Why is Ascension not a 'thing' in Italy?

We sometimes receive questions about Ascension Day in Italy. Because Ascension Day is fully 'celebrated' in the Netherlands, Belgium and also in Germany. Questions such as: is Ascension Day an official day off in Italy and are the shops and such closed?

In the Christian tradition, Ascension Day is Jesus' ascent to heaven, after he rose from the dead 3 days after his death on Good Friday.

The date of Ascension is not fixed, because it is always 40 days after Easter and 10 days before Pentecost (which in Italy Pentecost called, the 50th day of Easter). The date of Easter depends on the position of the moon, so that this important Catholic holiday falls on a different date every year.

Ascension Day: not an official holiday

Ascension Day is not an official holiday in Italy. The Italians know this day as L'AscenzioneAscension Day is recognized as a national holiday in the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland.

It seems strange that Italy is not included in this list, precisely because Italy (at least on paper) is such a Catholic country. It once was, but the fact that it is no longer an official holiday since 1977 has to do with collective bargaining between employers and trade unions.

'Suppressed holidays'

That is why Ascension Day now belongs to the so-called 'suppressed holidays' (festività sopresse). The Catholic Church has agreed to postpone the date of celebration to the Sunday following these days. In the aforementioned countries, there are often celebrations on the Thursday of Ascension itself.

In addition to Ascension Day, there are 4 abolished holidays in Italy:

• March 19 (St. Joseph, also known as Father's Day in Italy)
• (in 2026) June 4 (Corpus Domini or Sacrament Day)
• June 29 (Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul)
• November 4 (National Unity Day, moved to the first Sunday of the month)

Personal holidays?

Otherwise, there would be a bit too many. Italy was not at the back of the line when it came to handing out the holidays. So it is also May 1st is a day off.

Incidentally, employees in Italy did get something in return for the abolished public holidays: leave hours that the employee can take for personal reasons, without loss of pay.

A discussion about (church) holidays is also going on in the Netherlands. Should we give days off as standard, such as Pentecost and Ascension Day? Or should someone be able to exchange them at their own discretion for days that are more meaningful to them?

In short: with Ascension Day, most Italians will work as usual, the supermarkets, museums and attractions will be open as usual, so you can simply enjoy your time in Italy.