Easter traditions in Italy

Easter or in italian Pasqua, is the second most important holiday in Italy after Christmas. This holiday covers a long weekend in Italy, with the additional Italian observance of Pasquetta (little Easter, also called Easter Monday) which according to tradition, you are free to celebrate as you wish!

Easter is known around the world as a holiday that is associated with food and it is the same in Italy. Traditional Easter foods across Italy may include lamb or goat, artichokes and special Easter breads that vary from region to region. Pannetone and Colomba (dove shaped) bread are often given as gifts.

If you’re one of those people who loves easter eggs, don’t worry – chocolate eggs are also part of Italian Easter tradition and they often come with a surprise in the middle. Easter egg tradition in Italy is very strong and it might not surprise you to know that the Italians built the biggest chocolate egg in the world.

Considering the Easter events in Sicily, Enna, for example, has a large procession on Good Friday, with more than 2,000 friars dressed in ancient costumes walking through the streets of the city. Trapani is also a good place to see processions, held several days during Holy Week. Their Good Friday procession, Misteri di Trapani, is 24 hours long. These processions are very elaborate and quite dramatic.

There are also Easter events in Barcellona PG. For example on Friday takes place the Procession of Varette of Barcellona and Pozzo di Gotto and after this a meeting late in the evening on the Longano bridge. The Procession will start at around six o’clock p.m. from two different point of the city (Point A: via Giuseppe Garibaldi – Point B: San Giovanni) and after having followed their itinerary they will meet on the Longano Bridge. It will finish at around 21:30 on the Longano bridge.

Processions’ itinerary

Easter Monday or Pasquetta is a free day – usually people are out, spending time with their friends and families. It is very popular to have a picnic! Don’t expect shops or restaurants to be open, because everybody wants to celebrate!

Easter vocabulary: