Starting September 1st, Italy returns to its normal routine after the summer holidays. The month brings the return of classes to schools, public transportation shutdowns, political reforms in Parliament, and new environmental incentives.
The return of summer
September marks the end of summer and the beginning of the so-called great returnThousands of Italians return home, reopening shops, and resuming their routines. For many, this period represents a fresh start. Restaurants, businesses, and schools are back in business as usual.
Back to school
The school calendar varies by region. The return dates for 2025 are:
- 8/9: Province of Bolzano
- 10/9: Trento, Piedmont, Veneto, Aosta Valley
- 11/9: Friuli Venezia Giulia
- 12/9: Lombardy
- 15/9: Abruzzo, Basilicata, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Liguria, Marche, Molise, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, Umbria
- 16/9: Calabria, Puglia
Transport strikes
With the end of stevedoring franchise, a period that prohibits strikes during the summer, protests are back. National train strikes are planned for the 4th and 5th, as well as strikes by airline and airport workers on the 6th.
Heavy traffic
The highway police warn of heavy traffic on the 1st, 6th and 7th. Congestion is also expected on the afternoon of 5/9 and the morning of 8/9, during the return from vacation.
Parliamentary resumption
The Italian Parliament reopens on September 10th after a five-week recess. At the top of the agenda is the proposed electoral reform that provides for the direct election of the prime minister—currently appointed by the president of the Republic. Giorgia Meloni's government advocates the change as a way to bring stability to the political system. The opposition and analysts see a risk of imbalance between the powers of the Republic.
For the Italian-Brazilian community, another point requires attention. One bill under discussion proposes further changes to the rules for acquiring Italian citizenship, with a direct impact on descendants of Italians living abroad.
The measures envisaged include:
- End of the right to citizenship through marriage for spouses living outside Italy;
- Maximum period of 48 months for the completion of administrative recognition processes;
- 12-month limit for the execution of court decisions on the subject;
- Increase in the consular fee from €600 to €700 for requests made via consular channels.
The project is still in the initial stages of processing.
Bridge over the Strait of Messina
Preliminary construction on the bridge between Sicily and Calabria begins in September. The €13,5 billion project includes expropriations and geological studies. The bridge will be 3,3 km long and is expected to be completed in 2032. Environmentalists and opponents fear ecological impact and corruption.
End of summer sales
As sale — summer sales — end in September in most regions, after almost two months of promotions.
Electric car bonus
A €600 million package will be released at the end of the month to subsidize the purchase of electric vehicles. The bonus could reach €11 for individuals and €20 for small businesses, provided the beneficiaries are located in large urban centers and discard combustion engine vehicles up to Euro 5.
Gastronomic festivals
September is the month of festivals, popular festivals that celebrate typical foods. Highlights include:
- White truffle festival in Girone, Tuscany
- Porcini mushroom festival in Rocca Priora, Lazio
- Made in Malga, Alpine cheese fair in Asiago, Veneto
As festivals are free and take place in squares or fields, with food, drinks and, in many cases, The music and dance.
