Public Holidays and Best Festivals in Rome

Discover Rome's Essential Festivities Throughout the Seasons. Rome, the Eternal City, is renowned for its fascinating history, rich culture, and picturesque celebrations. If you're planning a trip to this timeless metropolis, here's 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 around the festivals taking place ensures wonderful discoveries once you arrive.

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 great enthusiasm. Festivities include spectacular fireworks, open-air concerts, particularly 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 Epifania, a religious feast 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.

The 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 baroque costume parades, colorful floats, equestrian shows, and street performances. The Carnival revives ancient traditions, offering tourists a unique and vibrant experience.

March 19th: Saint Joseph's Day

A celebration doubled 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 Saint Joseph, the putative father of Jesus.

Did you know? Italian Father's Day is also an occasion 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 a breathtaking 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 liven up the city.

April 25th: Festa della Liberazione (public holiday)

On April 25th, Italy celebrates the Festa della Liberazione, Italy commemorates 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 trade union parades and rallies, this celebration is a tribute to social struggles and a moment of solidarity for Italian workers.

Did you know? On May 1st, a large 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 soldiers who fell 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 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 events. 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: Feast of St. John

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 di San Paolo fuori le Mura. Religious processions and festive events animate the city, paying homage to these apostles.

August 10th: Feast of St. Lawrence

Watch the shooting stars and celebrate Saint Lawrence, the former deacon of Rome. Religious ceremonies take place at the Basilica di San Lorenzo fuori le Mura, where he is buried. The evening is marked by vigils and celebrations, often under the starry Roman summer sky.

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 to celebrate the harvest.

Rome International Film Festival

The Rome International Film Festival, known as the Festa del Cinema di Roma, usually takes place in October for 10 to 12 days. It is mainly held 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 is 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 is a time of family remembrance, where churches celebrate 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.

End-of-Year 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 is 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 go to Rome the best time to set foot on Roman soil. Also be inspired by our Adviser Itineraries and the 20 must-see sites in Rome to plan your stay.

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