Italy in March: Festival & Holiday Calendar
Experience Italy in March – from the first hints of spring to cherished celebrations like Women’s Day and Father’s Day nationwide.
Below is a curated guide to Italy’s most notable March festivities. Each marks the arrival of spring with unique cultural traditions.
Italy in March: Major Holidays and Events
Here are Italy’s most significant March celebrations. Want the whole picture? Browse our March day-by-day calendar for all Italian holidays and events.
March 1-10: Mandorlo in Fiore (Agrigento, Sicily)
I’ve witnessed Sicily’s Mandorlo in Fiore (Almond Blossom Festival) in Agrigento, and I’m excited to share details about the celebration, which runs March 1-10 at the Valley of the Temples UNESCO site.
Suggested Read: 7 UNESCO Sites in Sicily: Must-See World Heritage Gems
The festival’s two main events perfectly capture its essence: the lighting of the Friendship Tripod at the Concordia Temple, and the folk parade featuring traditional Sicilian carts through the Valley of the Temples.
I’ve seen firsthand how this festival transforms Agrigento’s ancient Greek temples with thousands of blooming almond trees, marking Sicily’s first signs of spring. This is a must-attend event if you’re in Sicily early in March.
March 8: Festa della Donna (International Women’s Day)
Every March 8, Italy celebrates International Women’s Day (Festa della Donna) with the unique tradition of gifting yellow mimosa flowers – a custom that began after World War II.
Italian politicians Rita Montagna and Teresa Mattei chose the mimosa in 1946 as the official symbol for Women’s Day. They selected it for its early spring bloom and affordability. Today, the bright yellow flowers symbolize female solidarity across Italy.
The global celebration originated from the 1909 labor movement in New York City, where women protested for better working conditions. Italy embraced the commemoration, adding its cultural touchstone with the mimosa tradition.
Free Access to Cultural Sites in Italy
For International Women’s Day (March 8), museums and cultural sites across Italy will offer women free entry – a cherished tradition that combines cultural celebration with women’s recognition.
March 19: Festa del Papà (Father’s Day)
Italy celebrates Father’s Day (Festa del Papà) on March 19, coinciding with Saint Joseph’s Day. Here’s how Italians typically observe this holiday:
Traditionally, the day is celebrated in the following delightful ways:
Family Meals
Most families gather for lunch or dinner, either cooking traditional dishes at home or visiting their father’s favorite restaurant.
Gifts
Children give practical presents to their fathers, such as books, wine, or personal items. School children often make handmade cards as part of classroom activities.
Religious Connection
Being Saint Joseph’s Day, some families attend mass or visit local church festivals, particularly in southern Italy where the celebration has deeper religious roots.
Travelling to Italy in March? Knowledge of the weather is crucial. Read our essential guide: Weather in Italy in March.
March in Italy: Day-by-Day Guide
March 1
- Mandorlo in Fiore (March 1-10): Sicily’s almond blossom festival fills Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples with folk parades and spring blooms.
- Death of Gabriele D’Annunzio, the literary maestro (1938). A polarizing figure with an artistic touch in literature.
- Passing of Luigi Vanvitelli, the master architect (1773). He played a vital role in the architectural landscape of the 18th-century Italy.
March 2
- Birth anniversary of Saint Benedict of Norcia, the guiding light (480). His principles continue to influence Christian monasticism.
- Onset of the Siege of Rome, a clash of titans (537). This marked a significant confrontation in the Gothic War.
March 4
- This is a celebration of the Birth of Antonio Vivaldi, the virtuoso of the violin (1678). His compositions resonate with the brilliance of the Baroque era.
March 5
- Remembering the Death of Correggio, the Renaissance painter (1534). His works are a visual symphony of the Renaissance period.
- Celebrating Giovanni Battista Tiepolo’s Birth, the grandiose artist (1696). His frescoes adorn many historic buildings in Italy.
March 6
- Michelangelo’s Birthday, a maestro of marble (1475). His sculptures echo the pinnacle of Renaissance artistry.
- Honoring Francesco Guicciardini, the chronicler of Italy (1483). His narratives are a vibrant chronicle of Italy’s past.
March 7
- Commemorating Saint Thomas Aquinas, the theological luminary (1274). His philosophical insights continue to guide theological studies.
March 8
- Festa della Donna (International Women’s Day), a global salute to womanhood. A day dedicated to honoring the spirit and contributions of women worldwide.
March 9
- Anniversary of Inter Milan’s establishment, a divide that shaped football (1908). This marked a significant moment in the history of Italian football.
- Celebrating the Birth of Amerigo Vespucci, the man behind America’s name (1454). His voyages opened up new horizons in the age of discovery.
- Meatball Day (Celebrated in the US): A day to savor the rich flavors of Italian meatballs, a staple in American-Italian cuisine.
March 10
- Remembrance of Giuseppe Mazzini, the heartbeat of Italian unification (1872). His activism was a beacon in the Risorgimento movement.
March 11
- Remembering Donato Bramante, the pioneer of High Renaissance architecture (1514). His works continue to inspire architectural studies.
- This is a celebration of the Birth of Torquato Tasso, the poetic genius (1544). His epics are vibrant explorations of chivalry and romance.
- Napping Day (Celebrated in the US): Relax and rejuvenate with a “pisolino”, embodying the Italian culture’s appreciation for a well-timed afternoon rest.
Suggested Read: Dolce Far Niente: The Art of Doing Nothing in Italian
March 12
- Honoring the birth of Gabriele D’Annunzio, the versatile virtuoso (1863). His works span literature, politics, and the arts.
- Birth of Gianni Agnelli (1921), the influential leader who spearheaded the rise of the Italian automotive industry, prominently elevating Italian car brands to global acclaim.
March 14
- Celebrating the Birth of Vittorio Emanuele II (1820), the founding father of unified Italy. His reign marked the beginning of a new era in Italian history.
- Commemorating the Birth of Umberto I (1844), a sovereign of significance. He led the country through periods of significant change and development.
March 15
- Ides of March, the fall of Julius Caesar (44 B.C.). This day marks the dramatic assassination that changed the course of Roman history.
March 16
- Rome Marathon: Join the ranks at one of Italy’s top marathons, a pinnacle of Italian running races.
- Celebrating the birth of Bernardo Bertolucci (1940), a visionary filmmaker. His films depict the complex layers of human emotions.
- Memorial of the kidnapping of Aldo Moro (1978), a political tragedy. This event marked a dark period in Italian post-war politics.
March 17
- Feast Day of San Patrizio (Saint Patrick’s Day), a beacon of Irish spirituality. This day, also celebrated in Italy, honors the patron saint of Ireland.
- This marks the passing of Marcus Aurelius (180), a philosopher king whose reign epitomized the golden era of the Roman Empire.
March 18
- Remembrance of Mount Vesuvius’ eruption (1944), nature’s fiery wrath.
Suggested Read: 30 Fun Facts About Naples, Italy: Explore Napoli’s Charm
March 19
- Festa del Papà (Father’s Day in Italy): Feast Day of San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph), a celebration of fatherhood in Italy.
March 20
- International Day of Happiness: Celebrate the joys of life, reflecting the Italian spirit of “la dolce vita,” the sweet life.
- Celebrating the Birth of Ovid (43 B.C.), a poet of love and metamorphoses. His poetic narratives continue to inspire and enthrall readers.
March 21
- Commemorating the passing of Saint Benedict of Norcia (547), a spiritual guide. His teachings continue to be a beacon of spiritual guidance.
March 22
- World Water Day: A day promoting responsible water use, reflecting Italy’s tradition of managing water elegantly through its renowned Italian fountains and historic aqueducts.
Suggested Read: 20 Top Italian Water Brands: Best Mineral Water
March 24
- Celebrating the Birth of Dario Fo (1926), a literary powerhouse. His works are a vibrant tapestry of satire and political commentary.
- Memorial of the Fosse Ardeatine Massacre in Rome (1944), a somber reminder. A day to remember the innocent lives lost during World War II.
March 25
- Venice Foundation Day (421), the birth of a maritime republic. The city emerged as a powerful entity from the Rivus Altus, known today as the Rialto.
- Feast of the Annunciation, a heavenly celebration. This feast commemorates the announcement of the birth of Jesus to Mary.
- Celebrating the birth of Saint Catherine of Siena (1347), Italy’s protective saint. She is venerated as a patron saint of Italy, alongside Saint Francis of Assisi.
- Consecration of the Duomo of Florence (1436), marking the sanctification of the iconic Santa Maria del Fiore.
- Celebrating the Birth of Arturo Toscanini (1867), a music maestro. His contributions to the musical world are monumental.
March 26
- This is a commemoration of the first Mille Miglia race (1927), a motor milestone that began an iconic car race between Brescia, Ferrara, and Rome.
- National Spinach Day (Celebrated in the US): A day to appreciate the versatility of spinach, a prominent ingredient in classic Italian dishes.
March 27
- World Theatre Day: Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Italian theatre, home to grandiose operas and the birthplace of Commedia dell’arte.
- Remembering Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1770), an artist of grandeur. His contributions to the art world are timeless.
March 29
- Memorial of the establishment of Europe’s first Jewish ghetto in Venice (1516). This day marks a significant, though dark, milestone in European history.
While we diligently verify event dates, confirming with local organizers before planning your visit is always best.
Navigate Italy’s Monthly Celebrations: Discover Italy’s rich tapestry of festivals, holidays, and cultural events throughout the year.
