What's Happening in Italy this May
Life in Italy undergoes transformations in May 2025
From May Day bashes to plane ticket launches and more, here's a rundown of what's popping off in Italy this coming month!
Labor Day: Get Ready for some Fun
The working class will be rewarded with a day off on May 1st, a.k.a. Labor Day (or Festa del Lavoro in Italian). Celebrate with a picnic, BIG outdoor lunches, or simply chill. Offices, schools, and most state-run museums will be open, but remember, bus and train services might change.
Put on Your Dancing Shoes
On May 1st, Italy's traditional Labor Day concert, il concertone, will take place in Rome's Piazza San Giovanni. All you music lovers will enjoy performances by some popular Italian artists starting at 3pm.
Brace Yourself for Some Strikes
Transport workers have got their eyes on May, and it looks like they're ready to strike. Expect significant disruption on the evening of May 5th and throughout the day on May 6th, as multiple trade unions have called a national train strike. Don't forget - a four-hour nationwide air transport strike on May 9th might cause travel delays, so leave plenty of time to catch your flight!
Time to Pick a Pope, Cardinals!
Talking about designer hats and robes, Catholic cardinals plan to meet on May 7th to begin the hunt for a new pope in the highly secretive process that could take some days, maybe even weeks. May the best candidate win!
Pedal Power in the Spotlight
Get ready for the 2025 edition of the prestigious Giro d'Italia! Cyclists will hit the road from May 9th to June 1st, starting in Durrës, Albania, and winding through cities, lakes, and mountains all over Italy, Slovenia, and Vatican City. It's gonna be a bumpy ride, but absolutely thrilling!
Mamma Mia, It's Mother's Day!
Mark your calendars: Mother's Day in Italy is on the second Sunday of May – May 11th to be exact. Kids, if you haven't planned anything yet, it's about that time!
Summer Tyre Time
Listen up, drivers! Italy requires motorists to switch to summer tyres by May 15th. Don't break the law, or you might get fined up to €1,731 and have to undergo an MOT test.
Museum Nights
Want to explore museums after dark? Well, you're in luck. On May 17th, the European Night of Museums is coming back, with lots of museums keeping their doors open past midnight. Check the museum's website to find out if they're participating.
Hop on a New Flight
Spring 2025 will bring new opportunities for jet-setters, with British Airways, Easyjet, American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Air Canada, Wizz Air, and more launching new flight routes between various Italian destinations and cities across North America and Europe. The Denver International Airport might welcome its first direct route to Rome Fiumicino, and New York JFK will connect with Catania Fontanarossa. British Airways will also introduce flights to Rimini, Salerno, and Olbia this May.
Voting Time... in Some Places
If you're a resident of one of the approximately 120 participating towns, be ready to cast your vote in the first round of Italy's local municipal elections, which will take place on May 25th and 26th.
More Goodies Coming Your Way!
Mark your calendars for these events:
- May 5-9: The GEO Global Forum will take place in Rome, with a focus on earth observations.
- May 16-18: The Cantina Aperta in Montepulciano, Tuscany, will let you explore local vineyards and taste wines.
- May 23-25: Piano City Milano brings hundreds of piano concerts to various locations in Milan.
- May 25-26: The Flower Festival of Noto in Sicily and the Verona Opera Festival begin.
Stay tuned for more updates and make sure to get in the loop for everything fantastic happening in Italy this May!
- Labor Day events in Italy might be affected by strikes in the transport industry, particularly on May 5th and 6th, as well as on May 9th when air transport workers might stage a strike.
- EU citizens residing in Italy are encouraged to take note of the upcoming local municipal elections on May 25th and 26th, as some towns will be participating.
- Italian motorists are advised to switch to summer tyres by May 15th to avoid potential fines of up to €1,731 and MOT test requirements.
- While attending events, such as the European Night of Museums on May 17th or the Piano City Milano from May 23-25, it is recommended to check participating museums or event websites for specific details and schedules.
- Travelers planning to visit Italy during the spring of 2025 may be interested in British Airways' new flight routes to Rimini, Salerno, and Olbia starting in May, as well as new connections to Rome Fiumicino and other Italian destinations.
- The Italian healthcare system might see a dip in service due to strikes from transport workers, which could potentially impact citizens' health and well-being.
- On May 7th, Catholic cardinals will officially launch the process to select a new pope, an event that could last several days or weeks.
- In a further display of Italia's rich cultural tapestry, various festivals will be happening across the country in May, such as the Flower Festival of Noto in Sicily, the Verona Opera Festival, and the Cantina Aperta in Montepulciano, Tuscany.
- The Giro d'Italia, a prestigious cycling event, will take place from May 9th to June 1st, showcasing the beautiful cities, landscapes, and culture that Italy has to offer.
