New Year's Day (Capodanno): January 1st marks the beginning of the new year and is celebrated with fireworks, parties, and traditional foods such as lentils and cotechino (a type of sausage).
Epiphany (Epifania): January 6th commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. Children traditionally receive gifts from the "Befana," a good witch who flies on her broom and leaves presents for well-behaved children.
Carnival (Carnevale): Carnival takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent and is celebrated with parades, costumes, and masks. Venice is famous for its elaborate Carnival celebrations.
Easter (Pasqua): Easter is one of the most important holidays in the Italian calendar and is celebrated with religious services, family gatherings, and a traditional Easter lunch featuring dishes like lamb, roasted vegetables, and chocolate eggs.
Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione): April 25th marks the anniversary of the liberation of Italy from Nazi-Fascist occupation in 1945.
May Day (Festa dei Lavoratori): May 1st is a national holiday celebrating workers' rights and is often marked by parades and demonstrations.
Ferragosto: August 15th is a public holiday in Italy, often referred to as Ferragosto. It's a time for relaxation, family gatherings, and outdoor activities. Many Italians take their summer holidays during this period.
All Saints' Day (Ognissanti): November 1st is a day to honor all the saints and is often marked by visits to cemeteries and prayers for the deceased.
Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione): December 8th is a Catholic holiday that celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without sin.
Christmas (Natale): Christmas is a major holiday in Italy and is celebrated with religious services, family gatherings, gift-giving, and a traditional Christmas Eve dinner known as "La Vigilia."
Boxing Day (Santo Stefano): December 26th is a public holiday in Italy and is often spent visiting relatives and friends.
