From regional elections to a nationwide strike, here’s what to expect in Italy this week.
Monday, November 24th – Regional elections
The second and final day of voting in Italy’s latest round of regional elections will take place on Monday in Puglia, Campania and Veneto, with polls open from 7am to 3pm.
Voters in the three regions are set to elect new regional councillors and governors.
In Campania, right-wing candidate Edmondo Cirielli faces Roberto Fico of M5S. The elections are seen as a key test for Meloni’s coalition, which currently governs 14 of Italy’s 20 regions.
Initial results are expected to come in late on Monday evening after polls close.
READ ALSO: Why do Italy’s regional elections matter – and who can vote in them?
Monday–Saturday – Turin Film Festival
The 43rd edition of the Turin Film Festival kicks off on Friday November 21st, and continues through Saturday November 29th.
This year’s showing includes a program of 120 films, both Italian and international, and a star-studded lineup of awardees will be presented with the ‘Stella della Mole’.
Thursday, November 27th – Rail strike
Rail passengers in Italy may face journey disruption from the evening of Thursday November 27th into Friday, November 28th due to a planned 24-hour train strike.
READ ALSO: The transport strikes to expect in Italy in November 2025
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The strike action may affect interregional and long-distance services. Passengers are advised to contact their rail operator and check the status of their service before setting off.
Friday, November 28th – National general strike
There may be broader transport disruption on Friday November 28th, as Italian trade unions have called a national general strike to protest the 2026 budget bill.
Two of Italy’s biggest trade unions called the strike, asking both public and private sector workers to take part across Italy.
READ MORE: How you can travel in Italy when there’s a transport strike
Unions called on workers to once again “block everything”, referring to the major protests over Gaza in mid-October which caused transport disruption in Italian cities.
Protests are also planned across Italian cities for Saturday 29th, meaning some disruption to local transport could continue into the weekend.
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Saturday, November 29th – Most ‘presepi’ open for season
Creative presepi (nativity scenes) appear in homes, churches and piazze across Italy for the holidays, each one a little different.
Many of this year’s presepi, including the world’s first nativity scene, in Greccio, go on display starting November 29th.
Sunday, November 30th – Milan public transit strike
Staff of Milan’s public transport provider ATM have announced a four-hour strike from 8.45am until 12.45pm on Sunday, November 30th.
Florence Marathon
The 40th Florence Marathon takes place on Sunday, starting and finishing in Piazza del Duomo, with runners covering 42.2km through and around the city.