Exploring Easter Traditions in Italy During 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
Experience Easter Like an Italian InsiderGiampietro Vianello Save**
- Add a comment
Easier said than done, right? But we've got you covered! This guide will take you through the Italian way of celebrating one of the most significant events in their calendar - Easter. From pompous rituals to sensational feasts, let's dive in!
When's the party?
Easter Sunday (Domenica di Pasqua) and Easter Monday (Pasquetta) fall on April 20th and April 21st, respectively this year. Naturally, Easter Sunday is a public holiday, but Good Friday (Venerdi Santo), that falls on April 18th this year, isn't.
What's so special about it?
Italy is a treasure trove of age-old traditions when it comes to Easter. In some places, festivities begin as early as the Sunday before Easter. The religious essence of Easter is predominantly observed on Good Friday, when cities and towns across the country hold Via Crucis ("Way of the Cross") processions. However, the country is divided over the participation of Pope Francis in this year's ceremony, as he recovers from pneumonia.
READ MORE: Why isn't Good Friday a holiday in Italy?
The religious activities come to a halt on Sabato Santo (Holy Saturday), a day observed as a collective day of mourning and contrition. All the pomp returns on Easter Sunday, the day when Christians believe Jesus resurrected.
How do Italians celebrate?
For countless Italians, Easter Sunday celebrations typically involve attending Mass in the morning, followed by a hearty family meal. On Easter Monday, known as Pasquetta ("little Easter"), most folks head out of town (gita fuori porta) with close friends for a picnic or barbecue (grigliate). The day ignites the outdoor fun, weather-permitting, of course!
Witness the magic
Centuries-old processions, heart-wrenching re-enactments, and unique customs can be found across Italy. Take a peek at these mesmerizing spectacles:
- Sixties-old Processions:
- A number of towns in the heart and south of the country have held Easter ceremonies and rituals dating back centuries. For instance, Enna, Sicily, and Sulmona, Abruzzo, and Noicattaro, Puglia, have traditions rooted in history.
- Passion of Christ Re-enactments:
- Barile, Basilicata, and Romagnano Sesia, Piedmont, are famous for their re-enactments of the Passion of Christ, with various traditions dating back to the 17th century.
The food factor
Just like all major Italian celebrations, food steals the show during Easter. The Easter lunch can span up to five hours in some parts of the country, as Italians prefer to savor every moment of their holidays.
The dinner menu could include pasta or risotto, followed by roast lamb, and lastly, a high-calorie dessert such as colomba pasquale (a dove-shaped sweet bread), pastiera cake, or sanguinaccio dolce (pudding made from pig blood and dark chocolate).
Discover more
Join the conversation
Share your unique Easter experiences and ask our journalists questions at <news@our website> while keeping comments civil, constructive, and related to the topic.
- Please sign in here to leave a comment.
Also check out
- La Bella Vita: Italy's Easter traditions and Italian expressions you need to know
- What changes about life in Italy in May 2025?
- Pope Francis dies on Easter Monday aged 88
- Liberation Day 2025: Italy marks historic holiday with free access to museums
- Giampietro Vianello's guide demonstrates how to enjoy Easter like an Italian insider, highlighting Italian customs, food, and travel.
- Easter Sunday (Domenica di Pasqua) and Easter Monday (Pasquetta) fall on April 20th and April 21st this year, with Good Friday (Venerdi Santo) on April 18th, which isn't a holiday in Italy.
- Easter is steeped in age-old Italian traditions, with Good Friday (Venerdi Santo) processions in cities and towns being a significant part of the religious celebrations.
- Many towns in Sicily, Abruzzo, and Puglia have century-old Easter traditions, attracting visitors who wish to witness these mesmerizing spectacles.
- Barile, Basilicata, and Romagnano Sesia, Piedmont, are renowned for their Passion of Christ re-enactments, dating back to the 17th century.
- Italian Easter celebrations involve attending Mass in the morning, followed by a family feast that could include pasta, roast lamb, and high-calorie desserts like colomba pasquale or sanguinaccio dolce.
- After Easter lunch, Italians might spend Easter Monday (Pasquetta) having a picnic or barbecue with friends, symbolizing the beginning of their outdoor lifestyle for the enjoyment of the warmer weather.
- For home-and-garden enthusiasts planning a trip to Italy, the Easter season offers the perfect opportunity to explore Italian towns, appreciate their traditions, and indulge in local cuisine.
