Italy is expecting a huge influx of people in 2025 for the Jubilee, which will last all year. But what is a Jubilee, why is it important, and what does it mean for Italy travel in 2025?
A Jubilee, called by the Pope, brings millions of pilgrims to Rome and will last all year. In this article we’ll dive into understanding the Jubilee’s history and significance, planning your pilgrimage (or avoiding the Catholic crowds), and how to make sure you’ll have an enjoyable time in Italy in 2025.
What is the Italy Jubilee?
The Italy Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, is a special event or year of grace in the Catholic Church that typically occurs every 25 years. This is a special year of spiritual renewal and celebration for Catholics, and it causes a significant increase in pilgrims visiting Rome.
Officially, the 2025 Jubilee starts on December 24, 2024 with the well-known rite of the opening of the Holy Doors. On this day the four major basilicas of Rome – St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major – will open their doors for the Jubilee year. Across 2025 most of the Jubilee activities will be at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and St. Peter’s Square.
As an event, the Jubilee stretches back to the year 1300 and you can see a timeline of all the Jubilee events in history here.Â
Why is the Jubilee important?
The Jubilee is an important time for Catholics to seek forgiveness, deepen their faith, and reconnect with the Church and its history. Beyond personal transformation, the Jubilee inspires a sense of community and outpouring of charity. This religious event resonates with believers worldwide who come together in Rome for a great cause.
The theme for 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope”, which was chosen to reflect the world’s current challenges, such as war, the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis. It’s a call for renewed hope and faith in the face of adversity.
This is an ordinary Jubilee, and the last ordinary Jubilee was held was in 2000. Pope Francis did, however, declare an Extraordinary Jubilee in 2015 for the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second Vatican Council.
What impact will the Jubilee have on Italy travel in 2025?
A significant impact. The Jubilee will bring millions of pilgrims from around the world to Rome. One expert suggests that as many as 20 million pilgrims may visit across the year.
It’s a boost for the city’s economy, but it may be difficult to find accommodation in the city if you don’t book well in advance. Luckily Trafalgar has all hotels pre-booked for its tours in 2025, so all you need to do is book a seat on one of our Italy tours.
What are the significant dates during the 2025 Jubilee?
Throughout the year there will be many events dedicated to different groups. You can register your details with the official Jubilee 2025 website to get a pilgrim card and receive updates about scheduled events.
December 24, 2024 – Opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica
January 24-26 – Jubilee of the World of Communications
February 8-9 – Jubilee of Armed Forces, Police and Security Personnel
February 15-18 – Jubilee of Artists
February 21-23 – Jubilee of Deacons
March 8-9 – Jubilee of the World of Volunteering
March 28 – 24 Hours for the Lord
March 28-30 – Jubilee of the Missionaries of Mercy
April 5-6 – Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers
April 25-27 – Jubilee of Teenagers
April 28-29 – Jubilee of People with Disabilities
May 1-4 – Jubilee of Workers
May 4-5 – Jubilee of Entrepreneurs
May 10-11 – Jubilee of Marching Bands
May 12-14 – Jubilee of the Eastern Churches
May 16-18 – Jubilee of Confraternities
May 30 – June 1 – Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly
June 7-8 – Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations and New Communities
June 9 – Jubilee of the Holy See
June 14-15 – Jubilee of Sport
June 20-22 – Jubilee of Governments
June 23-24 – Jubilee of Seminarians
June 25 – Jubilee of Bishops
June 25-27 – Jubilee of Priests
July 28 – August 3 – Jubilee of Youth
September 15 – Jubilee of Consolation
September 20 – Jubilee of Justice
September 26-28 – Jubilee of Catechists
October 4-5 – Jubilee of the Missions
October 4-5 – Jubilee of Migrants
October 8-9 – Jubilee of Consecrated Life
October 11-12 – Jubilee of Marian Spirituality
October 31 – November 2 – Jubilee of the World of Education
November 16 – Jubilee of the Poor
November 22-23 – Jubilee of Choirs
December 14 – Jubilee of Prisoners
How can you travel Italy stress-free during the 2025 Jubilee?
With around 20 million extra people pouring into Rome across the year, securing a place to stay to see Rome’s significant landmarks could be tricky – but doesn’t have to be. You can mitigate any worries about finding accommodation by joining a Trafalgar tour.
If you’re considering visiting Italy in 2025, then of course you want to see Rome’s Coliseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain. You can feel confident knowing Trafalgar has rooms secured for all our scheduled 2025 trips, all you need to do is choose your dates and tour.
You can visit Rome on the following Trafalgar tours:
- Italian Holiday
- Rome and Tuscan Highlights
- European Dream
- European Whirl
- Great Italian Cities
- Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold – family tour
- Southern Italy and Sicily
- Real Italy
- Wonders of Italy
- European Traveller
- Contrasts of Italy
- Best of Italy
- European Wonderland
- Mediterranean Highlights
- Italy Bellissimo
- Grand Italian Experience
…. and so many more!
Planning to visit Italy in 2025? Let us know in the comments if you plan to visit Rome…..