From the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to La Festa della Befana, experience five of the most significant religious festivals in Italy and discover why they remain an integral part of Italian identity…
Italy is steeped in history and tradition, and its religious festivals reflect this rich cultural tapestry.
Religious festivals in Italy are celebrated with reverence, pageantry, and a community spirit that captivates visitors and locals alike.
From ancient customs to modern-day traditions, these events bring people together to honour religious beliefs and cherished heritage.
Whether you’re visiting during Christmas preparations in Umbria, marvelling at Venice’s Ascension Day boat parade, or joining Easter celebrations in Rome, each of these festivals offers a unique insight into Italian faith and culture.
1. Feast of the Immaculate Conception, 8 December
Not to be confused with the ‘virgin birth’, this celebrates Mary as someone herself conceived in a state of grace and thus fit to be the mother of God.
Above Gubbio in Umbria, a huge Christmas tree, up to 800m high, is lit up on the eve of the feast day.
This public holiday marks the moment when everyone’s preparations for Christmas really get underway, with gift buying and decorating the Christmas tree at home.
2. Ascension Day, the 40th day after Easter
This is a feast to celebrate the bodily ascension of Jesus to heaven.
This is one of the big feasts of the Christian calendar and an important day in the Catholic year.
In Venice this is known as the Festa della Sensa.
3. All Saints’ Day, 1 November
All Hallows’ Eve is on 31 October and the following day is a commemoration of Catholic saints and martyrs.
On 2 November, All Souls’ Day, the deceased are honoured.
Celebrate at the Alba white truffle festival which takes place at the start of November.
4. Easter
You can visit Florence at Easter to see a spectacular firework display with the Scoppio del Carro, ‘Explosion of the Cart’, but to really immerse yourself in the Easter festivities, Rome is the place to be.
The Pope is at the heart of it, finishing with Mass in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
5. La Festa della Befana, 5 January
Epiphany is on 6 January, when the Three Wise Men brought gifts for Jesus.
La Befana (the witch) comes on the 5th with gifts for good children – and coal for bad ones.
Celebrate at festivals throughout Italy, including Urbania (Le Marche).
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