Enchanted Italy Think better than your travel agent and see what is the best time to visit Italy?
Italy is a typical Roman Catholic country and, like many countries in Europe, has a particularly high number of holidays. In addition to the statutory holidays throughout August, there are the following.
1 January New Year’s Day
6 January Epiphany (also Children’s Day)
Between 22 March and 25 April, the first Sunday and Monday after the full moon on the vernal equinox each year Easter Day
25 April Liberation Day
1 May Labour Day
Second Sunday in May Mother’s Day
2 June Republic Day
15 August Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Day
1 November Ching Ming Festival
8 December Feast of the Conception of the Virgin Mary
25 December Christmas Day
26 December St. Stefano’s Day
If a holiday falls on a double holiday, it can be taken back-to-back. Many companies start their holidays on Christmas Eve, 24 December, and they last until 6 January, just like the Chinese New Year, with 15 days off, giving people time to move around, go home, do their shopping and visit friends and family.
At the same time there are many major events and exhibitions in Milan that attract guests from all over the world.
In January, there is the HOMI Global Collection Spring Fair, Milan Men’s Autumn/Winter Fashion Week and skiing in the Alps.
In February, there is Milan Womenswear Autumn/Winter Week and carnivals all over the world.
In March, the MIDO Milan International Eyewear Fair, MICAM Milan International Footwear Fair and MIPEL Milan International Luggage and Leather Fair.
In April, there is the prestigious Salone del Mobile Milan International Furniture Fair and MIART Milan Contemporary Art Fair.
In May, there is the Ice Cream Festival, the Pizza Festival and the Piano Festival.
In June, Men’s Spring/Summer Fashion Week and Fashion White Night.
In August, the whole world goes on holiday, with most people choosing to go to the beach or the mountains to escape the heat.
In September, there is the HOMI Global Collection Autumn Fair and the Women’s Spring/Summer Fashion Week.
In October, there is the Truffle Festival, the Potato Festival, the Iron Mask Festival and the Chocolate Festival.
In November, there is Halloween and the Jazz Festival.
In December, there are all kinds of Christmas carnivals throughout the country.
So if you want to enjoy the city, August is a disappointingly empty month and the seaside is crowded with people.
If you’re looking for a shopping spree, don’t miss the sale season in January and July, when basically every brand, big and small, goes on sale, some for half the price, making it a great opportunity to shop.
If you want to see a show or rub shoulders with models and celebrities on a plane or on the streets of Milan, then choose to fly during fashion week.
If you want to visit various museums and enjoy Milan’s gastronomy, choose to come during the season when ingredients are available.
If you want to enjoy the festive atmosphere, then Italy is beautiful at Christmas time. The streets are decorated with lights and all sorts of beautiful Christmas trees, especially in the centre of Milan, where every year there is a superb Christmas tree, a sparkling Swarovski crystal tree in the Emanuele II arcade with a blue vaulted ceiling that makes you feel like you are in a fairy tale, and the latest electronic Christmas tree in the Piazza del Duomo with its endless lights and transformations. There is a great deal of festivity everywhere, and the Christmas markets, both large and small, offer a wide range of famous foods from all over Italy, as well as products from around the world.
