Public Holidays in Italy 2025 – National & Religious Days
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/regional observances may also occur in certain municipalities (e.g., 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 often limited to religious observance or local recognition only.
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; national holiday |
| June 2 | Monday | Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica) | Marks the 1946 referendum abolishing the monarchy |
| August 15 | Friday | Assumption of Mary (Ferragosto) | Religious/summer holiday tradition |
| November 1 | Saturday | All Saints’ Day (Ognissanti) | Religious public holiday |
| December 8 | Monday | Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione) | Religious holiday |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day (Natale) | Religious/national holiday |
| December 26 | Friday | St. Stephen’s Day (Santo Stefano) | Second day of Christmas celebrations |
Regional & Local Observances
In addition to national holidays, many towns and cities celebrate their patron saint’s feast day, on which local public offices, schools, and businesses may close or observe special events. Examples include:
- Feast of Saints Peter & Paul (Rome) – 29 June
- Feast of St. John (Florence, Genoa, Turin) – 24 June
- Feast of St. Rosalia (Palermo) – 15 July
- St. Ambrose (Milan) – 7 December (local)
- Feast of St. Mark (Venice) – 25 April (coincides with Liberation Day)
Public Observance & Closures
On national public holidays, offices, banks, schools, and many private businesses close across Italy. Local observances are usually confined to specific municipalities or regions and may not entail full closures elsewhere.
Some holidays that previously had civil (public) status—such as Ascension Day, Corpus Christi, St. Joseph’s Day (19 March), and National Unity Day (4 November)—are now often only religious or symbolic, or recognized locally rather than nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many national public holidays does Italy have in 2025?
Italy has 12 national public holidays in 2025.
Do religious holidays always lead to business closures?
Yes for national religious holidays like Christmas, Easter Monday, Epiphany, Immaculate Conception, etc. For smaller religious observances or local saint’s days, closures may apply only locally.
What is Liberation Day in Italy?
Observed on 25 April, Liberation Day commemorates Italy’s liberation from Nazi occupation and Fascist rule in 1945.
What is Republic Day in Italy?
Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica), on 2 June, marks the 1946 referendum where Italians voted to abolish the monarchy and form a republic.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Italy reflect the nation’s Catholic heritage, democratic values, and local traditions. Whether national observances like Liberation Day or local patron saint feasts, these holidays structure civic life and cultural identity across Italy.
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