You know what’s the best? A vacation. You know what’s even better than the best? Celebrating a local holiday while you’re on vacation! Not only are you kind of feeding two birds with one scone, but you also get to experience an opportunity that most tourists don’t get.

So today we’re sharing with you the best Italian holidays! If you live in Italy for 1-3 months with our Italy program, there’s a good chance you’ll experience one or more of these holidays. If you’re only able to go for a shorter period, you may have to time it right in order to see one of these celebrations.

How Holidays Work In Italia

Did you know that in Italy there are nationwide holidays and city holidays? Each city has its own Saint’s day. And it’s a big deal! It’s an excuse for the entire city to:

• take a break from work
• dine and drink with friends
• be loud(er)
• have fun

Italian culture is really fun, extroverted, and laid-back. Italians really know how to celebrate. In fact, they are known for finding excuses (however how small) to have a holiday. And when you have a warm climate, good food, and fun friends — who can blame them?

City Holidays:

Here are some of the city holidays in Italy:

1. Pisa — San Ranieri aka Luminara

Luminara is celebrated each year on June 16. It’s in honor of San Ranieri, the saint of Pisa. The whole city is filled with lighted candles and there’s a firework show on the River Arno. It’s incredible to say the least and definitely worth experiencing!

2. Rome — La Festa di San Pietro e Paolo (St. Peter & St. Paul)

La Festa di San Pietro e Paolo is celebrated June 29. The city has “floral carpets,” displayed outside St. Peter’s Square and there are fireworks at night. Rome is pretty amazing as-is but during a full-on, city-wide festival? You definitely don’t want to miss that.

3. Venice — Festa del Redentore (The Redeemer)

Italians celebrate Festa del Redentore on July 15-16. Now Venice is pretty incredible during the day, but can you imagine a giant firework display in St. Mark’s Square at night? Add this one to your bucket list.

4. Florence — La Festa di San Giovanni (Festival of St. John)

Florence’s patron saint is St. John the Baptist. Medieval Florence aspired to build its fortune on St. John because he was considered the “symbol of moral rectitude and political correctness.” Today, Florentines celebrate the Feast of St. John on June 24. You can attend several cultural and folkloric events, including an awesome parade with incredible costumes and end the day with an amazing fireworks show, called i fochi di San Giovanni.

5. Monterosso, Cinque Terre — Sagra dei Limoni (Lemon Festival)

For Sagra dei Limoni, the small village of Monterosso is decorated with lemons. You can taste limoncino, lemon cream, lemon marmalade and torta al limone (lemon cake). This holiday is celebrated on the third Saturday in May.

6. Siena — Palio (Horse Race)

On July 2 and August 16, Siena holds its famous Palio horse race. Ten racers on horseback represent ten of the 17 areas (contrade) of the city. It’s hot, there’s tons of people, but wow! What a sight to witness.

7. Milan — Settimana della moda (Fashion Week)

Held twice each year (February/March and September/October), Milan Fashion Week is kind of a big deal. It’s where big names like Gucci, Prada, and more showcase their fashion ideas. Believe it or not, Fashion Week is partially organized by a non-profit group (The National Chamber for Italian Fashion).

Nationwide Holidays:

1. Carnivale

Carnivale is celebrated ​before Lent begins. In February, there is a huge winter festival (two weeks long!) complete with masks, parades, music and parties. The festivities are extra-big on Fat Tuesday.

2. Settimana della Cultura (Cultural Heritage Week)

Carnivale is celebrated ​before Lent begins. In February, there is a huge winter festival (two weeks long!) complete with masks, parades, music and parties. The festivities are extra-big on Fat Tuesday.

3. Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day)

In memory of the end of World War II in Italy, April 25th marks the country’s anniversary of freedom from Nazi occupation. Italians celebrate this holiday with concerts, food (of course), performances, political rallies, and other public events.

4. August 15: Ferragosto

This Catholic holiday (Feast of the Assumption) marks the nation’s annual summer vacation. From this date until the beginning of September nearly everyone goes on vacation. So you’ll likely see many signs saying chiuso per ferie (closed for vacation). Italians usually spend their holiday at the beach, in the mountains, and with family and friends.

5. Christmas & Other Christian Holidays

Christmas, December 25 — Like other places in Europe, Italy celebrates Christmas with amazing Christmas outdoor markets. You can shop, eat, enjoy rides, and more. Plus, don’t forget Christmas Eve Mass at any of the Catholic churches.

Epiphany & La Befana, January 6 — Italian legend has it that La Befana (a witch-like lady on a broom) didn’t want t join the Wise Men on their journey to see the baby Jesus. She later regrets her decision and set out to bring the Child gifts but never finds him. So instead, she leaves gifts for other children. Italian children put out stockings and families eat traditional Italian foods such as panettone. Italians also may attend church when celebrating this holiday.

All Saints’ Day, October 31-November 1 — This Catholic holiday commemorates Saints who don’t have designated holidays of their own. Many believe that the dead return on this day. Some Italian families will leave places at mealtimes for loved ones who have passed on.

Other Things to Know About Italian Holidays

When you think about holidays in Italy, keep in mind:

• Italy has quite a few holidays
• Holidays can strike without warning
• Festival dates are often not posted on websites until just before the event (they may be even be posted incorrectly)
• So stay flexible and remember…when in Rome, do as the Romans do!

You can check out Italy’s official tour site or Rick Steves for more info about Italian holidays. You can also get updates on local events with Whazzo, a free app​.

If celebrating these Italian holidays local-style appeals to you, you might want to apply to live abroad with our Italy program.