There’s a quiet shift in Italy’s autumn calendar on the horizon that’ll nudge how early October looks for travellers and residents.
October 4 is now a national public holiday in Italy
4th October has been formally restored to Italy’s national public holiday list, and it will be observed nationwide from 2026 onwards. The bill received final approval in parliament in October 2025, confirming its reinstatement on the national calendar. For 2025, nothing changes, and Saturday 4th October remains a normal working day.
What October 4th celebrates
4th October is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, Italy’s patron saint, and the holiday’s revival explicitly honours his values of peace, fraternity, inclusion and care for the environment. The timing ties in with a major milestone too: 2026 marks the 800th anniversary of his death, which is why lawmakers moved to restore the day at the national level.
What to expect on the day
From 2026, it will become a national public holiday, so expect widespread closures across public administration, schools and many offices, while essential services continue. Cultural initiatives and commemorations are also planned around the date, adding to Italy's October calendar of festivals and events.
Because 4th October 2026 falls on a Sunday and Italy generally doesn’t shift holidays that land at the weekend, the first weekday “day off” most people will feel is likely to be in 2027.
As with other Italian bank holidays, some larger shops, museums and transport services may operate on reduced or holiday timetables, so it’s worth checking local schedules if you’re travelling.
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