Special events and holidays

[ActiveTraveler]

While reading these boards, I realized I need to learn the Italian calendar. When do the kids go to school? What are the dates of national and cultural holidays? I want to know because certainly there would be much bigger crowds if I go during certain times of the year. Obviously, not all countries celebrate their independence on July 4, have a day off work the first Monday in September, or remember soldiers who died at the end of May. I assume there also are differences in the school schedules. Which dates in the spring should I try to avoid because of special events generating larger-than-usual crowds and children not having school?

[Susan-M]

Hi Andrea,

I usually look up information such as that by doing a google search ... here's one result: http://rome.angloinfo.com/information/17/schoolhols.asp

[ActiveTraveler]

Looks like I need to stay out of the country the day after Easter and on May 1.