Planning around Italian bank holidays is key to a perfect trip or a strategic break. This guide provides the complete Italian national holidays list, from Capodanno to Natale, including key dates like Liberation Day in Italy and Ferragosto. We’ll also help you navigate what’s open if you travel to Italy during the holidays.
Public Holidays in Italy
Italian National Holidays Calendar 2026
While dates like Ferragosto are fixed, others are based on the date of Easter. Here are the preliminary dates for Italian bank holidays in 2026.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name (English) | Holiday Name (Italian) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Capodanno |
| 06/01/2026 | Tuesday | Epiphany | Epifania |
| 05/04/2026 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Pasqua |
| 06/04/2026 | Monday | Easter Monday | Lunedì dell’Angelo (Pasquetta) |
| 25/04/2026 | Saturday | Liberation Day | Festa della Liberazione |
| 01/05/2026 | Friday | Labour Day | Festa del Lavoro |
| 02/06/2026 | Tuesday | Republic Day | Festa della Repubblica |
| 15/08/2026 | Saturday | Assumption Day | Ferragosto |
| 01/11/2026 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day | Tutti i santi |
| 08/12/2026 | Tuesday | Immaculate Conception | Immacolata Concezione |
| 25/12/2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Natale |
| 26/12/2026 | Saturday | St. Stephen’s Day | Santo Stefano |
Italian Bank Holidays Calendar 2027
Future-proof your plans with these projected holiday dates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name (English) | Holiday Name (Italian) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2027 | Friday | New Year’s Day | Capodanno |
| 06/01/2027 | Wednesday | Epiphany | Epifania (La Befana) |
| 28/03/2027 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Pasqua |
| 29/03/2027 | Monday | Easter Monday | Lunedì dell’Angelo (Pasquetta) |
| 25/04/2027 | Sunday | Liberation Day | Festa della Liberazione |
| 01/05/2027 | Saturday | Labour Day | Festa del Lavoro |
| 02/06/2027 | Wednesday | Republic Day | Festa della Repubblica |
| 15/08/2027 | Sunday | Assumption Day | Ferragosto |
| 01/11/2027 | Monday | All Saints’ Day | Tutti i santi |
| 08/12/2027 | Wednesday | Immaculate Conception | Immacolata Concezione |
| 25/12/2027 | Saturday | Christmas Day | Natale |
| 26/12/2027 | Sunday | St. Stephen’s Day | Santo Stefano |
Read More: Bank Holiday Scotland
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Italian Bank Holidays Calendar 2028
Look even further ahead with this preliminary calendar.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name (English) | Holiday Name (Italian) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2028 | Saturday | New Year’s Day | Capodanno |
| 06/01/2028 | Thursday | Epiphany | Epifania (La Befana) |
| 16/04/2028 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Pasqua |
| 17/04/2028 | Monday | Easter Monday | Lunedì dell’Angelo (Pasquetta) |
| 25/04/2028 | Tuesday | Liberation Day | Festa della Liberazione |
| 01/05/2028 | Monday | Labour Day | Festa del Lavoro |
| 02/06/2028 | Friday | Republic Day | Festa della Repubblica |
| 15/08/2028 | Tuesday | Assumption Day | Ferragosto |
| 01/11/2028 | Wednesday | All Saints’ Day | Tutti i santi |
| 08/12/2028 | Friday | Immaculate Conception | Immacolata Concezione |
| 25/12/2028 | Monday | Christmas Day | Natale |
| 26/12/2028 | Tuesday | St. Stephen’s Day | Santo Stefano |
Month-by-Month Guide to Italian Bank Holidays
Understanding the rhythm of Italy’s feste nazionali (national holidays) throughout the year helps with both travel and local planning.
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January: The year starts with Capodanno (Jan 1), followed closely by Epifania on Jan 6. Known as La Befana, this charming holiday marks the end of the Christmas season with festive parades.
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Spring (March/April): The movable feasts of Pasqua (Easter Sunday) and Pasquetta (Easter Monday) bring vibrant religious processions and family picnics. Festa della Liberazione on April 25 is a solemn national day commemorating liberation from fascism, often marked with concerts and political rallies.
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May & June: Festa del Lavoro (Labour Day) on May 1 is a day of rest and demonstrations. Festa della Repubblica on June 2 celebrates the birth of the modern Italian Republic, highlighted by a grand military parade in Rome.
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August: The iconic Ferragosto (Assumption Day) on August 15 is Italy’s signature summer holiday. Cities empty as locals head to the coast or mountains for extended breaks.
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Autumn & Winter: Tutti i santi (All Saints’ Day) on Nov 1 is a quiet day of remembrance. December features the Immacolata Concezione (Dec 8), kicking off the festive season leading into Natale (Christmas) and Santo Stefano (Dec 26).
How to Plan Your Long Weekends in Italy
The secret to maximising your time off in Italy lies in “ponte” or “bridge” planning—using a single vacation day to connect a mid-week holiday to a weekend. Here’s the strategic approach:
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Identify the “Bridgeable” Holidays: Look for holidays that fall on a Tuesday or Thursday. In 2026, for example, Epifania (Jan 6) is on a Tuesday. Taking just one day off on Monday, January 5th, creates a luxurious 4-day weekend.
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Cluster Spring Holidays: April and May often have holidays close together. In 2025, with Festa della Liberazione on a Friday (April 25) and Festa del Lavoro the following Thursday (May 1), taking just three days off (April 28-30) can create a spectacular 9-day break.
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Leverage Fixed Dates: Ferragosto is always August 15. If it falls mid-week, it’s a perfect bridge opportunity. When planning long weekends in Italy, always check if the preceding or following days can be taken as leave.
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Check Regional Holidays: Remember, this list covers national Italian bank holidays. Cities and regions have their own patron saint days (e.g., Milan for Sant’Ambrogio), offering extra localised long weekend opportunities. Always pair the national calendar with local ones for the most strategic plan.
Traveler’s Guide to Italian Holidays: What to Expect
Traveling in Italy during the holidays offers a unique cultural experience but requires planning. A key thing to know: shops closed. During Italian holidays, it is a common reality, especially in smaller towns. Major museums and attractions in cities like Rome or Florence may remain open, but always check ahead. Embrace the local spirit—join a Festa della Liberazione concert or a Ferragosto beach party for an authentic experience.
FAQs
Q1: How many bank holidays are there in Italy?
There are 12 nationally recognized Italian bank holidays, though some regions observe additional local saints’ days.
Q2: Is Liberation Day a public holiday in Italy?
Yes, Liberation Day Italy (Festa della Liberazione) on April 25 is a national public holiday commemorating the end of fascist rule.
Q3: What is the next bank holiday in Italy?
The answer depends on the current date. Refer to our Italian bank holidays calendar above to see the upcoming holiday.
Q4: Are shops closed on public holidays in Italy?
Generally, yes. Most supermarkets, boutiques, and banks will be closed on national Italian holidays, especially in smaller towns. Larger stores in city centers may have reduced hours.
Also Read: Bank Holidays Ireland
If you’re planning a dream vacation to see the sights or are a local looking to maximize your time off, understanding Italian bank holidays is the first step. Use this guide to your Italian holiday calendar and our preliminary dates to plan long weekends in Italy perfectly.Â
Start plotting your Italian adventure today!
