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Italy’s 4 October is a national public holiday from 2026 onward, following the entry into force of Law No. 151 of 8 October 2025. The 2026 observance is the first under the law and falls on a Sunday. It coincides with the 800th anniversary year of St Francis of Assisi’s death, but the holiday and the anniversary program were created under separate laws.
Is 4 October a public holiday in Italy?
Yes. Law No. 151 of 8 October 2025 added 4 October, the feast of St Francis of Assisi, to Italy’s statutory list of national holidays. The law took effect on 1 January 2026, making 4 October 2026 the first observance under the new provision. The date falls on a Sunday this year, so it does not create a weekday long weekend.
The law says the holiday is intended to celebrate and promote peace, fraternity, environmental protection and solidarity. Article 1 states: “Al fine di celebrare e di promuovere i valori della pace, della fratellanza, della tutela dell’ambiente e della solidarietà, incarnati dalla figura di San Francesco d’Assisi, patrono d’Italia, è istituita la festa nazionale di San Francesco d’Assisi, da celebrare il 4 ottobre di ogni anno.” In English: “In order to celebrate and promote the values of peace, fraternity, protection of the environment and solidarity, embodied by the figure of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy, the national feast of St Francis of Assisi is established, to be celebrated on 4 October each year.” Law No. 151
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St Francis died in 1226, making 2026 the eighth centenary of his death. A Vatican decree identifies the date of his passing as 3 October 1226. Italy’s new holiday is observed on 4 October, the following day; the two dates are connected, but they are not the same. Vatican decree
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The anniversary commemoration was established separately by Italy’s Law No. 140 of 2022. That law created a national committee and a multiyear cultural program for the centenary. The national holiday, by contrast, was established by the 2025 law and recurs on 4 October each year. Law No. 140 of 2022 · Law No. 151 of 2025
What activities and funding are part of the centenary?
The anniversary committee’s remit covers a cultural program about Francis’s life, work and associated places. The law allows for activities such as restoration, research, publications and education, exhibitions and cultural events, international promotion, tourism initiatives and Franciscan routes.
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- The Life of Saint Francis
The committee’s official page lists €4.51 million in total contributions for 2022–2028, including a €2 million allocation from the Italian government for 2026. These are legal budget allocations, not a measure of total spending, attendance or visitor numbers. National committee information
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What should residents and visitors expect on 4 October?
The holiday creates a national occasion for civic and cultural observances as well as celebration of Francis. The law allows schools, public administrations and third-sector organizations to facilitate events on the date. It also authorizes public institutions to promote cultural, social and educational initiatives focused on peace, fraternity among peoples, social inclusion and environmental protection. Schools may develop related educational activities within their autonomy. Law No. 151 of 2025
The national legal status does not establish the details of local ceremonies, venue opening hours, transport schedules or service closures. Check announcements from the relevant municipality, venue or transport operator for plans in a particular area.
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