Transformations in daily life in Italy during May 2025
Here's what's shaking up Italy in May 2025:
Bustin' Moves on Labour Day
May 1st is Labor Day, y'all! This national holiday celebrates the accomplishments of Italian workers and trade unions, with many folks enjoying a day off work. Offices and schools will be closed, but state museums and archaeological sites will be open. Public transportation services will also run, despite a potential general strike in other sectors.
Couldn't Hear Ya - Concertone's Back
Prepare for Italy's traditional Labour Day concert, il concertone, which will return to Rome's Piazza San Giovanni on May 1st. This massive free live music event is sure to rock the streets with top-notch Italian performers, starting at 3pm.
Strikes Aren't Just for Camels
Strikes are a common occurrence in Italy, and May is no exception. The evening of Monday, May 5th and May 6th are expected to see significant disruption for train travel, with multiple trade unions scheduling a national train strike across the country. A four-hour nationwide air transport strike on Friday, May 9th might also cause travel chaos.
Giro d'Italia - Cycle Mania!
The 2025 Giro d'Italia, one of the world's most prestigious cycling competitions, will kick off on Friday, May 9th and run until Sunday, June 1st. This year's event will start in Durrës, Albania, travel through cities, lakes, mountain ranges, and even Vatican City, Italy. With thousands of cycling enthusiasts in tow, this event is not one to miss.
Mamma Mia! It's Mother's Day
Italy honors mothers on the second Sunday of May, this year falling on May 11th. Established in 1956, Mother's Day was initially celebrated on May 8th but was changed in 2000 to align with the US calendar.
Summer Tire Time
Motorists in Italy have until May 15th to make the switch from winter to summer tires. After the deadline, violators will face fines and a vehicle inspection. Keep in mind that the summer tire requirement doesn't apply to all vehicles. Check out our article to see if it applies to you.
Museums Stay Up Late
On May 17th, many museums will extend their hours for the European Night of Museums. State-owned museums across Italy will participate, offering free or discounted entrance, special events, and access to off-limits areas.
Let's Fly Away!
Several new flights to and from Italy will be available starting in May, as holidaymakers gear up for the summer travel season. Competition is fierce, with British Airways, Easyjet, American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Air Canada, and Wizz Air all launching new routes across North America and Europe. Some of the most anticipated links include the first-ever direct route between Denver International Airport and Rome Fiumicino, as well as daily direct flights between New York JFK and Catania Fontanarossa.
Municipal Elections
On May 25th and 26th, residents of some 120 towns across Italy will cast their votes in the first round of the country's 2025 municipal elections. Polls will open on May 25th from 7am to 11pm and on the 26th from 7am to 3pm. Non-Italian EU citizens living in Italy are eligible to vote if they make an application to their town's mayor within 40 days of the election.
That's just a glimpse of what's happening in Italy next month. Stay tuned for more updates, and don't forget to share your own experiences and questions with us!
- A potential general strike might affect various services in Italy during Labor Day on May 1st, but public transportation services are expected to continue operating.
- On May 1st, the traditional Labour Day concert, il concertone, will take place in Rome's Piazza San Giovanni.
- Trips by train and air transport in Italy may be disrupted on May 5th and 6th due to scheduled strikes by multiple trade unions.
- The renowned Giro d'Italia cycling competition will begin on May 9th and end on June 1st, touring various cities and regions of Italy including Vatican City.
- Mother's Day will be celebrated in Italy on May 11th, honoring mothers on the second Sunday of the month.
- Motorists in Italy have until May 15th to switch from winter to summer tires, otherwise they could face fines and a vehicle inspection.
- The European Night of Museums will be held on May 17th, with many state-owned museums across Italy offering extended hours and special events for Night of Museums attendees.
