Meaning
A seasonal greeting.
Cultural Background
The holiday season is very long, starting on December 8th and ending on January 6th. 'Buone feste' covers this entire period. In the south, 'feste' often implies massive family dinners (cenoni). Wishing 'buone feste' is also wishing someone a good appetite! It is customary for companies to send a 'cesto natalizio' (gift basket) to clients with a card saying 'Buone feste'. While Italy is Catholic, 'Buone feste' is the preferred neutral greeting in public schools and government offices to be inclusive.
The 'Likwise' Response
If someone says 'Buone feste' to you, the easiest response is 'Grazie, altrettanto!' (Thanks, likewise!).
Don't use it in July
Even if there is a 'festa' (festival) in summer, we don't say 'Buone feste'. Use 'Buon divertimento' (Have fun) instead.
Meaning
A seasonal greeting.
The 'Likwise' Response
If someone says 'Buone feste' to you, the easiest response is 'Grazie, altrettanto!' (Thanks, likewise!).
Don't use it in July
Even if there is a 'festa' (festival) in summer, we don't say 'Buone feste'. Use 'Buon divertimento' (Have fun) instead.
The 'Auguri' Power
In Italy, you can never say 'Auguri' too many times. It's the social lubricant of the season.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the greeting.
Come si dice 'Happy Holidays' in italiano?
The noun 'feste' is feminine plural, so the adjective must be 'buone'.
Fill in the missing adjective.
______ feste a te e famiglia!
Adjectives ending in -e are the feminine plural form.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ci vediamo dopo le vacanze! B: Hai ragione! ________!
Since they are going on vacation (likely for the holidays), 'Buone feste' is the appropriate farewell.
Match the greeting to the date.
Quale saluto è più appropriato per il 20 dicembre?
December 20th is in the middle of the holiday season.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Buone feste'
Dates
- • Dec 8
- • Dec 24
- • Dec 31
- • Jan 6
People
- • Boss
- • Friends
- • Barista
- • Family
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCome si dice 'Happy Holidays' in italiano?
The noun 'feste' is feminine plural, so the adjective must be 'buone'.
______ feste a te e famiglia!
Adjectives ending in -e are the feminine plural form.
A: Ci vediamo dopo le vacanze! B: Hai ragione! ________!
Since they are going on vacation (likely for the holidays), 'Buone feste' is the appropriate farewell.
Quale saluto è più appropriato per il 20 dicembre?
December 20th is in the middle of the holiday season.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is considered a secular and inclusive greeting in modern Italy.
After January 6th (the Epiphany), the holiday season is officially over.
It is always 'Buone feste' because 'feste' is feminine plural.
'Buon Natale' is specifically for Christmas, while 'Buone feste' covers the whole season.
Yes, it is very common and professional to use it as a closing in December.
No, you can just say 'Buone feste!' on its own.
It is neutral and can be used in almost any situation.
It means 'parties' or 'festivities'.
Say 'Grazie, altrettanto!' or 'Grazie, anche a te/lei!'.
Not really, but 'Auguroni!' is a very informal, enthusiastic alternative.
Related Phrases
Buon Natale
similarMerry Christmas
Buon anno
similarHappy New Year
Auguri
builds onBest wishes
Buona Pasqua
contrastHappy Easter
Buone vacanze
similarHave a good vacation
