Overview

• The Senate’s constitutional affairs committee gave final deliberative approval, making the measure law and restoring a feast abolished in 1977.
• From January 1, 2026, October 4 enters the national holiday calendar with full legal and pay effects, including closure of schools and public offices.
• Because October 4, 2026 falls on a Sunday, the first weekday observance is expected in 2027.
• The Chamber of Deputies approved the bill on September 23 with 247 votes in favor, 8 abstentions and 2 against.
• Proposed by Noi Moderati following Davide Rondoni’s appeal, the measure drew broad cross-party support and praise from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, while PD lawmaker Gian Antonio Girelli warned against a purely symbolic move.