Italy’s far-right government revives holiday for saint at ‘core of our nation’s identity’

The GuardianWednesday, September 24, 2025 at 1:28:26 PM
Italy’s far-right government revives holiday for saint at ‘core of our nation’s identity’
Italy's far-right government, led by Giorgia Meloni, has reinstated a national holiday on October 4th to honor Saint Francis of Assisi, a beloved figure in Italian culture. This decision, which received overwhelming support from parliament, is seen as a celebration of the nation's identity and values. Millions of Italian workers will benefit from this day off, allowing them to reflect on the significance of their patron saint and the cultural heritage he represents.
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