The Jubilee 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime event that offers a unique opportunity to
experience Rome and the Vatican in a deeply spiritual and historical context. Millions of
pilgrims from all around the world will flock to Italy's capital city for the Holy Year
2025, which will begin at Christmas 2024 and end on Epiphany 2026. But what exactly is
the Jubilee, and why is it so important?

The idea of the Jubilee year comes from Jewish tradition in which debt forgiveness, land
restitution, and slave freedom were all part of a period of remission that occurred every 50
years. The name “Jubilee” is derived from the Hebrew word “yobel”, which describes
the ram’s horn that is blown to mark the beginning of a new year.
In the Catholic context, the Jubilee was first declared by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300,
marking the beginning of the Holy Year tradition, during which people can ask for a Jubilee
indulgence, or sin forgiveness. Originally observed once every 100 years, these Holy
Years were then shortened to once every 50 years before Pope Paul II made them a
regular occurrence every 25 years. Extraordinary Jubilees have also been announced for
important occasions, such as the Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis in 2015. The
last ordinary Jubilee was held in 2000 with Pope John Paul II.

The opening of the Holy Door is among the most famous and exciting aspects of the
Jubilee. It's a special door that is opened at the beginning of the Jubilee year and
sealed again at its end. This symbolic act allows pilgrims to participate in the journey of
renewal and passing through the door signifies the passage from sin to grace. According
to tradition, the four papal basilicas in Rome are home to the four main Holy Doors:
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- St. John Lateran Basilica
- St. Paul Outside the Walls
- St. Mary Major Basilica
While the Pope opens the door at St. Peter’s, other doors are opened in the days that
follow, symbolizing the pilgrimage that all believers undertake during this special period.

With so many festivities, spiritual activities and cultural events, this holy event is sure to
attract travellers from all over the world. If you intend to travel to Italy during this unique
period, the following tips will help your trip go more smoothly:
 Book early: Make sure to secure accommodations well in advance because
millions of pilgrims are expected to visit Rome in 2025.
 Visit during off-peak hours: Popular sites like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican
Museums can get crowded, so schedule your visit for early in the morning or late in
the afternoon for a more peaceful experience. To avoid the crowds and have a more
comfortable, easy visit, take advantage of our exclusive Vatican tours.
 Show respect: Although the Jubilee is a time of celebration, it is also deeply sacred
for many. Be mindful of the reverence required at holy sites, dress appropriately,
and conduct yourself with respect.
 Expect to see the mascot of the event everywhere: Her name is Luce, and she
is portrayed as a pilgrim girl with manga-style eyes that resemble a shell, which is a
representation of the Camino de Santiago, and dirty feet from the journey.
 Take a guided tour: To make the most of the experience, think about joining a
guided tour. A professional travel guide can take care of all the logistics, so you can
fully enjoy the atmosphere and celebrations without any hassle. Visit our website to
discover all of the Rome tours we provide.

The Jubilee 2025 is a unique chance to experience Italy during a period of great spiritual
significance. Whether you’re coming for a spiritual celebration or to witness the grandeur
of this sacred event, the Jubilee promises a memorable journey into the deep cultural
heritage of this unique country.