Public Holidays in Vatican City 2026 – Catholic & Papal Holidays
Vatican City observes public holidays that align closely with the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, alongside civil anniversaries significant to the Holy See. These observances typically result in the closure of Vatican offices, museums, and administrative services.
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Overview of Public Holidays in Vatican City
Public holidays in Vatican City are centered on major Catholic solemnities, papal anniversaries, and key institutional milestones. As the administrative and spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, these holidays reflect the Vatican’s dual role as a sovereign state and the heart of global Catholicism.
On major feast days, pilgrims and visitors often plan trips around important places to visit in Vatican City, while staying nearby in Rome using hotels close to the Vatican.
List of Public Holidays in Vatican City (2026)
| Date | Day | Holiday / Solemnity | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God | Also New Year’s Day |
| January 6 | Tuesday | Epiphany | Feast of the Magi |
| February 11 | Wednesday | Lateran Treaty Day | Foundation of Vatican City State (1929) |
| March 13 | Friday | Papal Election Anniversary | Anniversary of Pope Francis’ election |
| March 19 | Thursday | Saint Joseph’s Day | Patron of the Universal Church |
| April 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Central Christian solemnity |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday | Day after Easter |
| April 23 | Thursday | Saint George’s Day | Feast of St. George |
| May 1 | Friday | Saint Joseph the Worker | Devotion to St. Joseph and labor |
| June 29 | Monday | Feast of Saints Peter & Paul | Patrons of Rome and Vatican City |
| August 15 | Saturday | Assumption of Mary | Major Marian solemnity |
| November 1 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day | Honoring all saints |
| December 8 | Tuesday | Immaculate Conception | Mary conceived without original sin |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Birth of Jesus Christ |
| December 26 | Saturday | Saint Stephen’s Day | Feast of the first Christian martyr |
List of Public Holidays in Vatican City (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday / Solemnity | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God | Also New Year’s Day |
| January 6 | Monday | Epiphany | Feast of the Magi |
| February 11 | Tuesday | Lateran Treaty Day | Anniversary of Vatican City State |
| March 13 | Thursday | Papal Election Anniversary | Election anniversary of Pope Francis |
| March 19 | Wednesday | Saint Joseph’s Day | Patron of the Universal Church |
| April 20 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Moveable feast |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday | Day after Easter |
| April 23 | Wednesday | Saint George’s Day | Feast of St. George |
| May 1 | Thursday | Saint Joseph the Worker | Devotion to St. Joseph in labor |
| June 29 | Sunday | Feast of Saints Peter & Paul | Patrons of Rome and the Vatican |
| August 15 | Friday | Assumption of Mary | Marian solemnity |
| November 1 | Saturday | All Saints’ Day | Honoring all saints |
| December 8 | Monday | Immaculate Conception | Mary conceived without original sin |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Birth of Jesus Christ |
| December 26 | Friday | Saint Stephen’s Day | Feast of the first martyr |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Vatican City observe each year?
Vatican City typically observes around 15 official public holidays, most of which are Catholic solemnities and key institutional anniversaries.
Are Vatican Museums open on public holidays?
In most cases, Vatican Museums and offices are closed on public holidays, especially on major religious solemnities.
Do Vatican holidays follow the Italian public holiday calendar?
No. While there is some overlap, Vatican City follows its own calendar based on Catholic feast days and Holy See milestones.
Conclusion
Vatican City’s public holidays reflect its unique identity as both a sovereign state and the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church. Through solemn liturgical celebrations and historic anniversaries, these observances underscore its global religious significance and institutional heritage.
