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The feast of the Immaculate Conception (L'Immacolata Concezione) is an Italian public holiday celebrated annually on December 8. The day commemorates when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was graced by God to lead a life “free of sin” according to Catholic belief.
Is Feast of the Immaculate Conception a Public Holiday?
Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
In 2024, it falls on a Sunday, and some businesses may choose to follow Sunday opening hours.
Jesus' mother Mary is honored on L'Immacolata Concezione, held on December 8 in Italy.
©iStockphoto.com/Todd Arbini
What Do People Do?
Immaculate Conception Day is a day when many Italians attend a church mass to honor Mary, whom they believe is immaculate, or “free from sin”. One of the highlights is a celebration led by the Catholic pope in Rome, who kneels in prayer and lays a floral wreath on the statue of the Madonna at the Piazza Mignanelli. In some places there is street entertainment by jugglers and street clowns for the public.
Public Life
The feast of the Immaculate Conception is a nationwide public holiday in Italy. Organizations and businesses that are closed include:
- Government offices.
- Post offices.
- Banks.
- Schools and other educational institutions.
Many shops are open at this time of the year for people to start their Christmas shopping. Transport options, such as taxis, rail services between major cities and major long-route bus lines, are available but travelers are advised to check routes and timetables with the local transport authorities.
Background
The celebration of the Immaculate Conception can be traced back to when the Vatican officially declared the feast on December 8, 1854. This holiday is celebrated in some other countries worldwide.
Symbols
Many shops in Italy sell paintings, statues, relics and other types of artwork related to Mary, Jesus’ mother, also referred to as the Virgin Mary.
About Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Other Countries
Read more about Feast of the Immaculate Conception.Feast of the Immaculate Conception Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Sun | Dec 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | National Holiday |
| 2020 | Tue | Dec 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | National Holiday |
| 2021 | Wed | Dec 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | National Holiday |
| 2022 | Thu | Dec 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | National Holiday |
| 2023 | Fri | Dec 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | National Holiday |
| 2024 | Sun | Dec 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | National Holiday |
| 2025 | Mon | Dec 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | National Holiday |
| 2026 | Tue | Dec 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | National Holiday |
| 2027 | Wed | Dec 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | National Holiday |
| 2028 | Fri | Dec 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | National Holiday |
| 2029 | Sat | Dec 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | National Holiday |
While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.
