January & February

1 January: Capodanno (New Year’s Day)

Public holiday: The year begins with a day off here too — rather lovely, isn’t it? Traditionally, people spend the day at home with family or head out for a small excursion. Most shops, restaurants and museums remain closed. On New Year’s Eve (the evening before), Italians eat lentils, said to bring prosperity for the year ahead, and wear red underwear for luck and love — just as they do in Barcelona. 😉

6 January: Epifania (Epiphany)

Public holiday: In Italy, it’s not the Three Kings who arrive on 6 January, but La Befana, an old witch who brings gifts to well-behaved children and coal to the naughty ones. It’s the same in Rome, Florence and beyond.

2 February: Festa delle Marie

Forty days after Christmas, Venice has celebrated the purification of the Virgin Mary since medieval times, traditionally marked by a procession of lights. Today, young women dressed in magnificent costumes parade through the streets towards St Mark’s, followed by the faithful, to honour the Virgin Mary.

February (date varies): Carnevale di Venezia (Venetian Carnival)

30 January to 9 February 2027

The Venetian Carnival is world-famous and draws thousands of visitors. Its mesmerising masks, historical costumes and colourful parades transform the city into something truly magical, as locals and visitors alike fill its winding streets. During Carnival, hotel prices soar, and the city becomes even busier than on the warmest summer days.

May & June

1 May: Festa dei Lavoratori (Labour Day)

Public holiday: Despite the name, very few people actually work on Labour Day, aside from those in tourism, healthcare, or emergency services. Demonstrations and social events are common, so be aware that narrow streets in city centres might be busier than usual on 1 May.

17 May 2026: Festa della Sensa (First Sunday after Ascension Day)

Venice celebrates the “Festa della Sensa” on the first Sunday after Ascension Day, a centuries-old ceremony symbolically marking the city’s “marriage” to the sea. It may sound a little unusual, but it’s a major event in Venice. Dating back to the 16th century, the Doge would ritually wed the sea, and today the celebration features a striking and unique combination of land and water processions around the Doge’s Palace.

2 June: Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day)

Public holiday: Republic Day marks the founding of the Italian Republic in 1946, following the end of the monarchy after World War II. Across Italy, the day is celebrated with parades, cultural events, and fireworks, with the most spectacular displays taking place in Rome.

25 June: Inventio Sancti Marci

Legend has it that on 25 June 1094, the relics of Saint Mark were miraculously rediscovered. This day is now celebrated as Inventio Sancti Marci, honouring Venice’s patron saint. Expect historical parades and religious ceremonies as part of the festivities.

September & October

First Sunday in September: Regata Storica

The Regata Storica takes place on the first Sunday in September and is, quite simply, the most spectacular boat race you’ll ever see. Decorated gondolas with rowers in elaborate historical costumes parade along the Grand Canal, cheered on by thousands of spectators lining the banks. Streets, bridges, and canals are closed, and water transport is paused at times. We at museos have visited Venice twice on this day—though the second time we missed the race because of a visit to Teatro La Fenice!