Overview of Italy Holidays 2022
| Federal Holiday | Observed Date | Day of Week |
| New Year's Day | January 1, 2022 | Saturday |
| Epiphany | January 6, 2022 | Thursday |
| Easter Sunday | April 17, 2022 | Sunday |
| Easter Monday | April 18, 2022 | Monday |
| Liberation Day | April 25, 2022 | Monday |
| International Workers' Day | May 1, 2022 | Sunday |
| Republic Day | June 2, 2022 | Thursday |
| Assumption Day | August 15, 2022 | Monday |
| All Saints' Day | November 1, 2022 | Tuesday |
| Immaculate Conception | December 8, 2022 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2022 | Sunday |
| St Stephen's Day | December 26, 2022 | Monday |
These dates may be subject to change. Please visit the official government website for the most up-to-date information.
Holidays Italy 2022 – New Year's Day (Capodanno)
Date: January 1, 2022
Day of Week: Saturday
As the birthplace of the New Year's celebration, established by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, it should come as no surprise that in Italy, Capodanno is a grand celebration with traditional music and a lot of dancing. Fireworks also play a big part in Italy's New Year's celebration, from large public displays to small, handheld fireworks, used to drive away evil spirits and ring in the new year.
Holidays Italy 2022 – Epiphany (Epifania)
Date: January 6, 2022
Day of Week: Thursday
Epiphany is the day the Three Wise Men brought gifts to the infant Jesus. As such, Epiphany is celebrated through gift-giving. Gifts are given either by the Three Wise Men or by La Befana - an ugly but kind, old witch. Some traditions say La Befana goes down the chimney on her broom and sweeps away the problems of the last year.
There are many parades and fairs on this day. A public celebration is held at the Vatican where people dress in medieval clothing offering gifts to the Pope.
Consider visiting the Grand Canal in Venice to spectate the boat races where participants dress up as La Befana.
Holidays Italy 2022 – Easter Sunday (Pasqua)
and Easter Monday (Pasquetta)
Date: April 17 and 18, 2022
Day of Week: Sunday
Easter is mostly a religious celebration in Italy. During Holy Week, leading up to Easter, there are many masses and processions. As Easter signifies the end of Lent, a period of fasting, food plays a big role.
Easter Monday is not as religiously significant, and the day is often spent going to dances or concerts. Consider visiting Panicale where giant cheese wheels are rolled around the city wall.
Though most shops and restaurants will be closed during Easter, the majority of Italy's museums and other attractions will be open.
Holidays Italy 2022 – Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione)
Observed Date: April 25, 2022
Day of Week: Monday
Liberation Day celebrates Italy's liberation from German occupation after World War 2[JP1] . It is also a day to remember and honor those who made Italy's freedom possible.
In many Italian cities, marches, and parades are organized to commemorate the event. You will see an abundance of flags, and hear 'Bella Ciao', a beloved national song of liberation.
You will also see many protests against various injustices. A uniquely Italian tradition, aimed to honor and uphold the spirit of those who fought for the freedoms enjoyed by Italy's citizens today.
Holidays Italy 2022 – International Workers' Day (Festa del Lavoro)
Observed Date: May 1, 2022
Day of Week: Sunday
International Workers' Day, or Labor Day, is a day where the country celebrates and honors its workers. Some laborers and union workers might do so by organizing demonstrations or holding protests. Others will spend the day with family and friends, attending concerts or parades, or hosting picnics.
Holidays Italy 2022 – Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica)
Observed Date: June 2, 2022
Day of Week: Thursday
Republic Day marks Italy's start as a Republic. Italians consider this as the birthday of the nation, and it is a time to show your national pride.
There is a national parade that takes place in Rome, led by the president, and crowned by the air force flying overhead, decorating the sky in Italy's Tricolore - the colors in the Italian flag. There is also the wreath-laying on the Unknown Soldier's grave at the Altare della Patria, to honor those who have given their lives for the country.
This day also marks the official opening of the public gardens of the Palazzo del Quirinale, the official home of Italy's president.
Holidays Italy 2022 – Assumption Day (Assunzione della Vergine)
Observed Date: August 15, 2022
Day of Week: Monday
Assumption Day celebrates the ascension of the Virgin Mary. Because Assumption Day coincides with the start of the summer holiday, it is also known as Ferragosto, or 'the resting in August''.
It's a cheerful day with plenty of festivals and feasts, where you can find many regional delicacies. In some villages there are processions with the statue of the Virgin Mary on display. There are often neighborhood parties with celebratory fireworks as well.
Holidays Italy 2022 – All Saints' Day (Ognissanti)
Observed Date: November 1, 2022
Day of Week: Tuesday
This day commemorates all the saints, especially those who do not have their own day of reverence in the calendar, as well as those who - though not having achieved sainthood - were martyred for their faith. This is a day where many Italians attend mass, and contemplate the lives, good deeds, and deaths of the saints.
Holidays Italy 2022 – Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione)
Observed Date: December 8, 2022
Day of Week: Thursday
This is considered to be the day that, according to Catholic teachings, the Virgin Mary conceived through the Holy Spirit.
In many towns and cities, bonfires will be lit. These bonfires serve to warm these public spaces, but are also believed to cleanse negative energy from communities and to incinerate sins. Towns will be in competition with each other, often resulting in large bonfires that light up the night sky.
In many places a grand feast will be held to honor [JP2] the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. In Rome, the Pope leads a procession to the Piazza di Spagna, where firemen adorn the statue of the Virgin Mary with a wreath of flowers.
Holidays Italy 2022 – Christmas Day (Natale)
Observed Date: December 25, 2022
Day of Week: Sunday
Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas Day is typically spent indoors with family, enjoying a festive meal. After midnight mass, Italians might watch a nativity play, and end their evening enjoying a slice of Panettone.
During this time, consider visiting Naples, famous for its production of nativity (presepi) and pastoral (pastori) figures. Here you can find beautiful and elaborate nativity scenes. Or visit Vatican City for an unforgettable midnight mass hosted by the Pope inside St. Peter's Basilica.
Holidays Italy 2022 – Saint Stephen's Day (Santo Stefano)
Observed Date: December 26, 2022
Day of Week: Monday
In contrast to Christmas Day, Saint Stephen's Day is celebrated outside. Italians visit extended family and friends, and participate in various activities taking place on this day.
Churches open their doors to display their nativity scenes and their saintly relics. Elaborate nativity plays are staged for spectators to enjoy, and some places even hold processions to resemble the original Saint Stephen's celebration.
Back in 1394, on December 26, the village of Putignano celebrated being chosen to house the remains of Saint Stephen, often regarded as the first Christian martyr. Today, in the village of Putignano, these festivities have developed into one of Europe's oldest carnivals.
On this day, many Italians also choose to donate food and gifts to those less fortunate, in the spirit of Saint Stephen.
