2025 Holidays - Holy See

Holy See Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. General Observance

Public holidays in the Holy See are established by the liturgical calendar and official Vatican documents. These observances—such as Christmas, Easter, and other key religious celebrations—are observed on the dates specified by ecclesiastical tradition.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend

If a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is generally observed on that day. There is no statutory or customary provision for moving the holiday to another day because the celebrations are tied to their fixed liturgical dates.

3. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

The Holy See does not have an automatic mechanism for creating extra “bridge” days. Since the calendar is structured around religious observances, additional substitute days are not provided when a holiday falls on a weekend.

4. Special Cases

Certain celebrations, such as major feasts (e.g., Easter, Christmas), follow fixed liturgical dates and are observed accordingly regardless of the day of the week. Any adjustments or exceptions would be issued only by official Vatican communications.

5. Additional Notes

For the most current and precise information, refer to the official liturgical calendar published by the Holy See and any relevant announcements from Vatican authorities.

Institutions within Vatican City observe these dates as set by tradition and official decree, and there is no legal requirement for substitute days off when holidays fall on weekends.