How Easter Sunday and Monday Are Celebrated in Italy

How does Italy celebrate Easter? Easter, or Pasqua in Italian, is one of Italy’s most significant religious and cultural celebrations. As a deeply Catholic country, Italy observes Easter with profound devotion, incorporating ancient traditions, grand religious processions, and elaborate feasts.

Easter celebrations in Italy, much like in other Catholic countries, extend beyond just Easter Sunday, spanning an entire week of events that begin on Palm Sunday and conclude with Easter Monday, known as La Pasquetta.

Palm Sunday: The Beginning of Holy Week

Palm Sunday, or Domenica delle Palme, marks the beginning of Holy Week in Italy. On this day, churchgoers receive blessed olive branches or palm fronds, symbolizing the palm branches that greeted Jesus upon his arrival in Jerusalem. Many Italians keep these blessed branches in their homes as a sign of protection. Throughout the country, Easter traditions in Italy include various religious processions.

Holy Thursday and Good Friday: Solemn Rituals

Holy Thursday, or Giovedì Santo, commemorates the Last Supper. In many Italian towns, churches hold special Masses, and some even host the foot-washing ritual, symbolizing humility and service. Good Friday, or Venerdì Santo, is a day of deep mourning, marked by elaborate processions and reenactments of the Passion of Christ.

Easter Sunday: A Day of Joy and Celebration

Easter Sunday in Italy is a joyous occasion, beginning with early morning church services and culminating in grand feasts with family and friends. One of Florence’s most famous traditions is the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart). During this event, an intricately decorated cart filled with fireworks is ignited, symbolizing blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

Italian families gather for a traditional Easter lunch, which typically includes lamb, savory pies like torta pasqualina (a classic Italian Easter pie), and a variety of side dishes. For dessert, the colomba di Pasqua, a dove-shaped bread similar to panettone, is served alongside chocolate Easter eggs filled with surprises, a beloved Italian Easter tradition.

Easter Monday: A Day for Relaxation and Gatherings

Easter Monday, or La Pasquetta, is a beloved holiday dedicated to relaxation, picnics, and outdoor gatherings with family and friends. Italians use the springtime weather to organize outings to the countryside, mountains, or seaside. Traditional foods for La Pasquetta include leftover Easter dishes, frittata, and grilled meats. Many towns and villages also host local festivals and concerts.

Regional Easter Traditions Across Italy

Each region has its unique way of celebrating Easter in Italy. In Sicily, the Diavolata of Adrano symbolizes the battle between good and evil. In Enna, a grand procession features thousands of hooded figures carrying religious statues through the streets. In Abruzzo, La Madonna che Scappa (Running Madonna) in Sulmona dramatically re-enacts the Virgin Mary’s joy at seeing the risen Christ. These are just some of the fascinating Italian Easter customs practiced throughout the country.

Easter in Vatican City: A Sacred Celebration

For those in Rome, Italian Easter is an extraordinary experience. Thousands gather to attend the Pope’s Easter Mass and receive the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing. The Vatican also hosts multiple religious events throughout Holy Week.

FAQs

How do you say “Happy Easter” in Italy?

In Italy, people say “Buona Pasqua!” to wish someone a Happy Easter. Pasqua means Easter in Italian, and buona translates to good or happy.

Is Easter a good time to visit Italy?

Easter can be a wonderful time to visit Italy, but it depends on your travel preferences. Spring weather is usually pleasant, and you’ll experience unique cultural and religious traditions, especially in cities like Rome, Florence, and Sicily.

However, it’s also a peak travel period for locals, meaning popular destinations can be crowded, and some businesses may have limited hours on Easter Sunday and Monday (Pasquetta). If you plan ahead, it can be a fantastic time to experience Italy’s rich traditions and festive atmosphere.

Experience the Rich Traditions of Italy Firsthand

If you’re passionate about Italian heritage and want to connect with your roots, consider obtaining Italian dual citizenship. Not only will this open the door to deeper cultural experiences, but it also provides opportunities for travel, work, and living in Italy. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the culture, savor traditional Italian Easter bread, and say “Buona Pasqua” just like the locals.

Get in touch with the Italian American Citizenship Assistance Program today to learn about how we can help you become an Italian dual citizen.