When it comes to celebrating Easter, no one does it quite like the Italians. Across the country, from the snow-capped Alps to the sun-soaked shores of Sicily, Easter (la Pasqua) is a time of deep religious significance, heartfelt traditions, and incredible food.
A Spiritual Journey
For many Italians, Easter begins not on Easter Sunday, but 40 days earlier with Lent, a period of fasting, reflection, and preparation. The week leading up to Easter, known as Settimana Santa (Holy Week), is filled with religious processions, reenactments of the Passion of Christ, and special masses.
Cities like Rome, Florence, and Taranto are known for their dramatic, often centuries-old rituals. In Sicily, hooded figures march through narrow streets by candlelight. In Rome, the Pope leads the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) at the Colosseum on Good Friday, a powerful, moving event watched by millions around the world.
Bells Go Silent, Then Ring with Joy
On Good Friday, church bells fall silent across Italy. It’s a somber pause, a symbolic gesture of mourning. But come Easter Sunday, those same bells erupt in joyful celebration, ringing out across towns and cities to announce the Resurrection.
It’s a moment that brings people together, whether gathered in a grand cathedral or around a modest family table.
The Easter Table: A Feast of Flavors
Food is a central part of Italian Easter, and every region has its own specialties. But a few staples are nearly universal:
- Colomba di Pasqua : a dove-shaped sweet bread, similar in texture to panettone, topped with almonds and sugar.
- Lamb : often roasted and seasoned simply with herbs and garlic, lamb symbolizes purity and sacrifice.
- Torta Pasqualina : a savory pie from Liguria, filled with ricotta, spinach (or artichokes), and whole eggs baked inside.
- Chocolate Eggs : these are not your average Easter eggs. Italian chocolate eggs are large, often handcrafted, and always hiding a surprise inside, especially beloved by children (and adults, too).
And let’s not forget the wine. Easter lunch is a long, lingering affair, often lasting hours and filled with laughter, stories, and second (or third) helpings.
Family and Togetherness
Above all, Easter in Italy is about togetherness. Families gather, sometimes traveling long distances, to share not just a meal but a sense of connection, of roots, of belonging. For Italians, la famiglia is at the heart of every celebration.
Pasquetta: The Day After
The Monday following Easter, known as Pasquetta (Little Easter), is all about enjoying the outdoors. Parks, countryside, and beaches fill with picnics, games, and barbecues. After the solemnity of Holy Week and the richness of Easter Sunday, Pasquetta is a joyful, laid-back way to round out the holiday.
From solemn processions to chocolate-filled eggs, Italy’s Easter traditions are a rich blend of the sacred and the celebratory. It’s a time when ancient rituals meet modern joy, and every region, every family, adds its own flavor to the mix.
If you ever find yourself in Italy in spring, don’t miss the chance to experience Pasqua firsthand. Just be sure to come hungry, and maybe pack some stretchy pants.
