What are we celebrating?
Usually referred to by Italians as L'Immacolata, it is a Catholic feast day commemorating the conception of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus.
According to Catholic dogma, all humans are born with original sin, which is why babies are baptised shortly after birth to make them 'worthy' of entry to Heaven.
Mary’s mother, Saint Anne, became pregnant in the usual, biological way, but the conception was 'immaculate' because God intervened, absolving Mary of original sin.
While the feast has been celebrated since as early as the seventh century, December 8th was first officially declared a holiday in 1854 by Pope Pius IX.
How is it marked?
L’Immacolata is one of 12 (soon to be 13) national public holidays in Italy.
Conveniently, it falls on a Monday this year, meaning most workers around the country will enjoy a three-day weekend.
In many cities around Italy, the holiday is marked by special masses dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
One of the most notable religious ceremonies is held in Rome’s Piazza Mignanelli, where the Pope lays a floral wreath at the base of the Column of the Immaculate Conception.
Elsewhere in Italy, a number of cities and towns, including Naples, Trapani and L’Aquila, hold processions in honour of Mary.
Finally, in some parts of central and southern Italy, people share food and wine around bonfires known as fuochi dell’Immacolata.
Does this mean everything will be closed?
Since the holiday falls during Advent, many shops in major cities and towns around Italy will remain open on Monday to allow for Christmas shopping.
However, if you’re planning to travel, make sure you check the website of the relevant transport operator beforehand, as services may be running on a reduced holiday timetable (orari festivi).
READ ALSO: Immacolata: What’s open and what’s closed in Italy on December 8th 2025
As is generally the case for public holidays in Italy, schools, government offices, post offices and banks will all be closed on December 8th.
Find out more about what you can expect on L’Immacolata HERE.
The beginning of Christmas
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception unofficially marks the beginning of the holiday season in Italy, which is why you’ll see many cities and towns around the country put up their Christmas trees and decorations on or immediately after the holiday.
The feast also means that almost everything in Italy, especially admin-related procedures, noticeably slows down from this point on.
If you live in Italy, it’s generally best to get any important paperwork done before December 8th to avoid waiting until the holiday period ends on January 6th.
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