2024 Public Holidays in Vatican City

Public Holidays in Vatican City 2024

Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world and the spiritual center of the Catholic Church, observes several public holidays throughout the year. These holidays hold special significance for the residents and visitors of Vatican City, providing opportunities for religious observance, reflection, and celebration. Here is a detailed list and description of public holidays in Vatican City for the year 2024.

National Public Holidays

New Year’s Day – January 1st

Description: New Year’s Day in Vatican City marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with religious services, including a special Mass led by the Pope in St. Peter’s Basilica. Many people also attend the annual New Year’s Day address given by the Pope in St. Peter’s Square.

Epiphany – January 6th

Description: Epiphany, also known as the Feast of the Three Kings, commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. In Vatican City, it is celebrated with religious services, including Masses and processions led by the Pope. Epiphany is a time for Catholics to reflect on the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles and the universal nature of his message.

Good Friday – Date varies

Description: Good Friday is observed by Christians as the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. In Vatican City, it is a solemn and reflective day, with religious services held at St. Peter’s Basilica, including the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion presided over by the Pope. Many Catholics also participate in the Way of the Cross procession held at the Colosseum in Rome.

Easter Sunday – Date varies

Description: Easter Sunday is the most important feast day in the Christian liturgical calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In Vatican City, it is celebrated with great joy and solemnity, beginning with the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday night, presided over by the Pope. Easter Sunday Mass is also celebrated in St. Peter’s Square, with thousands of faithful attending to receive the Pope’s blessing.

Easter Monday – Date varies

Description: Easter Monday is observed as a public holiday in Vatican City, providing an opportunity for residents and visitors to continue their Easter celebrations. While it is not marked with any specific religious services, many people take the day off to spend time with family and friends, enjoy leisure activities, or participate in cultural events.

Feast of Saints Peter and Paul – June 29th

Description: The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul commemorates the martyrdom of the apostles Peter and Paul, who are considered the patron saints of Rome and the founders of the Christian Church. In Vatican City, it is celebrated with religious services, including Masses at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The Pope may also give a special address on this occasion.

Assumption of Mary – August 15th

Description: The Assumption of Mary commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken bodily into heaven at the end of her earthly life. It is a major feast day in the Catholic Church and is celebrated with Masses and processions in Vatican City. The Pope may also offer prayers and reflections on the significance of Mary’s assumption.

All Saints’ Day – November 1st

Description: All Saints’ Day honors all the saints and martyrs of the Christian faith, known and unknown. In Vatican City, it is observed with religious services, including Masses at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Grottoes, where many of the saints’ relics are venerated. All Saints’ Day is a time for Catholics to remember and honor the lives of the saints and seek their intercession.

Immaculate Conception – December 8th

Description: The Immaculate Conception celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. It is a solemn feast day in the Catholic Church and is celebrated with Masses and devotions in Vatican City. The Pope may also offer prayers and reflections on the significance of Mary’s immaculate conception.

Christmas Day – December 25th

Description: Christmas Day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most joyous celebrations in the Christian calendar. In Vatican City, it is celebrated with religious services, including Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by the Pope. Christmas Day is a time for Catholics to gather with family and friends, exchange gifts, and reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation.

St. Stephen’s Day – December 26th

Description: St. Stephen’s Day, also known as the Feast of St. Stephen, honors the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen. While it is not a public holiday in Vatican City, it is still observed by Catholics with religious services and devotions. St. Stephen’s Day is a time to remember the courage and faithfulness of the early Christian martyrs and to pray for persecuted Christians around the world.

Table: Public Holidays and Days Off in Vatican City 2024