Public Holidays in Italy 2024
Holidays hold a special significance. Whether young or old, it’s a time for celebration and memory-making.
Whether you are a newly arrived expatriate, a long-time resident, or just visiting the vibrant city of Milan, understanding public holidays is essential for effective travel planning.
On one hand, your itinerary might be interrupted by the closing of popular attractions; on the other hand, lacking awareness of holiday seasons could lead to increased expenses for tickets and accommodations.
Many attractions may close on public holidays, so planning ahead is crucial. I vividly recall the chaos we experienced on Ferragosto, August 15, while driving on the A4. Just because it falls on a weekday doesn’t mean it’s less crowded. We spent about 30 minutes searching for parking and ultimately had to park far away and walk several kilometres to reach the Castle in Sirmione.
In addition to national holidays, there are also numerous regional holidays that you should check before booking your tickets.
This year, Italy will observe 11 public holidays in 2024. Keep in mind that Italians celebrate these holidays on their specific dates, even if they fall on weekends.
Here is a list of public holidays in Italy for 2024:
January
- New Year’s Day – Monday, January 1
- Epiphany – Saturday, January 6
April
- Easter Monday – Monday, April 1
- Liberation Day – Thursday, April 25
May
- Labour Day – Wednesday, May 1
June
- Italian Republic Day – Sunday, June 2
August
- Ferragosto – Thursday, August 15
November
- All Saints’ Day – Friday, November 1
December
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception – Sunday, December 8
- Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25
- St. Stephen’s Day – Thursday, December 26
Maximize Your Travel with Long Weekends
Italians often take advantage of “Ponte,” or “Bridge” holidays. These occur when a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, allowing individuals to take a day off and create an extended weekend.
These extended weekends are perfect for exploring distant destinations in the south. Residents of Milan might consider trips to Puglia, the Capri Islands, or even Sicily.
Here is the list of bridge holidays for 2024:
- Liberation Day – Thursday, April 25
- Ferragosto – Thursday, August 15
- St. Stephen’s Day – Thursday, December 26
This year, there are a total of three bridge holidays.
Don’t fret about travel logistics. Italy boasts an extensive network of long-distance trains that connect even the furthest islands.
