You are probably curious about the Jubilee for 2025. First of all, what is the Jubilee and why are influencers/travel experts warning against traveling to Italy in 2025? The word Jubilee is from the Hebrew word, Jobel, which means Ram's horn. This horn was used as a trumpet in the ancient world to signify the beginnings of this special anniversary. The book of Leviticus tells us that the jubilee year is a year of liberation and excellence. Although the biblical Jubilee occurred every 50 years, a papal decree in 1470 made the anniversary every 25 years. It is a time for Christians today to reconnect with God and each other and what better way than to participate in the very ancient tradition of pilgrimage.
If you visited Italy this year (2024) you may have noticed many of Rome's monuments and fountains were under restoration. This was in preparation for the Jubilee which begins December 24, 2024 and continues until January 2026. In celebration of the Jubilee the Pope opens the holy doors of the 4 Papal churches in Rome symbolizing the passage from sin to grace. Pilgrims who enter through the Holy doors receive a special blessing. The 4 Papal churches include Saint Peter's Basilica, Saint Paul's outside the wall, Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Giovanni in Laterano. In addition to the ceremonies in Rome, the Shroud of Turin will be on full display during the months of May and June 2025. This will take place in the Turin Cathedral.
So why are many people cautioning tourists to avoid Italy in 2025? Given Italy's problem with over tourism since the Covid Lockdowns the Jubilee would bring an additional 30 million pilgrims to Italy during the 2025 calendar year with much focus being on Holy Sites in Rome. This could prove to be a not so relaxing Italian holiday, however, one would never regret participating in this seldom occurring celebration. I remember being in Rome in 2000 and receiving my blessing at the Holy Doors and I plan on returning this year to do the same. I think in this high-tech modern world it is a gift to see positive ancient traditions persist and regardless of one's beliefs, experiencing other cultures and religions is what makes travel so special.
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