THE PRIDE OF OUR HERITAGE: EASTER TRADITIONS IN ITALY

Easter is a significant celebration in Italy, where the Catholic faith is deeply ingrained. While Christmas, or Natale, holds a special place in Italian celebrations, Easter is equally remarkable. It all begins on Palm Sunday, when people remember Jesus’ joyful entry into Jerusalem. This day marks the start of a week filled with exceptional services, vibrant processions, and reenactments of biblical stories—culminating in the deeply moving Passion of Christ.

Easter in Italy is a joyful and communal celebration, filled with shared moments among loved ones, unlike the more family-centric nature of Christmas. An age-old Italian proverb captures this spirit perfectly: “Natale con i tuoi, e Pasqua con chi vuoi,” which translates to, “Spend Christmas with your family and Easter with whomever you like.” While many still gather with their families for the occasion, more and more Italians are choosing to celebrate Easter with friends.

The rich tapestry of Holy Week in Italy includes religious rituals similar to those observed by Catholics around the world. These ceremonies primarily unfold during Giovedì Santo (Holy Thursday), Venerdì Santo (Good Friday), and Sabato Santo (Holy Saturday), with each day offering its own series of solemn rites. The sacred journey reaches its crescendo at midnight on Easter Sunday as church bells ring out, heralding the arrival of La Domenica di Pasqua. After the reflective days of Lent, Italians welcome Easter with renewed fanfare. The streets come alive with festive processions, and the day culminates in a grand and unforgettable midday feast—il pranzo di Pasqua.

Easter dinner in Italy is a delightful showcase of regional flavors and traditions. While signature dishes like succulent roast lamb paired with vibrant spring vegetables are popular across the country, it’s the local variations that truly shine. Sweet treats such as chocolate eggs and beautifully crafted dove-shaped cakes known as Colomba are cherished nationwide. Savory cheese breads and cakes also add depth to the holiday feast. In the weeks leading up to Easter, Italian shop windows become a feast for the eyes, filled with traditional delights to tempt every palate.

What stands out even more in Italy is La Pasquetta, or “Little Easter.” This fun-filled Monday following Easter is dedicated to enjoying life. Towns and cities come alive with music, picnics, and games—making it a fantastic time to spend with friends while savoring delicious food. La Pasquetta became a national holiday after World War II, extending the season of peace and celebration throughout the country.

Easter’s unique and vibrant celebration in Italy is rooted in the country’s rich and multifaceted history. Before unifying in 1861, Italy was shaped by centuries of diverse cultural influences—from Greeks, Huns, Normans, and Byzantines to Spaniards, French, Phoenicians, and Arabs. This mosaic of traditions has woven itself into Italian culture, resulting in a kaleidoscope of customs that vary from region to region. The following summaries showcase some of these fascinating local variations:

In Piedmont:

Every odd year, Romagnano Sesia hosts a remarkable Good Friday procession featuring over 300 performers who recreate the Stations of the Cross. Spanning four days, this event includes actors dressed as Roman legionnaires and other biblical characters who mingle with the crowds. Jesus can be seen carrying the cross as the 14 stations of the Via Crucis come to life. This tradition echoes a similar event in Rome, where the Pope leads a candlelit procession from Palatine Hill to the Colosseum on Good Friday, pausing at 14 prayer stations along the way.

In Florence: La Festa del Carro

Florentines celebrate Easter Sunday with a vibrant procession featuring white oxen pulling a historic cart filled with fireworks. The event includes musicians, about 150 soldiers, and people dressed in 15th-century attire. Upon reaching Piazza del Duomo in front of the stunning Santa Maria del Fiore, a dove-shaped rocket carrying an olive branch is launched toward the cart to ignite a spectacular fireworks display known as the scoppio. This tradition is believed to ensure a bountiful harvest, prosperous businesses, and peace in the community.

In Enna, Sicily:

Enna honors its Spanish heritage with an entire week dedicated to the solemn observance of Holy Week. The highlight is the Good Friday procession, a tradition so significant it’s listed in the Registry of the Cultural Heritage of Sicily. Over 2,000 participants and more than 20,000 spectators take part. Disciples in hoods silently move through the streets, joined by the Confraternity of the Passion, which carries 25 sacred relics known as the Misteri, representing the martyrdom of Christ. Other Confraternities also participate. The procession concludes at the church cemetery with blessings before returning to the starting point.

In Procida:

At dawn on Good Friday, trumpet calls signal the beginning of a solemn procession. Around 8:00 a.m., statues of Mary and Christ are carried by devoted locals to the Church of San Tommaso. The procession features intricately crafted floats, created by residents in the weeks following Carnival, each one portraying a different scene from the Passion of Christ. These floats are later displayed in the Church of San Giacomo for 40 days. This beautiful tradition dates back to the 17th century.

In Chieti, Abruzzo:

The Good Friday procession in Chieti is one of the oldest in Italy, dating back to 842 AD—shortly after the time of Charlemagne. Having survived plagues, wars, and revolutions, it remains a powerful bridge between past and present. Each year, over 4,000 participants in historical dress transform Chieti into a moving tribute to faith and tradition. For nearly 1,200 years, this procession has continued, a testament to the strength of Italy’s enduring cultural heritage.

Other unique rituals can be seen in:

• Bologna – The Stroll to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca

• Sulmona, L’Aquila (Abruzzo) – La Madonna che Scappa

• Modica, Sicily – Vasa Vasa

• Siena – The Procession of Penitence on Holy Thursday

• Sorrento – The White Procession at 3:00 AM and the Black Procession at 9:00 PM on Holy Friday

• Venice – Good Friday is marked by black garments and a coffin carrying the consecrated Host, while Easter Sunday brings colorful costumes and a Quem Quaeritis trope

Countless other towns and cities showcase their own cherished rituals.

Easter is a beautiful season that invites us all to reflect and rejoice, especially within the Christian community and among those who follow Jesus. May your Easter celebrations be filled with family, rich in tradition, and full of recipes and memories that bring everyone closer together.



Buona Pasqua a tutti!