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Public Holidays in Italy 2025: A Guide for Businesses

Planning ahead is crucial for businesses, especially when managing employee leave. Public holidays in Italy include both nationwide holidays and regional celebrations. Here's a complete guide to the public holidays in Italy for 2025.

Nationwide Public Holidays in Italy 2025

These holidays are observed throughout the country:

  • January 1 (Wednesday): New Year’s Day (Capodanno)
  • January 6 (Monday): Epiphany (Epifania)
  • April 20 (Sunday): Easter Sunday (Pasqua)
  • April 21 (Monday): Easter Monday (Lunedì dell’Angelo)
  • April 25 (Friday): Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione)
  • May 1 (Thursday): Labour Day (Festa dei Lavoratori)
  • June 2 (Monday): Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica)
  • August 15 (Friday): Assumption of Mary (Ferragosto)
  • November 1 (Saturday): All Saints’ Day (Ognissanti)
  • December 8 (Monday): Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione)
  • December 25 (Thursday): Christmas Day (Natale di Gesù)
  • December 26 (Friday): St. Stephen’s Day (Santo Stefano)

Employee Rights on Public Holidays

  • Public holidays in Italy are generally non-working days, and employees are entitled to a paid day off.
  • If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are entitled to extra pay or compensatory rest days, as specified in collective agreements.
  • Employees on fixed-term contracts or part-time work agreements have the same rights as full-time employees regarding public holidays.
  • If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, there is no automatic substitution with another day off, unless specified by a collective agreement.

Employer Responsibilities on Public Holidays

  • Employers must adhere to national and sectoral agreements regarding employee leave on public holidays.
  • If an employer requires employees to work on a public holiday, compensation must be provided in accordance with the national labor contract.
  • Employers must communicate holiday schedules in advance to ensure proper workforce planning.
  • Businesses in essential services (such as healthcare, emergency response, and public transport) may require employees to work on public holidays, but they must provide appropriate compensation.

Legal Sources and References

For official legal references and employer obligations, consult the following sources:

Best Practices for Small Businesses

  • Plan ahead: Ensure holiday schedules are managed in advance to avoid last-minute staffing issues.
  • Use digital leave management: Tools like TimeOff.Management can help track employee leave and holidays efficiently.
  • Offer flexibility: Allow employees to swap holidays or take compensatory time off when necessary.
  • Communicate with employees: Keep your team informed about observed holidays and how they affect work schedules.

By staying informed about national and regional holidays, businesses can better plan their operations while keeping employees satisfied.

Stay prepared for 2025 and manage leave efficiently!

Kate Vodopian