If you’re traveling to Italy in spring or have made the Bel Paese (beautiful country) your home abroad, there’s one tradition you can’t miss: Easter celebrations!
Easter in Italy is a vivacious mix of everything that defines Italian culture: faith, folklore, and a deep sense of community. Every region has its traditions, from the grand Easter celebrations in Rome to the ancient religious parades of central Italy and age-old symbolic rituals like Sicily’s Ballo dei Diavoli (Dance of the Devils).
So, get ready with some essential Italian phrases—you are about to discover some of the most unique Easter traditions. And, of course, don’t miss out on the must-try Easter delicacies. Because no matter the region, Easter in Italy is always a feast for the soul and the stomach!
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When is Easter?
Easter falls on a variable date between late March and April. Since it depends on the lunar calendar, Christian countries celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring. Easter is celebrated on April 20 this year.
Is Easter a holiday in Italy?
Pasqua (Easter Sunday) and Pasquetta or Lunedì dell’angelo (Easter Monday) are the two national holidays in Italy.
Other relevant dates for Easter celebrations include Domenica delle Palme (Palm Sunday) and Venerdì Santo (Good Friday), though they are not public holidays.
How is Easter celebrated in Italy?
Easter is one of the most beloved holidays in Italy and not only for practicing Christians. Although mass services and religious gatherings are more crowded than usual during these days, Easter is perceived both as a time for faith and a chance to leave the city to enjoy a getaway. It’s a great time to be in Italy!
Good Friday: religious parades and Via Crucis
Good Friday is when most processioni (processions) take place. These religious parades can be simple and intimate or grow to large-scale events featuring penitenti incappucciati (hooded penitents) and even flagellanti (self-flagellants).
Among these celebrations, the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross) is the most traditional. It’s a reenactment of Christ’s Passion along a series of stations representing the events before the crucifixion. In some towns, the celebration goes a step further with the Via Crucis viventi (living Way of the Cross), where actors and locals interpret the scenes and bring the experience to life.
Holy Saturday: the Easter vigil
Some cities may choose not to hold processions on Holy Saturday out of respect for the day of mourning.
However, in the evening, churches usually celebrate the Veglia Pasquale (Easter Vigil), a religious ceremony that culminates with the lighting of the cero pasquale (Easter candle). Later, at midnight, church bells will toll across the country to announce the resurrection of Christ.
Easter Sunday: the big day
Easter Sunday, or just Pasqua in Italy, is the most important day. The faithful attend the morning mass, typically between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. In Rome, thousands of visitors gather in St. Peter’s Square for the Papal Mass and the blessing; the event is also broadcast live on Italian television.
After mass, Italians celebrate Easter by having a big lunch at home or outside with family and friends.
Easter Monday: the perfect leisure time
Lunedì dell’angelo (Angel’s Monday) or Pasquetta (little Easter) commemorates the Gospel story in which an angel appeared to the women who stood by Christ’s tomb to announce his resurrection.
This day is all about stare insieme (coming together). Including friends in Easter celebrations is such an integral part of this festivity that it found its way into one of the most used Italian sayings: Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi (Christmas with your family, Easter with whomever you want). That explains why organizing a picnic or grigliata (barbecue) with friends and relatives is one of the most traditional ways to spend Easter Monday.
The most original Italian Easter traditions held in 9 key cities and regions
It’s time to create your unique itinerary through Italy’s most evocative Easter celebrations. Much like Italian Christmas traditions, some Easter rituals are so ancient you can still feel their folkloric and pagan origins.
Generally, the most prominent Easter parades happen in southern Italy. Spanish domination from 1559 to 1713 deeply influenced the culture of these regions. So their Easter celebrations are now very similar to those of Easter in Spain and feature big statues, confraternite (religious brotherhoods), and hooded penitents.
Rome (Lazio)
Easter in Rome deserves a special mention because the pope leads major ceremonies during the week, making it one-of-a-kind.
Some of the most anticipated celebrations led by the Pontiff include:
- Lavanda dei piedi (washing of the feet) on Holy Thursday, when he washes the feet of the faithful
- Via Crucis at the Colosseum on Good Friday
- Easter Vigil, a special mass on Holy Saturday
- Easter mass and the Urbi et Orbi blessing on Easter Sunday
Even if you’re not Catholic, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a Roman Easter in a non-religious way. The city offers many activities, like concerts and egg hunts in city parks. And if the weather is good, you cannot miss a traditional aperitivo in Trastevere—it’s the coolest way to end the day!
>> Don’t let guesswork spoil your Easter. Discover the best restaurants in Rome!
Florence (Tuscany)
Florence celebrates Easter with a truly unique tradition called the scoppio del carro (explosion of the cart). The carro or Brindellone is a firework-laden cart designed in the 1600s with the most unique mechanism. On Easter Sunday, the cart enters the Piazza del Duomo pulled by white oxen, followed by a parade of flag bearers, musicians, and performers in Florentine costumes.
The firework show is activated by the colombina, a mechanical dove that holds a fuse and connects to the cart on a wire. During mass, the Archbishop of Florence will light the fuse, making the colombina speed along the wire to set off the fireworks in the cart. If the dove’s flight goes smoothly, it will bring good luck for the year!
>> Easter is a perfect time for a day trip from Florence or a visit to the best wineries in Tuscany.
Orte (Lazio)
Just an hour from Rome by car or train, the medieval town of Orte hosts one of Italy’s oldest and most hauntingly beautiful Easter traditions: la Processione del Cristo Morto (the Procession of the Dead Christ).
Imagine this scene: It’s around 9:30 p.m. on Good Friday and the entire town plunges into darkness as hundreds of incappucciati (hooded figures) move slowly through the streets to join the processions. Their path is lit only by torches, and the silence is broken only by the chilling sound of chains dragging along the cobblestone as barefoot penitents pass by. It’s as unforgettable as it sounds.
Taranto (Apulia)
Taranto features some of the most striking characters of Easter in Italy: the Perdùne, named after the pilgrims who once traveled to Rome for the Jubilee. On Good Friday, they walk barefoot at an almost hypnotic slow pace, with long hoods and hats. They announce their arrival with the rattle of the troccola, an instrument that produces an unsettling “trac-trac” sound.
Sicily
In Sicily, the Spanish influence is particularly evident in Trapani. Twenty sculptural groups are carried in procession between Friday and Saturday for over 24 consecutive hours in a ritual that dates back 400 years. It’s very similar to the processions during Spain’s Semana Santa (Holy Week).
The city of Enna also attracts many visitors during the Easter weekend with its impressive processions, featuring sixteen brotherhoods with around 2,000 participants.
Finally, in Prizzi, the unusual tradition of ballo dei diavoli (Dance of the Devils) perfectly exemplifies how Easter has absorbed ancient pagan rituals—likely linked to springtime rebirth—and blended them seamlessly with Christian traditions.
Throughout the day, two masked devils dressed in red and a figure representing Death roam the town, dancing and playing pranks on locals. When they meet the procession of the Virgin Mary and the Risen Christ statues, the devils attempt to prevent their meeting, but in the end, angels defeat them, symbolizing the triumph of life over death.
Nocera Terinese (Calabria)
This town in Calabria is one of the few places in Italy where the procession of the flagellants still takes place. This act of penance, held on Holy Saturday, involves penitents known as vattienti (literally, “those who beat themselves”) marching through the streets while striking their legs until they bleed.
It’s a dramatic and intense tradition that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. If you are in the region, it’s a cultural experience to consider, but it may not be for everyone (especially kids) as it can be quite graphic.
Procida (Campania)
The island of Naples is an explosion of Italian colors during Easter. The scene is already breathtaking, with picturesque pastel houses and little boats moored to pilings. But it becomes even more charming with the vibrant, biblical-themed floats of the processione dei Misteri (procession of the Mysteries) on Good Friday.
And if you are up for an even more evocative experience, don’t miss the night processions of the Apostoli incappucciati (hooded Apostles) and the torchlight Via Crucis.
Courmayeur (Aosta Valley)
If you love the mountains, the perfect gita fuori porta (getaway) during Easter is a trip to Courmayeur at the foot of Mont Blanc.
The Foire de la Pâquerette (French for “Easter Monday Fair”) is a traditional Easter Monday craftsmanship fair. Here, you will find beautifully hand-carved wooden objects, including the grolla—a historic wooden drinking bowl once used for communal toasts. The destination is also a fantastic skiing spot with about 100 km (62 miles) of ski slopes and scenic trails! Plus, the region has plenty of castles to visit.
Sardinia
Although this isn’t a trip you can take in just one day, Easter is an excellent opportunity to visit the island without the summer crowds. Cagliari and Alghero host the most significant Easter ceremonies. However, Sardinia is also home to many charming celebrations in lesser-known villages.
Many of these villages hold two unique rituals on Good Friday: S’Incravamentu (in Sardinian, “the crucifixion”) and S’Iscravamentu (the deposition of Christ from the cross). Using a statue of Christ with jointed arms, priests first raise and then remove the figure from the cross in a solemn ceremony.
Also, take the opportunity to listen to a live performance of canto a concordu. It’s a polyphonic singing technique performed by Sardinian male singers during Easter celebrations. And it’s mesmerizing.
Traditional Italian Easter food you have to try
Festivities are the perfect opportunity to discover new flavors besides pasta and pizza. This is where your trip gets exciting. From lasagna to savory pies and lamb, there are countless regional specialties to try during Easter in Italy. And, of course, you must end your meal with a good dolce (dessert) and a strong Italian coffee.
Lamb: the traditional Easter Sunday dish
Despite having different names and recipes, one dish is included in every region’s Easter menu: the agnello (lamb), or abbacchio, as it is called in Rome. It’s typically a roasted leg of lamb seasoned with rosemary. Other common Easter meats include capretto (young goat) and coniglio (rabbit). The rabbit might be braised with vegetables or in a delicious stew.
Colomba: the Italian Easter cake
Colomba (dove) is Italy’s signature Easter dessert. It’s a sweet, fluffy bread shaped like a dove. It’s similar in texture to panettone (Christmas cake) but has a crunchy topping of sugar and almonds.
Italians often buy it ready-made as there are affordable versions in every supermarket during Easter. But try a handmade one at an artisan bakery if you get a chance. The higher price is worth it.
Easter eggs: the chocolate treat
Uova di cioccolato (chocolate eggs) are the most common Easter gift in Italy. You can buy them everywhere during Easter. Many pasticcerie (bakeries) in Italy create custom eggs with premium chocolate, and they can put a surprise inside for a unique Easter present, if you ask.
Torte salate (savory pies): a Pasquetta picnic essential
Savory pies are one of the most popular appetizers during Easter meals. Delicious and easy to pack, they are perfect for Easter Monday picnics. Italy has many varieties, but the most popular is torta pasqualina, a Ligurian pie made with Swiss chard.
Regional Italian Easter desserts
Every Italian region has its unique Easter sweets, some of which are available only in specific areas.
- Pastiera (Campania): the most famous Italian Easter dessert made of ricotta and wheat
- Casatiello dolce (Campania): a sweet version of Caserta’s traditional savory Easter bread
- Salame di cioccolato (Piedmont): chocolate and hazelnut shaped like a salami
- Pigna dolce (Lazio – Ciociaria): a fluffy cake similar to panettone, with a hint of liqueur
- Cassata (Sicily): a famous round sponge cake filled with ricotta and candied fruit, covered in marzipan
- Cuddura cull’ova (Sicily): a sweet braided bread that hides a boiled chicken egg inside
- Fugassa pasquale (Veneto): traditional Venetian cake, similar to colomba
- Pardulas/formaggelle (Sardinia): small ricotta pastries, flavored with lemon zest
- Torta pane e latte (Lombardy): a humble, rustic cake of stale bread and milk
>> Make sure you know how to order food in Italian correctly!
Frequently asked questions about Easter in Italy
Fantastico (fantastic)! Now you have an essential guide to celebrating Easter in Italy no matter where you are. But since travel is always an adventure, here are some more answers to questions you may have.
How do you say ‘Happy Easter’ in Italian?
In Italian, you’d say Buona Pasqua! (literally, “Good Easter”). If you plan to visit more European countries, you can also learn to say “Happy Easter” in different languages.
Is Easter a good time to go to Italy?
Yes! Italy’s città d’arte (art cities) like Rome, Venice, and Florence are fabulous destinations during Holy Week. Museums remain open, except for the Vatican, and there’s plenty to do beyond Easter celebrations.
For a more unique experience, consider visiting smaller towns and villages. The Italian festivals you enjoy there offer a more local taste of the country’s rich culture. However, since many services may be closed on Easter, these destinations are best suited for day trips.
Do businesses close in Italy during Easter?
Yes. Most stores close on Easter Sunday and reopen on Easter Monday, especially in small villages. They may be open in city centers and tourist areas. You can ask your hotel staff to help you know what to expect.
Do trains run in Italy at Easter?
Yes, trains run on Easter, but they may have reduced schedules.
What level of Italian do I need to enjoy Easter in Italy?
It depends. You can speak English with almost everyone in major cities and tourist areas. So, knowing essential Italian words and phrases, like how to say “thank you” In Italian, could be enough. You may need more fluency in smaller villages.
However, Easter in Italy is a perfect opportunity to learn Italian. If you start now with Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion method, you’ll pick up the language naturally. The lessons are intuitive and bite-sized, so you can learn anytime you have ten minutes to spare. Plus, once you’re in Italy, you’ll continue improving by interacting with locals. Non è bellissimo? (Isn’t it great?)
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