Italian News Headlines 13-06-2025: The world's most famous Tik Toker, Italian, Kharby Lame, was arrested and then expelled from the United States for remaining in the country after his visa expired. --- The Italian navy training ship, Amerigo Vespucci, arrived in Cagliari to be welcomed by Luna Rossa, the winner of the 37th America's Cup youth and women's tournament --- Italy will host the 38th edition of the America's Cup in Naples in 2027 --- Robert Francis Prevost from the USA has been chosen as the new pope, taking the name, Pope Leo XIV --- Two floating cranes, one of which is among the most powerful in Europe, have begun the process of lifting the sunken superyacht, the Bayesian, to the surface off the coast of Sicily --- Italian racing driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the F1 Mercedes team's replacement for Lewis Hamilton, became the youngest driver to take a Formula 1 pole position for the sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix --- King Charles III addresses the Italian Parliament in Italian, during his state visit of Italy --- A new discovery at Pompei has uncovered near life-sized frescoes that depict religious practices that were popular in the ancient city before its destruction in AD79 --- Pope Francis has spent a 10th night in hospital having been admitted with pneumonia in both lungs --- The Demoskopika Institute has rated Italy at the top of the European Tourism Reputation Index, above Greece and Spain, for the second year running.

Calendar of National Holidays & Annual Events in Italy

There are a few major religious and historical celebrations which are National Public Holidays and are celebrated all over Italy. On these days the shops, businesses, museums and other attractions tend to be closed. These are listed below for your convenience.

Some historical events in the larger cities have become big tourist attractions and crowds of people flock to witness the spectacle. We have listed only the most famous for now but will add more later.

Festivals form a large part of life in Italy and these celebrations are not just confined to religion, historical events, art and culture. All over the country everything is celebrated; chestnuts, tomatoes, lemons, pasta, wild boar, mushrooms, wine, local saints and famous people and many other things. The list is endless and varies greatly from region to region but all are fun, colourful and full of life and enthusiasm. They are not included in the list below but don't be surprised to find yourself in the middle of one of them during your holiday.

All Holidays & Events | National Public Holidays | Local Events

Local Calendar

Date
Event
Location
Dates vary
Carnevale
Held during the 2 or 3 weeks leading up to Shrove Tuesday.
The 2 major carnivals are in Venice and Viareggio
All over Italy
April 25
St. Mark's Day (Festa di San Marco )
Men traditionally present roses to the woman they love
Venice, Veneto
May 01
Festival of Sant' Efisio
The largest and most colourful religious procession in the world
Cagliari, Sardinia
June
dates vary
Calcio Fiorentino
Historic football game with a difference
Florence, Tuscany
July 02
Palio horse race
Siena, Tuscany
July
3rd weekend
Feast of the Redeemer (Festa del Redentore)
A religious festival combined with true Venetian celebrations
Spectacular firework display
Decorated boats
Venice, Veneto
August 16
Palio horse race
Siena, Tuscany
Late August / Early September
Venice Film Festival
Venice, Veneto
September 01
Regatta Storica
Venice, Veneto
September 07
Festival San Grato
Aosta, Aosta
September 07
Festival of the lanterns (Festa della Rificolona)
An historical event celebrating the birthday of the Virgin Mary
A colourful parade with homemade paper lanterns on sticks
Florence, Tuscany
September 19
Festival San Gennaro
Naples, Campania
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