Italy will have a busy calendar of cultural, sporting, and traditional events in 2026. From religious festivals to major international celebrations, the year will be marked by festivities throughout the country. Below are the main highlights month by month.
January
New Year
January 1st is a national holiday. The celebrations tend to be low-key, as the festivities are concentrated on the night before.
Epiphany and La Befana
Celebrated on January 6th, Epiphany marks the official end of the holiday season. The date is also... associated with the tradition of Befana, a character from Italian folklore..
Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot
Between January 16th and 17th, traditional bonfires mark the celebration of the patron saint of animals, especially in the south of the country.
February
Carnival
The Carnival period brings activity to several regions. The highlight is the Carnival of Venice, with events between January 31st and February 17th. Viareggio and Ivrea also host traditional celebrations.
Winter Olympic games
Os 2026 Winter Olympics They take place from February 6th to 22nd, with events concentrated in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Sanremo Festival
The Sanremo Festival takes place from February 24th to 28th, bringing together established artists and new names in Italian music.
March
Winter Paralympic Games
The Paralympic competitions are scheduled for March 6-15, following the Olympic calendar.
National Unity Day
On March 17th, Italy celebrates the unification of the country with official ceremonies in various cities.
Rome Marathon
The race takes place on March 22nd, with a route through historical landmarks of the capital.
April
Easter Holiday
Easter celebrations include the Stations of the Cross processions on Good Friday, masses on Sunday, and outings on Easter Monday.
Rome's Anniversary
On April 21thThe capital celebrates its founding with historical events and themed parades.
Liberation Day
On April 25th, the country celebrates the end of the Nazi-fascist occupation during World War II.
May
Labor Day
The May 1st holiday is marked by demonstrations and shows, most notably the free concert in Rome.
Tour of Italy
The Giro d'Italia starts on May 8th in Bulgaria and finishes in Rome on the 31st.
Venice Biennale
The Venice Biennale opens its 61st edition on May 9th.
Infiorata of Noto
Between May 15th and 19th, the Sicilian city hosts the traditional floral carpet festival.
June
Republic Day
The national holiday of June 2nd is marked by a military parade and a squadron presentation. Frecce Tricolori In Rome.
Opera festivals
The opera season at the Verona Arena, one of the most important opera events of the European summer, begins on June 12th.
July
Palio of Siena
The Palio de Siena takes place on July 2nd, with a new edition in August.
Umbrian Jazz
The festival takes place from July 3rd to 12th in Perugia.
Feast of the Redeemer
Held on the third Sunday of July, the celebration in Venice includes a fireworks display over the lagoon.
August
Ferragosto
O August 15th holiday It marks the peak of the Italian summer and the period of collective holidays.
September
Autumn Sagre
Regional food festivals are taking over the calendar, with a focus on local products.
Venice Historic Regatta
The traditional nautical competition takes place on the first Sunday of the month.
October
Barcolana
Trieste hosts the world's largest sailing regatta in the second week of October.
Alba White Truffle Fair
The event starts on October 10th and runs until December, focusing on Piedmontese cuisine.
Lucca Comics & Games
The festival takes place from October 28th to November 1st.
November
Rome Jazz Festival
The event takes place over almost three weeks, with the schedule to be announced.
Eurochocolate
O Perugia chocolate festival It will take place from November 13th to 22nd.
December
Christmas markets and nativity scenes
Several cities organize Christmas markets and live nativity scenes, especially in the north and south of the country.
Krampus Parades
In regions with Germanic influence, parades featuring traditional costumes mark the Christmas season.
Feast of Saint Ambrose
On December 7th, Milan celebrates its patron saint with religious and cultural events.
Saint Lucy's Festival
On December 13th, the saint is celebrated with processions and popular festivities, especially in southern Italy.
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