ITALY

Holidays Italy celebrates the New Year on January 1. On the eve of the Epiphany, the adoration of the Magi to the infant Jesus, on 6 January, official holiday is marked by the visit of Beffana, Christmas Witch, old and friendly, losing the possibility of accompany the Magi and, since then, looking at baby Jesus. The night of January 5, slides down chimneys with a broom and leaves presents and sweets to children who have been good and a lump of coal to those who have been ill. The Carnevale, or Carnival, is celebrated with parades and costume parties in many parts of Italy during the period that precedes Lent. The Carnival of Venice, particularly famous, receives many visitors from all over the world. The Italians also celebrate Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. The Liberation Day, April 25, commemorates the liberation of Italy in World War II. Labor Day is observed on 1 May. Assumption, the day the body of the Virgin Mary ascended into heaven, celebrated on August 15. That day, many Italians left the city for the coast or mountains. The Feast of All Saints (1 November), when the Catholic saints are remembered, is followed by All Souls' Day (Il Giorno dei Morti) on 2 November. This day, at dawn, held a requiem for the dead, and churches are ringing their bells. The Italians visit the cemeteries, decorating with flowers, particularly chrysanthemums, and ensure the graves of their loved ones. The day of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8) evoke the Catholic belief that the soul of the Virgin Mary was free from original sin. Christmas is celebrated on December 25. In addition to these holidays, each city celebrates its patron saint.