Public Holidays in Italy 2024
Italy, renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and vibrant traditions, observes several public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect various religious, historical, and cultural aspects of Italian society and are celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm across the country. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the public holidays in Italy for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day, known as “Capodanno” in Italian, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and setting new goals for the year ahead. Italians often spend New Year’s Eve attending parties, enjoying festive meals, and watching fireworks displays.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Italy, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Epiphany – January 6, 2024
Epiphany, or “La Befana” in Italian folklore, commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus. According to tradition, La Befana, a kindly witch-like figure, delivers gifts to children on the night of January 5th. In many Italian towns and cities, Epiphany is celebrated with parades, processions, and festive events.
Days off: Epiphany is a public holiday in Italy, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Liberation Day – April 25, 2024
Liberation Day, or “Festa della Liberazione,” commemorates the end of the Italian Civil War and the liberation of Italy from Nazi occupation during World War II. It is a day to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and democracy. Liberation Day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and cultural events across the country.
Days off: Liberation Day is a public holiday in Italy, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
International Workers’ Day – May 1, 2024
International Workers’ Day, also known as “Festa dei Lavoratori,” celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement worldwide. In Italy, it is a day of rallies, marches, and demonstrations organized by trade unions and labor organizations. It is an occasion to advocate for workers’ rights, fair wages, and social justice.
Days off: International Workers’ Day is a public holiday in Italy, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Republic Day – June 2, 2024
Republic Day, or “Festa della Repubblica,” commemorates the founding of the Italian Republic on June 2, 1946, following the end of monarchy. It is a national holiday that celebrates Italy’s democratic principles and republican values. Republic Day is marked by official ceremonies, military parades, and cultural events.
Days off: Republic Day is a public holiday in Italy, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Assumption of Mary – August 15, 2024
The Assumption of Mary, or “Ferragosto” in Italy, is a Catholic feast day that commemorates the Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven. It is one of the most important religious holidays in Italy and is celebrated with church services, processions, and festive gatherings. Ferragosto also marks the traditional start of the summer holiday season, with many Italians taking vacations and enjoying leisure activities.
Days off: The Assumption of Mary is a public holiday in Italy, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
All Saints’ Day – November 1, 2024
All Saints’ Day, or “Ognissanti” in Italian, honors all the saints and martyrs recognized by the Catholic Church. It is a day of remembrance and reverence, marked by church services, prayers, and visits to cemeteries to pay respects to deceased loved ones. In some regions of Italy, families gather for special meals and traditions.
Days off: All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in Italy, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception – December 8, 2024
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, or “Immacolata Concezione,” celebrates the belief in the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary. It is a significant religious holiday in Italy, marked by church services, processions, and festive decorations. In many Italian towns and cities, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated with nativity scenes, lights, and holiday markets.
Days off: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a public holiday in Italy, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day, or “Natale” in Italian, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar. In Italy, Christmas is a time of joy, family gatherings, and festive traditions. Italians attend midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, exchange gifts, and enjoy special meals with loved ones.
Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Italy, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.
Saint Stephen’s Day – December 26, 2024
Saint Stephen’s Day, or “Santo Stefano” in Italian, is observed on December 26th, the day after Christmas. It commemorates Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. In Italy, Saint Stephen’s Day is a time for relaxation, family outings, and enjoying leftover Christmas meals. Some towns and cities host special events and activities to mark the occasion.
Days off: Saint Stephen’s Day is a public holiday in Italy, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Italy 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Epiphany | January 6 | Commemoration of the visit of the Three Wise Men | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Liberation Day | April 25 | Commemoration of the end of World War II | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| International Workers’ Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers’ rights and labor movement | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Republic Day | June 2 | Commemoration of the founding of the Italian Republic | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Assumption of Mary (Ferragosto) | August 15 | Commemoration of the Assumption of Mary | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Commemoration of all saints and martyrs | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Feast of the Immaculate Conception | December 8 | Celebration of the Immaculate Conception | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Government, Businesses, Educational |
| Saint Stephen’s Day | December 26 | Commemoration of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr | Government, Businesses, Educational |