Italy, like all countries in Europe, has all kinds of public holidays. Most are of a religious nature. But Italy also has its own traditional holidays. Of all countries in Europe, Finland has the most days off (15), followed by Spain and Greece (12). Italy also does not do badly with 11. The Netherlands closes the row with fewest days off(8).

Italians love traditions. They are proud of their customs and practices around holidays. Many Italian holidays have strong religious significance. Processions, ceremonies and special masses are common during celebrations such as Easter, Christmas and All Saints' Day. 

A striking feature of Italian holidays is their regional variety. Each region can have its own specific traditions and festivities deeply rooted in local history and culture.

Italy also has several folk figures. Besides la Befana, a witch on a broom, who brings presents, there are characters such as Saint Lucia in southern Italy and the famous Father Christmas figure Babbo Natale.

As I mentioned, La Befana is a uniquely Italian festival on Epiphany (Epiphania). It is a folkloric figure, a good witch, who brings gifts to children who have been good and coal and ashes to the naughty ones. It is very similar to the Dutch Sinterklaas festival.

• Carnevale or the Italian Carnival, takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent. Venice is known for its beautiful masquerades during this period, but it is celebrated lavishly all over the country.
• La Festa della Donna (8 March) On this day, women are put in the limelight, or better we can say in flowers. People give women a bunch of beautiful yellow Mimosa on this day. Mimosa, a vibrant and cheerful flower, has become the symbol of International Women's Day. On this day, ladies make it a nice party for themselves in the evening. In all the restaurants, groups of friends join in.
• Festa Della Liberazione (25 April) marks the liberation of Italy at the end of World War II. It is celebrated with events and festivals across the country. Famous are the planes flying over with the tre Colori (the three colours Italy stands for).
• La Festa Della Repubblica (2 June) is the day celebrating the founding of the Republic of Italy.
• Ferragosta (15 August) is the highlight of the summer holidays in Italy. It is a bank holiday on which many Italians have time off and enjoy summer festivities. For many working people, holidays begin on 15 August.
• Ognissanti (1 November) or All Saints' Day in Italy is also a day when many people are free. It is a day to remember deceased people and visit graves.
• Natale (December 25) Christmas consists of 1 day. A day celebrated extensively with family. All together at an elaborate Christmas meal and people exchange gifts to each other.

Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi

Or in other words; Christmas you celebrate with your family, Easter with whoever you like.

List of national holidays and tradition their in Italy are:

• 1 January Capodanno (New Year's Day)
• Jan 6: Befana/ Epifani (Epiphany)
• Carnevale (40 days before Easter. Lent)
• 8 March: Festa della Donna: (International Women's Day) the day women are graced with a bunch of Mimosa.
• 19 March: Festa del Papà. Father's Day or St Joseph's Day.
• Palm Sunday. The Sunday before Easter, people hand out olive branches. (for lack of palm branches)
• Pasqua -consists of:

• 25 April: Giorno della Liberazione ( Liberation Day)
• 1 May: Festa della Lavoro(Labour Day)
• 18 May: Festa della Mamma. Mother's Day.
• 2 June: festa della Repkubblica (Day of the Republic)
• 15 August:Ferragosto ( Assumption of the Virgin Mary)
• 1 November: Ognissanti (All Saints' Day)
• December 8: Immacolata Concezione (Immaculate Conception of Mary)
• December 25: Natale (Christmas)