Pentecost in Italy

Is Pentecost also celebrated in Italy? That is a question that often reaches us. The answer to this can be short. No, in Italy Pentecost is not really a thing, like Christmas or Easter are. Pentecost (or Pentecost, as it is called in Italy) is actually only celebrated locally and on a small scale in Italy. As far as there is a celebration.

What exactly is Pentecost?

Of all the Christian festivals, Pentecost is probably the most obscure. Just like with Easter, we get an extra day off in the Netherlands, but few people know what we actually celebrate.

The word Pentecost (Pentecost in Italian) literally means 'fiftieth'. It refers to the fiftieth day of Easter (or the 49th day after Easter). When Jesus rose from his crucifixion and later experienced his Ascension, he promised his apostles that they would receive the power of God to proclaim the gospel.

Ten days after Ascension, this power of the Holy Spirit came down on the disciples and on Mary. The Bible speaks of a gust of wind from heaven that filled the whole house, after which tongues of fire spread over the heads of the disciples and Mary. After this 'fit of inspiration' they began to speak in foreign languages. This allowed them to spread the story of Jesus around the world.

You see: all holidays in the Christian tradition are related to each other in terms of time: Carnival, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost.

The tradition of Pentecost

Just like us, it is Pentecost in Italy on Sunday, May 19. In 2025 on June 8. And in 2026, Pentecost is on Sunday, May 24. 

There is only a second day of Pentecost in the Netherlands. Whit Monday is a day off in many more countries, it just isn't called Pentecost anymore.

In the Middle Ages, Pentecost was an important and joyous festival associated with the pagan celebration of spring. It coincided with the 'cult of the trees' and the 'May festivities'. In many places across Europe, the most beautiful girl in the village, decorated with birch and maple leaves, was whisked around the village. Sometimes a birch was decorated as a woman. In Hungary the 'Queen of Pentecost' was elected and in England a chimney sweep was locked up in a basket filled with ivy and holly.

In Italy they had their own traditions around the mythical rites of Pentecost. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was regularly celebrated there with a shower of burning cotton balls and rose petals.

Pentecost in Rome

Pentecost is still a significant celebration in Rome today. A ritual with rose petals still takes place here every year. The place of action is the Pantheon. The Roman fire brigade throws the leaves through the hole in the dome during the special Pentecost mass, after which they descend on the faithful like tongues of fire.

During this mass it is always very busy in and around the Pantheon. If you're in the area and can get a seat inside, expect to sit out the entire duration of Mass. It is therefore not possible to just look at the falling rose petals.

Even in smaller places in Italy there are traditions around Pentecost, but nowhere are there really big festivities.

Pentecost in Orvieto

In the city of Orvieto in Umbria they celebrate Pentecost with medieval dress and customs. A dove is also descended on a steel wire stretched between the Church of Saint Francis and the great cathedral of Orvieto. Depending on how this 'outpouring of the dove' goes, the inhabitants of Orvieto will be lucky or unlucky in the coming year.

Pentecost in Corropoli

In scenic Corropoli in the Abruzzo Pentecost is celebrated with a so-called 'palio' or horse race. The spectacular race is preceded by a procession in medieval costume through the historic center of the city.

In other parts of Italy, Pentecost has taken the form of ancient pagan festivals celebrated with costumes, music and games.

Are the shops closed on Pentecost in Italy?

Shops may be closed on Pentecost. In many cases, chain stores and supermarkets will certainly be open as usual on Whit Monday. But that may be different for the Sunday of Pentecost. Keep that in mind. You can often check this online in Google Maps, for example.

Have you ever been to Italy at Pentecost and did you get something from this party? Let us know with your anecdotes or photos!