Feast of the Immaculate Conception
What Do People Do?
Immaculate Conception Day is a day when many Italians attend a church mass to honor Mary, whom they believe is immaculate, or “free from sin”. One of the highlights is a celebration led by the Catholic pope in Rome, who kneels in prayer and lays a floral wreath on the statue of the Madonna at the Piazza Mignanelli. In some places there is street entertainment by jugglers and street clowns for the public.
Public Life
The feast of the Immaculate Conception is a nationwide public holiday in Italy. Organizations and businesses that are closed include:
- Government offices.
- Post offices.
- Banks.
- Schools and other educational institutions.
Many shops are open at this time of the year for people to start their Christmas shopping. Transport options, such as taxis, rail services between major cities and major long-route bus lines, are available but travelers are advised to check routes and timetables with the local transport authorities.
Background
The celebration of the Immaculate Conception can be traced back to when the Vatican officially declared the feast on December 8, 1854. This holiday is celebrated in some other countries worldwide.
Symbols
Many shops in Italy sell paintings, statues, relics and other types of artwork related to Mary, Jesus’ m