I just noticed that Liberation Day, April 25, falls in the week we are planning our trip to Rome. Will museums, shops, restaurants be open? Are there parades or any other festivities? (It falls on a Monday.)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,

If you are still going to be in Rome in May 1, there will be the Mayday concert. April 25 is a more political occasion, there will be a march in the city (the main one is held in Milano). All public offices, including some museums will probably be closed, as well as many restaurants etc. Often enough also public transportation is not working, at least here in Milano, or works at half service.

Thanks Alice. Hmmm, that may be a good day to visit the Vatican - I imagine it is not affected by these kinds of holidays. I'm sure we can find plenty to do, I'm sure a city like Rome never completely shuts down! We are planning April 23-April 30 so we will miss May Day.

I have been in Italy for the last two Liberation Days....in Busseto (near Parma) in 2002 and in Tivoli last year.

Both towns had parades and civic ceremonies--higlighted by the singing of the partisan anthem "Bella Ciao". Museums in both towns were open--we visited the Villa d'Este after the parade in Tivoli--but offices and many businesses were closed.

I just did a cursory check of Rome web sites and it appears that the Colosseum will be open; of course the Vatican will be open since it is not in Italy. Since it is Monday, museums with regular Monday closings will be closed, but not because of Liberation Day.

I don't think you will be seriously hampered by being in Rome on Liberation Day and you will likely get to see a great parade.

Public transportation will definitely be running. It doesn't even stop for May Day anymore. It will be on a holiday/Sunday schedule.

Since the 25th falls on a Monday, making for a perfect long weekend, I would expect more restaurants and small shops to be closed. The owners will want to get away and they will also expect most Rome residents to be away for the weekend as well.

But as you say, Rome never completely shuts down, especially in the center.

Steph

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Originally posted by WebFabbrica:
Since the 25th falls on a Monday, making for a perfect long weekend [...]

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Oh! Next year there will be some "ponte"! I am moved, this year we have had none!
In Italy it is customaary to organize long or extralong week.ends using various festivities that fall on Monday, Tuesday, Tursday or Friday, sometimes adding one day of paid holiday (those who have them). Now it's time to start thinking what to do on the "ponte" days!

resurrecting this topic as the day is drawing closer... I was wondering, if indeed there is a parade/march in Rome, where it will it be held? It might be fun to check it out (on the other hand, it might be more fun to avoid it...not sure yet

Also, any word yet on whether the Vatican museums will be opening again on a regular schedule (not including the Sistine Chapel, obviously.)? This was the day we'd planned to visit the Vatican, since other museums will be closed.