1 January - New Year’s Day
Also known as Capodanno by Italians, who by the way were the first to celebrate New Year’s Day under the rule of Julius Caesar in 46 BC.
6 January - Epiphany
The 12th Day of Christmas, La Befana is said to bring gifts and sweets to good boys and girls. We all know what the naughty ones get.
21 April - Easter Sunday
Called Pasqua, Easter Sunday is one of the most significant holidays in Italy, with Christmas Day being the other. Nearly every city and village has some sort of elaborate celebration always ending with fantastic amounts of incredible food to celebrate the end of Lent.
22 April - Easter Monday
La Pasquetta, an official holiday but not a religious holiday.
25 April - Liberation Day
Festa della Liberazione, a day celebrating the "New Italy", when democracy was established throughout the country at the end of WWII in 1945. Parades, singing, feasts and celebrations abound. All public buildings are closed for the day as well as most businesses.
1 May - International Workers’ Day
A day celebrating the sacrifices and hard work of building a free and strong country. Parties, parades, picnics with family and friends highlight the day.
2 June - Republic Day
The birth of the Republic of Italy in 1946. The Monarchy ended with great celebrations and each year parades honor the fallen soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to make the Republic possible.
15 August - Assumption Day
An important religious holiday in Italy since the days of the Roman Empire.
1 November - All Saints’ Day
Another very important religious holiday honoring those martyred for their faith.
8 December - Immaculate Conception
A celebration of friends and family.
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Saint Stephen’s Day
Celebrating the first Christian martyr, this is a day to visit friends and family and visit the many nativity scenes in each city or village.
