With the generally warm and sunny weather, plus many holidays to celebrate, springtime in Italy is arguably the best time of year for long-weekend getaways.
Italians like to strategically schedule their time off around the spring holidays to set themselves up for leisurely long weekends of three or four days that can be used for a quick escape to the countryside.
Italians call this making a ponte (bridge) – taking a day or two off to connect a mid-week holiday to the weekend.
There are five spring giorni festivi (public holidays) coming up soon that you’ll want to note in your calendar, in addition to several unofficial holidays.
International Women’s Day
The first notable date coming up in the spring calendar is International Women’s Day (La Festa della Donna) on Sunday, March 8th.
While not an official public holiday, International Women’s Day is widely celebrated in Italy. Expect bouquets of mimosa flowers, marches, rallies and other events, especially in larger cities.
READ ALSO: Here's how Italy is marking International Women's Day this year
Easter
Easter (Pasqua) is one of Italy's biggest holidays. While workers get a three-day weekend every year – from Saturday to Monday – schools close for a week or more.
Many if not most Italians travel during this period to visit family or take a spring vacation.
Unlike many other European countries, Good Friday is not a public holiday in Italy – though some businesses close early and the evening is quieter in many towns.
Easter Monday (Pasquetta or Lunedì dell'Angelo) is a national public holiday, however, and many celebrate by taking a trip out of town (gita fuori porta).
Liberation Day
Italy celebrates its Liberation Day – known as Il Giorno della Liberazione or La Festa della Resistenza (Celebration of the Resistance) – on April 25th. The date marks the end of the Italian Civil War and Nazi occupation.
This year, April 25th falls on a Sunday, so there won’t be a day off work to celebrate. Unfortunately, in Italy, if holidays fall on weekends there's no extra weekday off in lieu.
Still, you can enjoy the many festivities that will take place across the country. Italian cities hold marches and parades, and political rallies often take place in Rome and Milan.
April 25th is doubly important in Venice, where it’s the feast day of the city’s patron saint, St Mark.
Labour Day
One of the best opportunities to make long weekend plans this year is May 1st, Labour Day (Festa dei Lavoratori), which falls on a Friday, making it an automatic three-day weekend.
Labour Day commemorations in Italy mix ancient traditions with modern celebrations. There are labour and rights marches, open-air concerts and Cantamaggio folk singing.
READ ALSO: Music, parades and picnics: How Italy celebrates Labour Day on May 1st
Republic Day
The Festa della Repubblica is celebrated every year on June 2nd, marking the date in 1946 when Italians voted to abolish the monarchy.
This year’s Republic Day, which falls on a Tuesday, is a great opportunity to fare il ponte – you can take Monday, June 1st off for a four-day break (Saturday–Tuesday) while using only one day of your annual leave.
READ ALSO: Get planning: All the public holidays in Italy in 2026
Comments