Holidays and Festivites
Mark national and regional public holidays on your calendar. Below you will find a complete list.

Apart from the national holidays contained in the box on the right, each city and town has a day dedicated to its Patron Saint. There are 365 Patron Saints - one for each day of the year. The Patron Saint of Como is Saint Abbondio and is celebrated on September 8th. Monza’s Patron Saint is Saint Giovanni Battista and is celebrated on June 24th. Varese celebrate their Patron Saint (Saint Vittore il moro) on May 8th.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE
Although in recent years things have improved, Italy virtually ‘dies’ during the month of August. Many businesses close for the entire month, as the italians leave for the sea or mountains to escape the humidity and heat of the city.

The 15th is a holiday called ‘Ferragosto’. On this day any Italians who have remained in the city traditionally go to the countryside for the day. Everyday life in this period is almost completely put on hold in Italy, so forewarned is forearmed!

The Christmas period starts on Christmas Day and goes through to January 6th. Most businesses and schools close for this entire period.