Planning work, travel, or business activities around Italy public holidays 2026 is essential whether you live in the country, manage international operations, or are visiting for leisure. Italy has a well-defined system of national and regional public holidays that reflect its deep religious roots, modern republic history, and strong regional identities.
This in-depth guide provides a fully verified and practical overview of Italy public holidays 2026, including official dates, cultural context, regional variations, and how each holiday affects businesses, transport, schools, and tourism. The article is designed for real readers and structured to meet informational search intent making it useful for travelers, HR teams, freelancers, and anyone building a public holidays Italy calendar 2026.
How Public Holidays Work in Italy
Italy recognizes national public holidays (festività nazionali) that apply across the entire country, along with regional and local patron saint days that vary by city or region.
Key points to know:
- Most national holidays are non-working days
- Schools, banks, and government offices usually close
- Shops and restaurants may operate with reduced hours, especially in tourist areas
- When a holiday falls on a weekend, it is not moved to a weekday (no “substitute holiday” system)
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Italy Public Holidays 2026 – Official Calendar Table
Below is the complete and accurate list of Italian public holidays for 2026, based on official government and tourism authority calendars.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name (English / Italian) | Regions Observed |
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day / Capodanno | National |
| January 6, 2026 | Tuesday | Epiphany / Epifania | National |
| April 5, 2026 | Sunday | Easter Sunday / Pasqua | National |
| April 6, 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday / Lunedì dell’Angelo | National |
| April 25, 2026 | Saturday | Liberation Day / Festa della Liberazione | National |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Labour Day / Festa dei Lavoratori | National |
| June 2, 2026 | Tuesday | Republic Day / Festa della Repubblica | National |
| August 15, 2026 | Saturday | Assumption Day / Ferragosto | National |
| November 1, 2026 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day / Ognissanti | National |
| December 8, 2026 | Tuesday | Immaculate Conception / Immacolata Concezione | National |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day / Natale | National |
| December 26, 2026 | Saturday | St. Stephen’s Day / Santo Stefano | National |
National Public Holidays in Italy 2026 (Detailed Guide)
New Year’s Day – Capodanno
Date: January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
What it commemorates
- The first day of the Gregorian calendar year
Italian traditions
- Fireworks, concerts, family lunches
- Lentils eaten for good luck and prosperity
Closures
- Banks, schools, and offices closed
- Tourist attractions may open late or with limited hours
Epiphany – Epifania
Date: January 6, 2026 (Tuesday)
What it commemorates
- The visit of the Three Wise Men to Jesus
Cultural highlights
- The legend of La Befana, a witch-like figure who brings gifts
- Major celebrations in Rome’s Piazza Navona
Business impact
- Public offices closed
- Retail often open in city centers
Easter Sunday & Easter Monday – Pasqua & Pasquetta
Dates: April 5–6, 2026 (Sunday–Monday)
Religious significance
- Central Christian celebration of resurrection
Italian customs
- Church services on Sunday
- Outdoor picnics and trips on Easter Monday
Travel note
- One of the busiest travel periods of the year
- Advance bookings essential
Liberation Day – Festa della Liberazione
Date: April 25, 2026 (Saturday)
Historical importance
- Marks the end of Nazi occupation in 1945
Traditions
- Parades, official speeches, memorial ceremonies
Closures
- Government offices closed
- Shops vary by region
Labour Day – Festa dei Lavoratori
Date: May 1, 2026 (Friday)
What it celebrates
- Workers’ rights and labor movement
Key event
- Large free concert in Rome (Concertone del Primo Maggio)
Travel insight
- Long weekend for many Italians
- Popular for short trips
Republic Day – Festa della Repubblica
Date: June 2, 2026 (Tuesday)
Meaning
- Commemorates the 1946 referendum establishing the Italian Republic
Highlights
- Military parade in Rome
- Air force flyovers
Business status
- Nationwide closures
- Museums often open for free
Assumption Day – Ferragosto
Date: August 15, 2026 (Saturday)
Cultural importance
- Religious feast and traditional summer break peak
What happens
- Cities empty as Italians head to beaches or mountains
- Festivals and fireworks in coastal towns
Critical note
- Many businesses close for the entire week
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All Saints’ Day – Ognissanti
Date: November 1, 2026 (Sunday)
Purpose
- Honors all saints of the Church
Observances
- Cemetery visits
- Quiet, family-oriented holiday
Immaculate Conception – Immacolata Concezione
Date: December 8, 2026 (Tuesday)
Significance
Marks the start of the Christmas season in Italy
Activities
- Christmas markets open
- Vatican ceremonies
Christmas Day & St. Stephen’s Day – Natale & Santo Stefano
Dates: December 25–26, 2026 (Friday–Saturday)
Traditions
- Family meals, midnight Mass, gift-giving
Business impact
- Almost everything closed on Christmas Day
- Limited services on December 26
Regional Holidays and Local Patron Saint Days
In addition to national holidays, each city or region celebrates its patron saint, which is a public holiday locally.
Examples include:
- Rome – June 29 (Saints Peter and Paul)
- Milan – December 7 (Sant’Ambrogio)
- Florence – June 24 (San Giovanni)
- Venice – April 25 (San Marco)
Important: These holidays affect only the specific city or region but can still impact transport and local services.
How Italy’s Public Holidays Affect Travel & Business in 2026
Transport
- Reduced public transport schedules on holidays
- High-speed trains often sell out during long weekends
Tourism
- Peak crowds during Easter, Ferragosto, and Christmas
- Museums may offer special hours or free entry
Business
- Offices and banks close on national holidays
- August sees widespread company shutdowns
Planning Your Year Around Italian Holidays
Tips for workers & freelancers
- Expect slower response times around major holidays
- August and late December are least productive periods
Tips for travelers
- Book accommodation early for April–June and August
- Check local patron saint days when visiting cities
Overlapping & Strategic Holiday Periods in 2026
- Easter Week: April 5–6
- May Long Weekend: May 1 falls on Friday
- Christmas Period: December 25–26
These periods are ideal for extended trips but also the busiest.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Italy Public Holidays 2026
How many public holidays are there in Italy in 2026?
Italy observes 12 national public holidays in 2026, plus regional holidays.
Are Italian public holidays moved if they fall on weekends?
No. Italy does not move holidays to weekdays.
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in Italy?
Yes. Lunedì dell’Angelo is a nationwide public holiday.
Are shops open on public holidays in Italy?
Many shops open in tourist areas, but closures are common elsewhere.
Is August a bad time to do business in Italy?
Yes. Many companies close or operate at reduced capacity around Ferragosto.
Do regional holidays affect national transport?
Usually not, but local services may be limited in the affected city.
Sources & References
- Italian Ministry of the Interior – Public Holiday Calendar
- Italian Government Official Gazette (Gazzetta Ufficiale)
- ENIT – Italian National Tourist Board
- European Commission – Public Holidays by Country
- Major Italian news outlets: ANSA, Corriere della Sera
Final Note
This Italy public holidays 2026 guide is designed to be accurate, practical, and genuinely useful whether you’re organizing a work schedule, planning travel, or managing international operations. Bookmark it as your go-to Italian national holidays 2026 reference throughout the year.
Last Updated: January 2026
