Traditional ceremonies
The eve of Easter is marked by excitement and anticipation in towns and villages in Italy. Churches and streets are decorated with flowers and symbols of spring. The procession with the cross, known as the 'Via Crucis', takes place in the evening and is one of the main ceremonies. It is a unique opportunity for tourists to watch these traditional rituals and soak up the atmosphere of Italian religious life.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is the day when Italian believers celebrate the resurrection of Christ. After the morning service, they return home to meet family and friends and enjoy a traditional Easter lunch. On the table is 'Agnello al Forno', roast lamb, symbolizing the sacrifice of Christ, and other delicacies such as 'Colomba di Pasqua' and 'Pastiera Napoletana'.
After lunch, people rejoice together and exchange greetings and gifts.
Children usually wake up in the morning and look for painted eggs, which are placed in the garden or in the house. This egg hunt is a fun and popular activity for children and symbolizes the joyful atmosphere and renewal associated with Easter.
Rome and the Vatican
Rome and the Vatican, as the epicentre of the Catholic Church, offer tourists a unique opportunity to experience this festive atmosphere in their full glory.
In Rome, Easter is celebrated with a special emphasis on traditional religious ceremonies and celebrations. The papal liturgies, which take place in St Peter's Basilica, are the highlight of this feast.
On Good Friday, the solemn Stations of the Cross ("Via Crucis") are held in Rome to deeply religious significance and commemorates the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The procession usually begins in Lateran Square and continues to the Colosseum, the symbol of ancient Rome. During the procession, crosses and statues depicting various scenes of the Passion of Jesus and the Stations of the Cross are carried.
Easter Sunday is the culmination of the Easter celebrations in Rome. On this day, solemn services are held in St. Peter's Basilica, led by the Pope. The papal liturgy includes Mass, during which the Pope gives a homily and blesses the faithful.
After the solemn service in St Peter's Square, a traditional event called the "Urbi et Orbi" (To the City and the World), during which the Pope pronounces a blessing over the city and the whole world. The event is broadcast by television stations and attracts thousands of believers and tourists who come to hear the Pope's message and receive his blessing.
The whole period is full of dignity, solemnity and deep religious symbolism, which attracts many people from all over the world. The processions in Rome during Easter are one of the highlights of the religious calendar and are an unforgettable experience for many believers and tourists.
Sicily
In Sicily, Easter is celebrated with great fervor and traditional rituals. In many towns and villages there are processions called 'I Misteri' (The Mysteries) or 'La Via Crucis' (The Way of the Cross), in which biblical scenes are presented. The most famous procession is in Trapani, where wooden statues depicting the crucifixion of Christ are carried.
Florence
Florence hosts the traditional "Scoppio del Carro" (Chariot Blast), which has been part of Easter celebrations since the Middle Ages. During this event, a cart filled with fireworks is pulled into the city centre and burned to symbolise abundance and prosperity for the coming year.
Procida
On the island of Procida, near Naples, Easter is celebrated with unique traditions. During the "Festa dei Marittimi" (Feast of the Mariners), local fishermen and sailors dress in traditional costumes and carry processions carrying statues of the Virgin Mary through the streets to the sea.
Salento
In the Salento region of southern Italy, there are traditional dance and music festivals called 'Tarantella' which take place during Easter. These dances have deep roots in folk culture and are associated with the celebration of spring and renewal.
switzerland-Italy Valley
In the Swiss-Italian valley of Val Poschiavo, a traditional procession called 'Pasquè a Poschiavo' takes place, bringing a unique combination of Swiss and Italian traditions. Statues and symbols associated with Easter are carried during the procession, with participants singing and dancing all the way.
