Italy reinstates October 4 as national holiday

Italy has reinstated October 4 as a national holiday to celebrate Saint Francis, the patron saint of the country. Under Law No. 151 of October 8, 2025, the date returns to the official calendar as a public holiday, marking the first time in nearly half a century that the day carries full civil status.

The celebration was originally suspended in 1977 during a period of economic austerity and high inflation, as Parliament sought to increase productivity by reducing weekday holidays. The reinstatement coincides with the 800th anniversary of the saint's death. This change will impact schools, workplaces, and payroll regulations, restoring the civil value of the day that had previously only been recognized as a day of dialogue without official holiday benefits.