (Palermo) – 15 July
- St. Ambrose (Milan) – 7 December
- St. Mark (Venice) – 25 April
Public Observance & Closures
On national public holidays, government offices, banks, schools, and many private businesses close across Italy. Local observances usually apply only within the relevant municipality.
Former nationwide holidays such as Ascension Day, Corpus Christi, St. Joseph’s Day, and National Unity Day are now mainly religious or symbolic and are not universally observed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many national public holidays does Italy have?
Italy has 12 national public holidays each year.
Do religious holidays always lead to closures?
Yes for major national religious holidays. Minor religious or local saint’s days may only affect specific towns or regions.
What is Liberation Day in Italy?
Liberation Day on 25 April marks Italy’s liberation from Nazi occupation and Fascist rule in 1945.
What is Republic Day in Italy?
Republic Day (2 June) commemorates the 1946 referendum that established Italy as a republic.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Italy reflect the country’s Catholic heritage, democratic history, and strong local traditions. From national observances like Liberation Day to local patron saint festivals, these holidays play a central role in Italian civic and cultural life.
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