Italy in February 2025: Festival & Holiday Calendar

Experience Italy in February 2025 – from the vibrant celebrations of Carnevale to cherished regional festivals nationwide.

Below is a curated guide to Italy’s most notable February festivities showcasing the country’s rich cultural traditions.

Italy in February 2025: Major Holidays and Events

Here are Italy’s most significant February 2025 celebrations. Want the whole picture? Browse our day-by-day calendar for all Italian holidays and events.

February 14 to March 4: Carnevale di Venezia (Venice Carnival)

The spectacular Venice Carnival runs from February 14 to March 4, 2025, enchanting visitors with its magnificent masks and costumes.

If you visit Venice during this time, you’ll notice it becomes a vibrant hub where enthusiasts from across the globe come to participate in the festivities.

The epicenter of this celebration, Saint Mark’s Square, along with various other squares in Venice, is teeming with people adorned in captivating masks and costumes, especially over the weekends.

History of the Venice Carnival

February events in Italy: Venice Carnival

Originating in the 11th century as a celebration of Venice’s victory over the Patriarch of Aquileia in 1162, the Venice Carnival became an official festival during the Renaissance.

It blossomed particularly in the 18th century, drawing high society worldwide to indulge in vibrant festivities, highlighted by elaborate masks.

The carnival experienced a hiatus following Napoleon’s invasion of Venice. It remained in limbo until 1979 when the Italian government revived it to bolster Venetian culture and history during the February holidays in Italy.

Venice Carnival: Most Popular Events

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Venice Carnival with events that captivate both locals and tourists alike:

La Festa Veneziana: This event, which marks the carnival’s inauguration, lasts two days and attracts both locals and tourists with a mesmerizing water parade and various performances.

Flight of the Angel: A time-honored tradition where an individual garbed as an angel gracefully descends from St. Mark’s Basilica’s bell tower to the square below, marking the official commencement of the carnival’s joys.

Festa delle Marie: This event pays tribute to the age-old tradition where the Doge bestowed presents upon twelve underprivileged maidens. It encompasses a parade where twelve stunning Venetian girls, arrayed in period attire, grace the event, culminating in the crowning of one as the Maria of the Carnival.

Best Masked Costume Contest: A thrilling contest where attendees strut on stage in their flamboyant costumes and masks, vying for the title of the best-dressed participant, eventually leading to a grand finale showcasing the crème de la crème of the contestants.

February 8 to March 4: Carnevale di Viareggio (Tuscany)

Carnevale di Viareggio (Tuscany) is an occasion that cannot be missed if you find yourself in Italy during February. This vibrant event, pulsating in the heart of Tuscany, promises an exhilarating experience characterized by grandiose papier-mâché floats that truly are a sight to behold.

In 2025, Experience Viareggio’s famous carnival parades on five spectacular dates: February 8, 16, 22, March 2, and 4.

The heartbeat of this festival, the majestic float parades, unfolds along a picturesque 2-kilometer route lining Viareggio’s historic Liberty-era boardwalk, affectionately known as La Passeggiata.

But the magic doesn’t end with the parades. The Carnevale di Viareggio offers a delightful platter of family-friendly activities for all ages. From masquerade balls that sweep you into a whirl of colors and laughter to musical comedies that will have you tapping your feet, there’s no end to the joyous celebrations.

Viareggio Carnival Official Mask: Burlamacco

February events in Italy: Viareggio Carnival official mask — Viareggio Carnival official mask: Burlamacco

An exciting note for first-timers: the spirit of the carnival is encapsulated by its official mask, Burlamacco. This iconic figure first graced the event in 1931, a creation by the talented Uberto Bonetti.

And here’s a little insight from a seasoned attendee – since 2001, an awe-inspiring locale known as the Cittadella del Carnevale (Carnival Citadel), situated on the northern flank of Viareggio, has been the birthplace of the fantastic floats that dazzle spectators year after year.

Make sure to plan a visit to witness where the magic takes shape before gracing the vibrant streets of Viareggio.

Suggested Read: Is Siena Worth Visiting? A Complete Traveler’s Guide

February 3-5: Feast of Sant’Agatha (Catania)

The Feast of Sant’Agatha in Catania holds a dear place in my heart as one of the most vibrant and spiritual celebrations in the Sicilian calendar when the entire city comes together in unity and zeal.

Let me take you on a journey to this feast, which you won’t want to miss if you find yourself in Catania, Sicily, from February 3rd to 5th.

Picture this: the heart of the festival beats in the stunning Piazza del Duomo, a place bathed in the gentle glow of candles and echoing with the harmonious melodies of marching bands.

People gather in droves, nearly a million from all corners of Sicily, all congregating to honor Saint Agatha, the valiant patron saint of Catania who embraced martyrdom in 251 AD.

Suggested Read: 7 UNESCO Sites in Sicily: Must-See World Heritage Gems

Allow me to guide you through the itinerary of this three-day spiritual extravaganza, where each day unfolds a new layer of devotion and festivity:

Feast of Saint Agatha: Day 1

On the opening day, the city becomes a moving river of light as large votive candles traverse the streets (the “Candelore“). It’s a sight to behold as jubilant crowds join in, their cheers harmonizing with the vibrant tunes of a marching band. You can feel the community spirit in the air. It’s electrifying!

Feast of Saint Agatha: Day 2

As dawn breaks on the second day, a palpable anticipation hangs in the air. Today, the iconic procession of Saint Agatha’s statue takes center stage. The statue gracefully moves through the streets, making poignant stops at locations interwoven with her life’s story, a touching homage to her enduring spirit.

Feast of Saint Agatha: Day 3

February events in Italy: Feast of Saint Agatha fireworks — Bravery, faith, and fireworks: witness the breathtaking climax of the Feast of Sant’Agata!

The grand finale on the third day is nothing short of breathtaking. Once more, the statue graces the streets, but this time, a courageous display awaits at the steep Via San Giuliano.

Here, bearers sprint up and down with the statue, a thrilling testimony of their bravery and unwavering faith in the saint. Imagine the crowd erupting in cheers, a unified show of faith and devotion.

Just when you think the festivities have reached their pinnacle, the sky bursts into a symphony of colors. Grand fireworks light up the night sky, a beautiful climax to the days of spiritual connection and joyous celebrations.

If you ever have the chance, immerse yourself in the Feast of Saint Agatha. It’s more than a festival; it’s an experience of community, faith, and sheer joy that stays with you long after the fireworks have faded into the night sky.

Visiting Italy in February? Equip yourself with crucial weather knowledge. Read our guide: Weather in Italy in February.

February 2025 in Italy: Day-by-Day Guide

February 1

Premiere of Giacomo Puccini’s “La Bohème” in Turin (1896): Celebrating the first performance of the iconic opera.

February 3

Feast Day of San Biagio: A day dedicated to the venerated saint.
Remembrance of the Cavalese Cable Car Crash (1998): Marking the tragic accident near Trento.

February 5

Feast of Sant’Agatha (Catania): A grand Sicilian celebration marked by processions and feasts in honor of Catania’s patron saint, Sant’Agatha.
World Nutella Day: A day to revel in one of the best Italian chocolate brands, Nutella, uniting aficionados of this chocolate-hazelnut spread globally.

February 7

Anniversary of the “Bonfire of the Vanities” in Florence (1497): On this day in 1497, Florence witnessed the fiery “Bonfire of the Vanities,” a mass burning of art, books, and luxury items stirred by the passionate preaching of Girolamo Savonarola on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday).

February 8

Carnevale di Viareggio 2025: Italy’s renowned festival featuring grandiose floats and vibrant parades along the Tuscan coast.
Celebrating the Birth of Guercino (1591): Honoring the prominent Baroque painter.
Remembering the Death of Nicola Salvi (1751): Reflecting on the architect’s life behind the Trevi Fountain.

February 9

Inauguration of Rome’s Metropolitana (1955): Celebrating the opening of the first section of the underground system in Rome.

February 10

Giorno del Ricordo: National Memorial Day remembering the victims of the Foibe massacres and the exodus of Istrian Italians during and after World War II.

February 11

Anniversary of the Lateran Treaty (1929): Marking the agreement establishing Vatican City as an independent city-state.

February 12

Commemorating Giuseppe Donizetti (1856): Reflecting on the life of the composer and musician.
Franco Zeffirelli’s Birthday Celebration (1923): Honoring the prominent Italian movie director.

February 13

Remembering the Death of Benvenuto Cellini (1571): Honoring the life of the renowned artist and writer.

February 14

Venice Carnival 2025: The official inauguration of the world-renowned Carnival of Venice, kicking off a season of vibrant celebrations and festivities.
Valentine’s Day (San Valentino): Embrace the language of love with a touch of Italian romance, celebrating affection and connection worldwide.
Celebrating the Birth of Leon Battista Alberti (1404): Honoring the Renaissance humanist and artist.

February 15

Galileo Galilei’s Birthday Celebration (1564): Remembering the revolutionary scientist.
Anniversary of the Monte Cassino Assault (1944): Reflecting on the significant WWII event.

February 16

Remembering the Death of Giosuè Carducci (1907): Honoring the life of the Nobel laureate poet.
Celebrating Valentino Rossi’s Birthday (1979): Honoring the champion motorcycle road racer.

Suggested Read: Most Popular Sports in Italy: An Essential Guide

February 17

Commemorating the Death of Giordano Bruno (1600): Reflecting on the life and tragic death of the philosopher and cosmological theorist.
Random Acts of Kindness Day: A day to embody the warm, generous spirit of the Italian people by extending kindness in spontaneous ways globally.

February 18

Michelangelo’s Day of Remembrance (1564): On this day in 1564, Michelangelo Buonarroti died in Rome. Reflecting on the life of the legendary artist.
Celebrating Enzo Ferrari’s Birth (1898): Remembering the founder of the Ferrari, one of the most iconic Italian car brands.

February 20

The Barber of Seville (Il Barbiere di Siviglia) Premiere Anniversary (1816): Celebrating the first performance of Rossini’s opera in Rome.
Remembering the Death of Ferruccio Lamborghini (1993): Honoring the life of the founder of Lamborghini, another iconic Italian car brand.
National Love Your Pet Day (Celebrated in the US): A day to shower your furry friends affectionately and teach them a few Italian animal names, mirroring Italians’ adoration for their cherished pets.

February 22

Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter: Honoring the spiritual significance of the day in the Vatican.
Commemorating the Death of Amerigo Vespucci (1512): Reflecting on the life of the explorer and namesake of America.
World Thinking Day: A day to foster global thinking and perhaps ponder over famous Italian inventions, reflecting Italy’s rich tradition of intellectual exploration.

February 24

Commemorating the Death of Sandro Pertini (1990): Reflecting on the life of the Italian Resistance member and seventh President of Italy.

February 25

Celebrating Enrico Caruso’s Birth (1873): Remembering the legendary operatic tenor.

Suggested Read: 10 Famous Opera Houses in Italy: Operatic Wonders

February 26

Anniversary of Radio Italia’s First Broadcast (1982): Celebrating the beginning of the radio station dedicated to Italian music.
National Pistachio Day (Celebrated in the US): A day to appreciate this popular nut, a staple in Italian cuisine, in various delightful preparations in the United States.