Bank holidays in Italy are full of excitement, featuring colorful parades, rich cultural traditions, and peaceful, intimate gatherings. For travelers, these holidays are the perfect chance to experience Italy at its most authentic—just keep in mind that many shops and attractions may be closed. For locals, these days off are golden opportunities to create long weekends and maximize your vacation days. Whether you’re exploring the beauty of Italy or traveling abroad, we’ll show you how to make the most of 2026.
Plan like a pro:
Whether you’re a traveler chasing unforgettable moments or a local looking to stretch those vacation days, we’ve got you covered!
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🎉 Travelers & locals, what you need to know
Keep reading for the ultimate breakdown of Italy’s 2026 public holidays, complete with tips for enjoying local events, taking strategic days off, and soaking up all the adventure these dates have to offer.
❄️ January
📆 New Year’s Day (Capodanno): Thursday, January 1
Travelers: Celebrate like an Italian with fireworks and big feasts.
Locals: Fancy a long weekend? Take January 2 off for a 4-day break to kick off the year.
📆 Epiphany (La Befana): Tuesday, January 6
Travelers: Don’t miss the Befana parades and festive markets.
Locals: Take January 5 off to enjoy a 3-day weekend. Or combine it with a day off on January 2 and push it to the max with a 6-day breather. Why not plan a quick ski trip or a cozy mountain escape?
🌸 April
📆 Easter Sunday (Pasqua): Sunday, April 5
Travelers: Celebrate with traditional Easter feasts and incredible church services. Rome and Milan are magical this time of year.
📆 Easter Monday (Pasquetta): Monday, April 6
Travelers: Expect families out on picnics and towns alive with local celebrations. A great day to soak in Italian community vibes.
Locals: A 4-day weekend is right here—plan a long weekend trip with friends or solo in Italy or somewhere cool nearby.
📆 Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione): Saturday, April 25
Travelers: Liberation Day in Italy is a historic moment celebrated with parades and events, especially in Rome.
Locals: Enjoy this weekend holiday and don’t miss out on all the festivities!
🎶 May
📆 Labor Day (Festa dei Lavoratori): Friday, May 1
Travelers: Celebrate with concerts and lively events across cities like Rome and Milan.
Locals: Enjoy this sweet 3-day weekend and welcome spring.
☀️ June
📆 Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica): Tuesday, June 2
Travelers: Republic Day Italy is a spectacular celebration with military parades and ceremonies, especially in the capital.
Locals: Take June 1 off for a nice 4-day break. Hit the coast or relax in the countryside.
🌊 August
📆 Ferragosto (Assumption Day): Saturday, August 15
Travelers: Italy holidays in August are all about beaches, fireworks, and vibrant local traditions. Ferragosto is one of the country’s most cherished celebrations.
Locals: A nice weekend holiday for beach trips, mountain hikes, or just soaking up the summer sun.
🍁 November
📆 All Saints’ Day (Tutti i Santi): Sunday, November 1
Travelers: Experience a quieter side of Italian national holidays as locals honor their loved ones with cemetery visits and special services.
Locals: A weekend holiday—perfect for a little breather before the holiday rush begins.
🎄 December
📆 Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione): Tuesday, December 8
Travelers: This marks the start of the Christmas season. Think twinkling lights, nativity scenes, and cozy vibes everywhere.
Locals: Take December 7 off for a festive long weekend. Hit the Christmas markets or stay in with panettone and mulled wine.
📆 Christmas Day (Natale): Friday, December 25 & St. Stephen’s Day (Santo Stefano): Saturday, December 26
Travelers: Italian national holidays like Christmas are perfect for experiencing grand family feasts and nativity plays.
Locals: No extra days are needed here—a 3-day weekend is served up on a platter!
📆 St. Sylvester’s Day (San Silvestro): Thursday, December 31
Travelers: Italians love to party on New Year’s Eve. Feast on lentils and sausage for good luck and enjoy fireworks displays.
Locals: With Friday off (January 1), you can roll straight into 2027 with a 4-day holiday!
🎭 Bonus Holiday: Carnival (Carnevale)
📅 When: Saturday, January 31 until Tuesday, February 17
Travelers: Carnival isn’t a public holiday, but it’s a must-see event! Head to Venice or Viareggio for parades, costumes, and masks that are pure Italian magic.
Locals: If you’re near a Carnival hotspot, go soak up the fun—it’s worth it!
Whether you’re a traveler eager to experience local celebrations or planning your vacation days as a resident, this guide to bank holidays in Italy will help you make the most of your time.
📌 MEININGER Tip: Check our guides to the bank holidays in Germany and the bank holidays in France to plan ahead and make your European travels as smooth as your Italian adventure!
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Your ultimate guide to bank holidays in Italy 2026: FAQs
What are Italy’s main bank holidays in 2026?
Italy’s 2026 bank holidays include New Year’s Day (January 1), Epiphany (January 6), Easter Sunday and Monday (April 5–6), Liberation Day (April 25), Labor Day (May 1), Republic Day (June 2), Ferragosto (August 15), All Saints’ Day (November 1), Immaculate Conception (December 8), Christmas Day (December 25), and St. Stephen’s Day (December 26). Additionally, St. Sylvester’s Day (December 31) and Carnival (February 7) are notable celebrations.
What should I expect during Italy’s bank holidays as a traveler?
Italy’s public holidays often feature vibrant parades, traditional celebrations, and local events, giving travelers a chance to experience authentic Italian culture. However, many shops, banks, and attractions may close or operate with limited hours. Planning ahead is key to enjoying the festivities while navigating potential closures.
How can locals maximize their vacation days in 2026?
Locals can create long weekends by combining holidays with strategic vacation days. For example, taking January 2 and 5 off extends New Year’s to a 6-day break. Similarly, taking June 1 results in a long Republic Day weekend.
What’s special about Ferragosto on August 15?
Ferragosto, or Assumption Day, is one of Italy’s most cherished holidays. It’s celebrated with fireworks, beach outings, and local traditions. For travelers, it’s an excellent opportunity to join the festivities, while locals often enjoy the ready-made long weekend for relaxation or travel.
What’s the best way to celebrate Easter in Italy?
Easter Sunday and Monday are deeply rooted in Italian culture. Travelers can enjoy traditional feasts, special church services, and lively community events. Rome and Milan are particularly magical during this time, offering a blend of solemn traditions and joyful celebrations.
Are there any unique holidays to experience in Italy in 2026?
Yes, Carnival (January 31 until February 17) is a standout event with stunning parades, costumes, and masks, especially in Venice and Viareggio. Though not a bank holiday, it’s a must-see experience for travelers. The Immaculate Conception on December 8 also marks the start of the festive Christmas season, with beautiful lights and markets.
How are Christmas holidays celebrated in Italy?
Christmas in Italy is a time of grand family feasts, nativity plays, and festive decorations. December 25 (Christmas Day) and December 26 (St. Stephen’s Day) are public holidays, often creating a 4-day holiday period perfect for both locals and travelers to enjoy the season’s charm.
What are the travel tips for visiting Italy during Liberation Day?
Liberation Day on April 25 is a historic celebration marked by parades and events, particularly in Rome. For travelers, it’s a chance to learn about Italy’s history while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Are shops and attractions closed during bank holidays in Italy?
Many shops, banks, and attractions may close or operate on reduced hours during public holidays. It’s a good idea to check ahead for opening hours or plan visits to local festivities, which are often the highlight of these days. Major cities like Rome and Milan usually have some attractions open.
Can I plan long weekends around Italy’s 2026 bank holidays?
Absolutely! Many of Italy’s public holidays align with weekends, allowing locals and travelers to create extended breaks. For example, Republic Day on June 2 falls on a Tuesday, making it perfect for a 4-day weekend, if you take the Monday off. Strategic planning can help you make the most of your time off.
🏨 Plan ahead with MEININGER Hotels
Looking for a comfy and affordable base for your adventures? MEININGER Hotels has you covered. Stay in the heart of Italy’s top destinations—Rome, Milan, and Venice—and explore local festivities without the stress.
MEININGER Roma Termini: Via S. Martino della Battaglia, 16, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
MEININGER Milano Lambrate: Piazza Monte Titano, 10, 20134 Milano MI, Italy
MEININGER Milano Garibaldi: Via Privata Giovanni Calvino, 11, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
MEININGER Venezia Mestre: Via Ca’ Marcello, 8C, 30172 Venezia VE, Italy
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