New Year’s Day (Capodanno, 1 January) opens the Italian calendar with fireworks, lentils, and festive dinners that symbolize prosperity. Many Italians wear red for good luck and eat cotechino sausage with lentils after midnight. Major cities host concerts and firework shows in their main squares.

Epiphany (La Befana, 6 January) marks the end of the Christmas season. According to legend, the old woman Befana visits children on her broomstick, leaving candies for the good and coal for the naughty. Parades and street festivals take place, especially in Rome and Urbania, her mythical hometown.

Easter Sunday (Pasqua, date varies) is one of Italy’s most important religious celebrations. Families gather for a rich lunch featuring lamb, artichokes, and the dove-shaped cake colomba. Across the country, processions and ancient rituals honor the Resurrection.

Easter Monday (Pasquetta, date varies) is a joyful day of picnics and countryside trips with friends. Italians often grill outdoors or visit nearby villages. It’s a symbol of renewal and spring’s arrival after the solemnity of Lent.

Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione, 25 April) commemorates Italy’s 1945 liberation from Nazi occupation and Fascist rule. Parades, patriotic songs, and speeches are held throughout the country, especially in Milan and Turin - key cities of the Resistance.

This is a public holiday in Italy.

This is a public holiday in Italy.

Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica, 2 June) celebrates the 1946 referendum that ended the monarchy and founded the Italian Republic. Rome hosts a grand military parade along Via dei Fori Imperiali and the President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Assumption Day (Ferragosto, 15 August) marks the height of summer holidays. Italians escape cities for the sea or mountains, enjoying barbecues, fireworks, and feasts. Rooted in ancient Roman traditions, Ferragosto celebrates rest, harvest, and community.

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (4 October) honors Italy’s patron saint and the founder of the Franciscan order. Assisi hosts major religious celebrations and pilgrimages, while many towns hold blessings of animals and civic ceremonies marking peace and care for creation.

All Saints’ Day (Ognissanti, 1 November) honors all saints and martyrs of the Church. Families visit cemeteries, light candles, and share traditional sweets like 'ossa dei morti'. The following day, All Souls’ Day, continues remembrance of loved ones.

Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione, 8 December) celebrates the Virgin Mary’s purity and marks the start of the Christmas season in Italy. Cities light their decorations, and Rome hosts a papal ceremony at Piazza di Spagna.

Christmas Day (Natale, 25 December) is celebrated with warmth, family gatherings, and abundant meals. The season’s centerpiece is the presepe - the nativity scene - which adorns churches and homes alike. Midnight Mass and panettone are cherished traditions.

St. Stephen’s Day (Santo Stefano, 26 December) extends the Christmas celebrations. Italians visit relatives, exchange leftovers, and enjoy another festive lunch. It’s a quiet, family-oriented day that closes the main holiday season.