Public Holidays and Best Festivals in Rome
Discover Rome's Must-See Festivities Through the Seasons. Rome, the Eternal City, is famous for its fascinating history, rich culture, and picturesque celebrations. If you are planning a trip to this timeless metropolis, here is a seasonal guide to the public holidays and festive events not to be missed, which will immerse you in the heart of Italian tradition. Organizing your stay in Rome according to the festivities taking place there ensures you will make wonderful discoveries once you arrive.
- Winter in Rome: A Magical Start to the Year
- January 1st: Capodanno in Rome (public holiday)
- February 6th: Epifania (public holiday)
- Roman Carnival
- March 19th: St. Joseph's Day
- Spring in Rome: Between Tradition and Liberation
- Pasqua (Easter Monday – public holiday)
- April 21st: Nascita di Roma
- April 25th: Festa della Liberazione (public holiday)
- May 1st: Festa dei Lavoratori (public holiday)
- June 2nd: Festa della Repubblica (public holiday)
- Summer in Rome: Between Sky and Tiber
- Roma su'l Tevere
- June 24th: St. John's Day
- June 29th: Saints Peter and Paul (public holiday)
- August 10th: Feast of St. Lawrence
- August 15th: Ferragosto or Assunzione (public holiday)
- Autumn in Rome: Celebrations and Harvests
- Sagra dell'Uva
- Rome International Film Festival
- Festa del Vino Nuovo
- November 1st: Ognissanti (Public Holiday)
- December 8th: Immacolata Concezione (Public Holiday)
- Year-End Festivities: Christmas in Rome
- December 25th: Natale (Public Holiday)
- December 26th: Santo Stefano (Public Holiday)
- December 31st: New Year's Eve in Rome
Did you know? The year 2025 is a Jubilee year, marking a major event for the Catholic community, attracting millions of pilgrims to Rome to celebrate this sacred moment. Discover the 2025 Jubilee calendar.
Winter in Rome: A Magical Start to the Year
January 1st: Capodanno in Rome (public holiday)
Rome celebrates Capodanno with gusto. Festivities include spectacular fireworks, open-air concerts, notably at the Circus Maximus, and celebrations throughout the city. Iconic squares like Piazza di Spagna come alive with festive events, marking the start of the new year with joy.
You will find here some New Year's Eve party suggestions in Rome.
February 6th: Epifania (public holiday)
On January 6th, Rome celebrates the Epifania, a religious holiday marking the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. On this day, La Befana, an Italian folkloric figure, brings gifts to children. In Rome, Piazza Navona comes alive with a festive market, parades, and shows to mark the occasion.
Did you know? According to legend, La Befana is a kind but somewhat mysterious old woman, often described as a witch flying on a broomstick, who visits children on the eve of Epiphany to fill their stockings with gifts and sweets if they have been good, or coal if they have been less obedient.
Roman Carnival
Celebrated every year in February, the Roman Carnival is a festive event that immerses the city in a historical and spectacular atmosphere for about ten days. The streets, particularly Via del Corso and Piazza del Popolo, come alive with parades of baroque costumes, colorful floats, equestrian shows, and street performances. The Carnival revives ancient traditions, offering tourists a unique and vibrant experience.
March 19th: St. Joseph's Day
A celebration also doubling as Father's Day, a warm moment to share with family. Since the Middle Ages, Fathers have been celebrated on March 19th in Italy, unlike in other European countries. It is also the day of St. Joseph, the putative father of Jesus.
Did you know? Italian Father's Day is also an opportunity to taste the « Zeppole di san Giuseppe » (cream-filled fried doughnuts).
Spring in Rome: Between Tradition and Liberation
Pasqua (Easter Monday – public holiday)
Easter is a must-see event with the Way of the Cross at the Vatican. Attend the Pope's mass for an overwhelming spiritual experience. Easter Monday is a public holiday.
April 21st: Nascita di Roma
Rome celebrates its birthday! A date marked by the mythical founding of Rome in 753 BC. According to legend, this is the day when Romulus traced the first borders of the Eternal City. Each year, this event is commemorated with historical reenactments, period costume parades, fireworks, and various cultural events that enliven the city.
April 25th: Festa della Liberazione (public holiday)
On April 25th, Italy celebrates the Festa della Liberazione, commemorating the liberation of the country from Fascism in 1945. This symbolic day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and official speeches, recalling the importance of freedom and paying tribute to those who fought for Italy's independence.
May 1st: Festa dei Lavoratori (public holiday)
This public holiday is dedicated to workers and their rights. Marked by union parades and rallies, this holiday is a tribute to social struggles and a moment of solidarity for Italian workers.
Did you know? On May 1st, a major concert, known as the Concerto del Primo Maggio, takes place every year in Piazza San Giovanni in Rome. This free event attracts thousands of people and offers a full day of live music with Italian and international artists.
June 2nd: Festa della Repubblica (public holiday)
Italy's National Day, commemorating the 1946 referendum that established the Italian Republic. This day is marked by a large military parade in Rome on Via dei Fori Imperiali, official ceremonies, and tributes to the fallen soldiers for the country's freedom.
Summer in Rome: Between Sky and Tiber
Roma su'l Tevere
Roma su'l Tevere is a must-see summer event in Rome, taking place from June to September along the banks of the Tiber, between the Sisto and Castel Sant'Angelo bridges. For almost three months, the river comes alive with craft stalls, open-air restaurants, concerts, film screenings, and exhibitions. Among the particularly interesting events, there are live music performances, themed evenings, and activities for children. Most events are free, but some activities, such as concerts or special exhibitions, may require a ticket. The full program is available on the event's official website, where you can check the dates and times of the various activities. Roma su'l Tevere offers a unique opportunity to experience Roman culture in a festive and relaxed atmosphere, while enjoying the beauty of summer evenings on the banks of the Tiber.
June 24th: St. John's Day
Rome celebrates the Feast of St. John, in honor of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the city. Religious celebrations take place at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, with processions and masses. The evening is often marked by bonfires and lively local festivities.
June 29th: Saints Peter and Paul (public holiday)
On June 29th, Rome celebrates the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the patron saints of the city. This day is marked by solemn masses at St. Peter's Basilica and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Religious processions and festive events enliven the city, paying homage to these apostles.
August 10th: Feast of St. Lawrence
Observe the shooting stars and celebrate St. Lawrence the martyr, former deacon of Rome. Religious ceremonies take place at the Basilica of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls, where he is buried. The evening is marked by vigils and celebrations, often under the starry sky of the Roman summer.
August 15th: Ferragosto or Assunzione (public holiday)
On August 15th, Italy celebrates Ferragosto or the Assunzione (Assumption). This religious holiday marks the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. In Rome, it's a public holiday with solemn masses, processions, and fireworks. It's also a day of rest, where Romans enjoy the beach or the countryside.
Autumn in Rome: Celebrations and Harvests
Sagra dell'Uva
The Sagra dell'Uva is a traditional Italian festival dedicated to the grape harvest and wine. It often takes place on the first weekend of October around Rome and highlights wine culture with parades, wine tastings, and musical events, attracting locals and tourists alike to celebrate the harvest.
Rome International Film Festival
The Rome International Film Festival, known as the Festa del Cinema di Roma, is usually held in October for 10 to 12 days. It primarily takes place at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, a cultural complex located in the Flaminio district of Rome.
The festival offers a wide range of screenings, including films in competition, premieres, retrospectives, and documentaries. In addition to screenings, there are discussions, workshops, and meetings with directors and actors.
To participate, you must book in advance on the festival's official website. Some outdoor or student events may be free.
Festa del Vino Nuovo
The Festa del Vino Nuovo is an Italian celebration dedicated to new wine, freshly fermented, celebrated at the end of October or beginning of November. It's celebrated in the outlying areas of Rome where winemaking traditions are still alive, such as the Castelli Romani, a wine region located southeast of the city. Festivities include tastings of vino novello, markets, musical entertainment, and sometimes parades. Some wineries and producers open their doors to the public, offering guided tastings.
November 1st: Ognissanti (Public Holiday)
November 1st, Ognissanti, is a religious holiday in Italy dedicated to all saints. On this public holiday, Italians visit cemeteries to honor their deceased, laying flowers and praying. It's a time of family remembrance, where churches hold special masses.
December 8th: Immacolata Concezione (Public Holiday)
December 8th, Immacolata Concezione, is a public holiday in Italy celebrating the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. This day marks the beginning of Christmas festivities. Italians attend masses, and public events, such as the traditional papal blessing in Rome, attract many faithful. We recommend arriving early to get a good spot.
Year-End Festivities: Christmas in Rome
December 25th: Natale (Public Holiday)
December 25th, Natale in Rome, is a deeply religious and festive celebration. The city lights up with decorations, and the faithful attend Midnight Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. Families gather for traditional meals, sharing typical dishes and sweets like panettone.
December 26th: Santo Stefano (Public Holiday)
December 26th, Santo Stefano, is a public holiday in Italy, celebrated the day after Christmas. Italians honor Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. It's a day of rest where families continue Christmas festivities, visit living nativity scenes, and share family meals.
December 31st: New Year's Eve in Rome
A festive New Year's Eve where traditions, fireworks, and family celebrations illuminate the Eternal City. Here are some places to celebrate New Year's Eve.
Did you know? The heart of New Year's Eve in Rome is at the Circus Maximus where you can attend an open-air concert and fireworks display.
Rome awaits you with its dazzling festivities every season. From the magical atmosphere of the Roman Carnival to the vibrant summer celebrations, every moment spent in the Eternal City promises unforgettable memories. Plan your trip around these events to attend them when you visit Rome.
Share your impressions and tips on Rome and its festivities by leaving a comment below. Your experience will help other travelers discover the best of Rome, making their stay even more memorable. Thank you.
Now that you know the calendar of Roman festivities, find on our page When to visit Rome the best time to set foot on Roman soil. Also be inspired by our Recommended Itineraries and the 20 must-see sites in Rome to plan your stay.