Implementation of new security and immigration law
In late April, Italy's lower house approved a sweeping new law that is set to make significant changes to the country's security and immigration policy.
It's a sweeping reform covering topics as varied as vehicles that flee a police stop to boosted funding for more city surveillance cameras.
Most talked about in Italian media are the new provisions on knives, which clamp down on the carrying of such weapons. The law also expands police powers during public protests or demonstrations, including the right to search and detain for up to 12 hours those deemed to pose a threat.
The decree has faced controversy over a provision on "assisted voluntary repatriation", which provides financial compensation for lawyers who help foreign citizens self-deport.
New labour law expected to go into effect
In Italy, pushes for labour reform are typical around the May 1st Labour Day anniversary. A comprehensive labour law, the May 1st decree (Decreto 1° Maggio in Italian), has been in the news in recent months.
The decree introduces several measures to cut payroll taxes for corporations, provide greater wage security for ride-share workers (such as food delivery persons), and incentivize hiring of youth (under 35s) and women, particularly in the south.
Transport strikes
Transport strikes are a regular occurrence in Italy, as most months of the year see at least two or three walkouts.
Several scioperi are planned for May, from three general strikes to a nationwide Easyjet strike, among others.
READ ALSO: The transport strikes to expect in Italy in May 2026
Keep up with all the latest news about transport strikes, delays and disruption in Italy in The Local's strike news section.
New flight routes
There will be several new flights to and from Italy starting in May, as holiday-makers prepare for the summer travel season.
United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta and Ita Airways are among the carriers launching new flight routes between various Italian destinations and cities across North America and Europe this May.
The biggest changes coming to Italy travel this month are the increased connections between Italy and the East Coast of the US. Highly anticipated are the new flights between Milan and Miami, Olbia and New York, and Rome and Newark.
READ ALSO: 33 new flight routes coming to Italy this spring and summer
Labour Day celebrations
Friday, May 1st will mark Italy’s Labour Day (or Festa del Lavoro in Italian). Established in 1890 to celebrate workers’ rights and trade union achievements, Labour Day is a national public holiday, meaning a day off work for many employees.
Offices and schools will be closed on the day, while most state-run museums and archaeological sites will remain open.
Rail and public transport providers tend to operate a number of ‘holiday services’ (servizi or orari festivi) on national holidays, including Labour Day.
READ ALSO: Music, parades and picnics: How Italy celebrates Labour Day on May 1st
Concertone
Italy's traditional Labour Day concert, known as il concertone or ‘the big concert’, will return to Rome on May 1st.
The event, which brands itself as the largest free live music concert in Europe, will be held in Piazza San Giovanni, with performances from some of the most popular Italian artists set to start at 3pm.
Giro d’Italia
The 2026 edition of the Giro d’Italia, one of the world’s most prestigious cycling competitions, will run from Friday, May 8th to Sunday, May 31st.
This year’s event will kick off in Bulgaria and end in Rome for the third consecutive year.
As usual, the contest will attract thousands of cycling enthusiasts from around the world, with fans once again set to crowd narrow mountain roads and camp out in fields just to get a brief glimpse of the riders.
READ ALSO: 12 events to look forward to this May in Italy
Mother’s Day
Italy celebrates Mother’s Day (Festa della Mamma) on the second Sunday in May, which falls on May 10th this year.
Established in 1956, Italy’s Mother’s Day originally fell on May 8th, but in 2000, the occasion was moved to the second Sunday of May to align with the American calendar.
Summer tyre change deadline
Motorists in Italy have until May 15th to make the switch from winter to summer tyres.
After the window to make the switch closes, drivers breaking the rules will face a fine of up to €1,731 plus the requirement to undergo a revisione (the Italian equivalent of a UK MOT test or a vehicle inspection in the US).
It's important to note that Italy’s summer tyre requirement doesn’t apply to all vehicles; see our article on the topic to find out whether or not it applies to you.
European 'Night of Museums'
On Saturday, May 23rd, many museums will keep their doors open past midnight and into the early hours as part of the European Night of Museums.
State-owned museums and some private institutions across Italy will be participating (check their websites for details).
Some organize special events or open buildings usually off-limits to the public, and many offer entry completely free of charge or for a nominal fee.
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