festivals-and-events-in-Vatican City

Local Festivals and Events in Vatican City

Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, may not have a large population, but it makes up for it with a plethora of cultural and festive events throughout the year. Here are some of the local festivals and events that take place in this tiny city-state:

1. Papal Inauguration

  • Date: March
  • Description: The inauguration ceremony of the new Pope marks the beginning of a new era for the Catholic Church.
  • Location: St. Peter’s Square

2. Feast Day of St. John Lateran

  • Date: November 9th
  • Description: This feast day commemorates the dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, which is considered the oldest church in Rome.
  • Location: St. John Lateran Basilica

3. Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul

  • Date: June 29th
  • Description: This feast day honors the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, who are said to have been martyred in Rome.
  • Location: St. Peter’s Square

4. White Throne Ceremony

  • Date: Easter Monday (movable date)
  • Description: The White Throne ceremony is a unique event where the Pope sits on an empty throne, symbolizing Christ’s resurrection.
  • Location: Piazza San Pietro

5. Vatican City Day

  • Date: February 22nd
  • Description: This national holiday commemorates the anniversary of the Lateran Treaty, which established Vatican City as a sovereign state in 1929.
  • Location: Throughout Vatican City