3. Italy observes many of the same holidays as here in the US - but some Italian holidays are definitely done bigger and better. As a historic center for religious activity, most of the Catholic holidays take on much grander import. Throughout holy week, Italy contains all kinds of traditional ceremonies - the most famous being the procession that passes by the august walls of the Colosseum before winding its way through the Roman Forum and up Palatine Hill. It is led by none other than the Pope himself. It's the holiest of Italian holidays; the week is then capped off by his annual Easter speech from St. Peter's Square.ItalyColosseum Roman Forum