October 4 Officially Becomes a National Holiday in Italy Honoring Saint Francis of Assisi

Starting in 2026, travelers in Italy will need to mark an extra red circle on their calendars: October 4th will once again be a national holiday, dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, the country’s beloved patron saint.

The Italian Parliament approved the bill in September 2025, restoring the date to the official holiday calendar after nearly 50 years. While the law takes effect in 2026, the move has already sparked conversations across Italy about the deeper meaning of celebrating Saint Francis today.

Why This Day Matters

Saint Francis of Assisi (1182–1226) is more than a religious figure — he represents peace, humility, and a profound respect for nature. His feast day was first declared a civil solemnity in 1958 but was later cut from the holiday list during austerity measures in 1977.

For decades, October 4 remained a symbolic day, celebrated in schools as the Day of Peace, but without the weight of an official holiday. That will now change. In 2026, Italians will take the day off to honor Saint Francis with the same significance as Ferragosto (August 15) or Republic Day (June 2).

More Than a Religious Celebration

What makes this holiday unique is that it isn’t just about faith. The new law emphasizes universal values: peace, brotherhood, solidarity, and care for the environment.

In fact, Saint Francis’s story resonates far beyond the church. In 1219, during the Fifth Crusade, he famously met Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil in Egypt, an extraordinary gesture of dialogue and peace in a time of conflict.

For travelers exploring Tuscany, it’s worth pairing this story with a visit to another mystical site: San Galgano Abbey, home to the legendary sword in the stone and one of the region’s most atmospheric ruins.

What It Means for Travelers

So, what does this new holiday mean if you’re planning a trip to Italy? Beginning in 2026, expect closures of government offices, schools, and many businesses on October 4. Museums, churches, and cultural sites, however, may mark the day with special events or commemorations — a wonderful opportunity to experience Italian culture in a deeper way.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the decision, calling it a moment of national unity:

“A saint loved by all Italians and in whom everyone recognizes themselves. The national holiday will be an opportunity to celebrate an extraordinary man and remind us who we are and what unites us.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

Although the holiday is official now, the first nationwide celebration will take place on October 4, 2026. For travelers, this will be a unique chance to experience Italy honoring one of its most iconic figures — and to feel the atmosphere of unity that Saint Francis continues to inspire centuries after his death.

👉 Also check out the full list of public holidays in Italy.

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✈️ Travel tip: If you’re planning to be in Italy in early October 2026, expect lively commemorations, packed piazzas, and perhaps some disruptions in services. But if there’s a day that captures the spirit of Italy — blending faith, history, and community — October 4 might just be it. Read also: Tuscany Events Calendar