Figure 1.--Corpus Christi is not a national holidy, but is widey celebrted in Italy. Catholics traditionally hear Mass and then go in procession through the streets of their parish church�s neighborhood, all whilst praying and singing. The Eucharist, known as the Blessed Sacrament, is placed in a monstrance and is held aloft by a member of the clergy during the procession. After the procession, parishioners return to the church, where Benediction commonly is issued. Here is a Corpus Christi procession in Eboli, south of Naples during World War II (June 8, 1944). Rome had just veen liberated by the Allies. In the background note the effects of the bombing thet took place a year earlier, in the night between August 4 and 5, 1943. The Allied troops entered in Eboli on September 23, 1943. In the general calendar of Catholic Church the feast of Corpus Christi is scheduled on the second Thursday after Pentecost (in 2019 on June 20). For some time in Italy, the celebratiom is no longer recognised as a national holiday. So in the churches it is celebrated on subsequent Sunday (in 2019 on June 23).

We do not know a great deal about Italian holidays yet. We have not found many family snashots of holiday celebrations. The standard European holidays such as New Years are observed (January 1). Epiphany is based on the story of the three wise men (or kings) offering Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (January 6). Liberation Day is a national holiday (April 25) It marks the fall of Mussolini's Fasist regime (April 25). It also marks the end of the NAZI occupation in Italy towards the end of World War II. As a mostly Catholic country, the religious holidays Easter is obseeved as Food Friday nd Easter Sunday, but Easter Monday is national holiday. The date varies from year to year, but is in April and May. Many Italians commemorate the labor movement�s social and economic achievements on Labor Day, often rferred to as May Day (May 1). The national holiday is the Anniversaty of the Republic (June 2). Known as Festa della Repubblica it celebrates the day when Italians voted to abolish the monarchy in 1946. After King Umberto II lost a plebecite following World War II, a Republic was declared. Many Italians observe Assumption Day meaning the Assumption of Mry. It is known as Ferragosto in Italy (August 15). This national holiday celebrates the Catholic belief that God took the body of Jesus� mother Mary into heaven at her death. All Saints� Day, known as Festa di Tutti i Santi, is both a religious and public holiday in Italy (November 1). As the name implies, it collectively celebrates all of the Catholic saints. Manby of the saints are honored individully as local celebrations. The feast of the Immaculate Conception (L'Immacolata Concezione) is another Catholic celebration that is a nationl holiday (December 8). The day commemorates when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was graced by God to lead a life 'free of sin' according to Catholic belief. As is the case throughout Europe, Christmas called Natale is of great importance (December 25). Italians also celebrate St Stephen�s feast Day, Il giorno di Santo Stefano. Iy is celebrated as a public holiday the day after Christmas Day (Decemnber 26). In addition to these nationl hoidays, there are many local holidays which are celbrated, many are associated ith individual saints.

Created: 1:41 AM 1/9/2019
Last updated: 1:41 AM 1/9/2019