Public holidays in Italy in 2025 offer a colorful and immersive look into the nation’s rich culture. From the joyful New Year’s Day on January 1st to the thoughtful All Saints’ Day on November 1st, each holiday showcases Italian traditions and values. Imagine the lively streets of Rome during Epiphany, where “La Befana,” a kind witch, brings gifts to children, or the deep reverence during Easter Sunday as families come together to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
Public holidays in Italy in 2025 are more than just days off; they are filled with history and community spirit. Liberation Day on April 25th marks the end of Nazi occupation and Fascist rule, celebrating the courage of the Italian Resistance. Labour Day on May 1st highlights workers’ rights with rallies and concerts, while Republic Day on June 2nd commemorates Italy’s move to a republic with grand parades.
From Milan’s special celebration of St. Ambrose to the nationwide festivities of Christmas and Easter, each public holiday reflects Italy’s love for family, faith, and celebration. Join us as we explore these special days to understand why each one is a treasured part of Italy’s heritage.
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Public Holidays in Italy In 2025
Below is the list of public holidays celebrated in Italy during the year 2025, along with their dates.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Epiphany | Jan 06, 2025 | Monday |
| Easter Sunday | Apr 20, 2025 | Sunday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Liberation Day | Apr 25, 2025 | Friday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Republic Day | Jun 02, 2025 | Monday |
| Whit Monday | Jun 09, 2025 | Monday |
| Saints Peter and Paul | Jun 29, 2025 | Sunday |
| Assumption Day | Aug 15, 2025 | Friday |
| All Saints’ Day | Nov 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| St. Ambrose | Dec 07, 2025 | Sunday |
| Immaculate Conception Day | Dec 08, 2025 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| St. Stephen’s Day | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Italians celebrate the New Year with joy and hope. On New Year’s Eve, they have big meals, fireworks, and parties. Many follow traditions like wearing red underwear for luck or eating lentils for wealth. At midnight, they toast with sparkling wine and exchange kisses. Some throw old items out the window to leave the past behind.
On New Year’s Day, people relax, enjoy leftovers, and spend time with family. It’s a time to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for a better future.
Epiphany (January 6)
Epiphany marks the day the Three Wise Men visited baby Jesus. In Italy, it’s also known as “La Befana.” According to legend, Befana is a kind witch who delivers gifts to children on this night. Good kids get candy and toys, while naughty ones get coal.
Many towns have parades with someone dressed as Befana. Families enjoy a big meal together, often with a special cake that has a hidden bean—whoever finds it becomes “king” for the day. It’s a magical holiday that ends the Christmas season.
Easter Sunday (Date varies)
Easter Sunday is the most important Christian holiday in Italy. It celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection. After 40 days of Lent, a time of reflection and fasting, Italians are ready to feast. They attend church services, then gather with family for a big lunch.
Traditional foods include lamb, colomba (dove-shaped cake), and chocolate eggs. In some towns, there are beautiful processions with statues of Jesus and Mary. The Pope gives a special blessing in Rome. It’s a day of joy, renewal, and family togetherness.
Easter Monday (Date varies)
Known as “Pasquetta” (Little Easter), this day continues the Easter celebration in a more relaxed way. Italians often spend it outdoors, enjoying the spring weather. Many have picnics in parks or countryside, playing games and enjoying leftover Easter food. Some towns hold egg-rolling contests or other fun events.
In Panicale, Umbria, there’s even a cheese-rolling race! It’s a day to unwind, enjoy nature, and spend time with friends before returning to work. The mood is cheerful and laid-back.
Liberation Day (April 25)
Liberation Day marks Italy’s freedom from Nazi occupation and Fascist rule at the end of World War II in 1945. It honors the bravery of the Italian Resistance movement. There are parades, concerts, and political rallies in many cities.
People wear the tricolor (Italy’s flag colors) and sing “Bella Ciao,” a famous resistance song. The President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Rome. It’s a day to remember the fight for freedom and to celebrate Italy’s democratic values.
Labour Day (May 1)
Labour Day, or “Festa dei Lavoratori,” honors workers’ rights and achievements. It began in the late 1800s when workers fought for better conditions. Now, it’s a day off work for most Italians. Many attend rallies or concerts supporting workers’ rights.
In Rome, there’s a big concert in Piazza San Giovanni. Others enjoy picnics or barbecues with friends. Some visit the town of Portella della Ginestra, where workers were tragically killed in 1947. It’s a day to appreciate workers and push for fair treatment.
Republic Day (June 2)
On June 2, 1946, Italians voted to become a republic after years of monarchy. Republic Day celebrates this choice and Italy’s democratic identity. There’s a grand military parade in Rome, with the President and officials attending. The Italian flag and national anthem are prominent. Many towns have smaller parades or events.
Some people visit the Vittoriano monument in Rome, which honors Italy’s first king and now represents national unity. It’s a day of national pride, celebrating Italy’s journey to democracy.
Whit Monday (Date varies)
Whit Monday, or “Lunedì dell’Angelo,” falls the day after Pentecost, which is 50 days after Easter. It recalls the angel telling Christ’s followers that He had risen. In Italy, it’s more about enjoying a long spring weekend.
Many Italians take short trips to the countryside or coast. Some towns have food festivals or local traditions. For example, in Gubbio, they carry huge wooden candles through the streets. It’s a relaxing day, often spent outdoors with family and friends.
Saints Peter and Paul (June 29)
This day honors Saint Peter and Saint Paul, two key figures in Christianity. Peter was the first Pope, and Paul spread Jesus’s teachings. They were both martyred in Rome around 64-68 AD. It’s a public holiday only in Rome, their final resting place.
The Pope leads a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, where many receive a wool scarf (pallium) blessed by him. There are beautiful decorations and ceremonies. Outside the religious events, Romans enjoy a day off, often with family meals.
Assumption Day (August 15)
Also known as “Ferragosto,” this day celebrates the belief that Mary, Jesus’s mother, was taken into heaven. It’s also tied to ancient Roman festivals honoring the gods. Today, it’s the peak of Italy’s summer holiday season. Many businesses close as people head to beaches, mountains, or hometowns. There are fireworks, concerts, and food festivals. Some towns have religious processions. In Siena, there’s the famous Palio horse race. It’s a time for relaxation, fun, and escaping the summer heat.
All Saints’ Day (November 1)
This day honors all Christian saints, known and unknown. It’s closely tied to All Souls’ Day (November 2), when Italians remember their departed loved ones. Many attend church services, then visit cemeteries. They clean family graves, lay flowers (often chrysanthemums), and light candles. Some leave food or photos as offerings. In the evening, families often gather for a big meal. It’s a thoughtful day, blending religious devotion with personal remembrance. People reflect on life, death, and their family history.
St. Ambrose (December 7 – Milan only)
Saint Ambrose is Milan’s patron saint and a Doctor of the Church. He was the city’s influential bishop in the 4th century, known for his wisdom and courage. His feast day is a public holiday only in Milan. Many attend a special Mass at the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, where he is buried.
The city also hosts a big street market called “Oh Bej! Oh Bej!” selling crafts, food, and Christmas gifts. It’s a day when Milan honors its religious heritage while starting its Christmas celebrations.
Immaculate Conception Day (December 8)
This holiday celebrates the Catholic belief that Mary, Jesus’s mother, was born without original sin. In Italy, it also marks the start of the Christmas season. Many towns light up their Christmas trees and displays.
In Rome, the Pope visits the Spanish Steps, placing a wreath near a statue of Mary. Firefighters often help him, continuing a long tradition. In Naples, people make “Fried Christmas,” a feast of fried foods. It’s a day of spiritual reflection and festive joy.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas is a time of warmth, faith, and family in Italy. It celebrates Jesus Christ’s birth. Many attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, then open gifts. Christmas Day is for big family meals, often with dishes like panettone, pandoro, and tortellini. Some exchange more gifts. Children might receive treats from “Babbo Natale” (Santa Claus).
In Rome, thousands gather in St. Peter’s Square to hear the Pope’s blessing. Homes display Nativity scenes. It’s a day of love, togetherness, and Christian celebration.
St. Stephen’s Day (December 26)
St. Stephen’s Day honors the first Christian martyr, stoned to death for his faith. In Italy, it extends the Christmas holiday. Many continue family gatherings, enjoying leftovers or eating out. Some exchange final gifts. Others take walks to help digest all the food! In Wroclaw, Italy, they hold the “Corsa dei Ruzzi“—a race with wooden spools.
Some people visit live Nativity scenes in various towns. It’s a peaceful day, allowing more time with loved ones before life returns to normal.