Legally Recognised Holidays

Generally these days are work-free, but some service industries like cafés, bakeries, restaurants and cinemas are open. The religious importance is generally seen as being on the decline.

Jan 01 2006	Sun		New Year´s Day	Jan 01 2007	Mon		New Year´s Day
Jan 06 2006	Fri	†	Epiphany	Jan 06 2007	Sat	†	Epiphany
Apr 16 2006	Sun	†	Easter	Apr 08 2007	Sun	†	Easter
Apr 17 2006	Mon	†	Easter Monday	Apr 09 2007	Mon	†	Easter Monday
Apr 25 2006	Tue		Liberation Italy	Apr 25 2007	Wed		Liberation Italy
May 01 2006	Mon		Labour Day	May 01 2007	Tue		Labour Day
Jun 02 2006	Fri		Republic Day Italy	Jun 02 2007	Sat		Republic Day Italy
Aug 15 2006	Tue	†	Assumption Day	Aug 15 2007	Wed	†	Assumption Day
Nov 01 2006	Wed	†	All Saints´ Day	Nov 01 2007	Thu	†	All Saints´ Day
Dec 08 2006	Fri	†	Immaculate Conception	Dec 08 2007	Sat	†	Immaculate Conception
Dec 25 2006	Mon	†	Christmas	Dec 25 2007	Tue	†	Christmas
Dec 26 2006	Tue	†	St. Stephen´s Day	Dec 26 2007	Wed	†	St. Stephen´s Day
Dec 31 2006	Sun		New Year´s Eve	Dec 31 2007	Mon		New Year´s Eve

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

Liberation Italy
Celebration of the end of World War II for Italy and the liberation from fascism.

Mother´s Day
Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Mothers are given flowers and presents by their children.

New Year´s Eve / Day
The beginning of a new year is celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1st. Just like in many other countries, there are big New Year’s Eve celebrations and at midnight there are fireworks as a salute to the New Year. January 1st (New Year’s Day – Neujahr) is a national public holiday.

Republic Day Italy
Celebration of Italy's declaration and change to a republic following national referendum in 1946.

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

Advent (1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th)
Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas. The Latin word "adventus" means "arrival". It refers to the period of preparation for the coming of Jesus on the first day of Christmas. Many families have what is known as an "Adventskranz" ("Advent crown") with 4 candles. A candle is lit on each of the four Sundays of Advent. During Advent, sweet pastries are often eaten and Christmas decorations are put up around the home. An "Adventskalender" ("Advent Calendar") is often made or bought for children. The calendar has 24 windows with small presents or pictures behind each window, for each day from the 1st until the 24th of December, Christmas Eve.

All Saints´ Day
Christian day for honoring saints, known and unknown. A Holy Day of Obligation in the Roman Catholic Church where saints have special formal status. In general, saints are persons with reputation for unusual lives of holiness and devotion to God.

Assumption Day
Roman Catholic Christian observance commemorating the belief that the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life

Christmas
Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers, exchanging of gifts, and family parties

Christmas Eve
Christian celebration of the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem for for the birth of Jesus. It is observed with worship, candle lighting, manger scenes and festive meals

Easter / Easter Monday
The most holy of Christian sacred days. The day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from his death by crucifixion. Observances include worship services beginning at sunrise, special music, feasting, and parades

Epiphany
Christian commemoration of the manifestations of the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The homage of the magi to the infant Jesus is honored by some. For others the Baptism of Jesus is the remembered event. A season of the Christian year from the close of Christmas to the beginning of Lent. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.

Good Friday
Christian remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus and related events

Immaculate Conception
Roman Catholic (Christian) day of celebrating the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life. A day of obligation and required church attendance

Palm Sunday
Christian celebration of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The day begins Holy Week. It is observed by worship celebrations and parades using palm branches

St. Stephen´s Day
Christian remembrance of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr

Non Legally Recognised Holidays

Apr 09 2006	Sun	†	Palm Sunday	Apr 01 2007	Sun	†	Palm Sunday
May 14 2006	Sun		Mother´s Day	May 13 2007	Sun		Mother´s Day
Dec 03 2006	Sun	†	First Advent	Dec 02 2007	Sun	†	First Advent
Dec 10 2006	Sun	†	Second Advent	Dec 09 2007	Sun	†	Second Advent
Dec 17 2006	Sun	†	Third Advent	Dec 16 2007	Sun	†	Third Advent
Dec 24 2006	Sun	†	Fourth Advent	Dec 23 2007	Sun	†	Fourth Advent