The year started with the first of the bank holidays in Italy of 2025 on 1 January, New Year’s Day. Now, the country is preparing for its second festive break on Monday, 6 January, with the public holiday for the Epiphany.
Epiphany is not only a key religious event marking the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem but also a time of great anticipation for children awaiting gifts from La Befana, a kindly figure of Italian folklore.
This bank holiday offers many Italians the chance to enjoy a long weekend or ponte (“bridge”), a popular custom in Italy when holidays fall near weekends.
Bank Holidays in Italy 2025 – Calendar
Italy has 11 national public holidays each year, observed on their calendar date regardless of whether they fall on a weekend. In addition, cities and regions celebrate the feast days of their local patron saints.
Examples of local holidays include:
- SS. Pietro e Paolo in Rome on 29 June.
- S. Ambrogio in Milan on 7 December.
- S. Rosalia in Palermo, Sicily, on 15 July.
- S. Efisio in Cagliari, Sardinia, on 1 May.
- Festa del Redentore in Venice, Veneto, celebrated with a major event on the third Sunday of July.
The National Holidays
Italy’s next national holiday after the Epiphany will be Easter Sunday and Monday, falling on 20 and 21 April in 2025. These are followed closely by Liberation Day on 25 April, commemorating the end of the Fascist regime and Nazi occupation during WWII.
Other key dates include:
- Labour Day on 1 May, celebrating workers’ rights.
- Republic Day on 2 June, marking Italy’s transition to a republic in 1946.
- Ferragosto on 15 August, celebrating the feast of the Assumption and the traditional summer holiday season.
- All Saints’ Day on 1 November, honouring the saints of the Catholic Church.
- The Immaculate Conception on 8 December, signalling the beginning of the Christmas season.
- The final holidays of the year: Christmas Day on 25 December and St. Stephen’s Day on 26 December.
Ponte balances out weekend bank holidays
Italy’s approach to bank holidays means no extra days off if a holiday falls on a weekend. However, the tradition of the ponte helps balance this out, especially when holidays create an opportunity for an extended break.
With the Epiphany bank holiday fast approaching, Italians are gearing up for their next opportunity to celebrate in this year’s festive calendar. Whether it’s through La Befana’s gifts, regional traditions, or simply a much-needed rest, there’s plenty to look forward to in 2025.
