The typical Easter lamb tart with almond cream in Favara, Sicily Photo: stock.adobe.com/FV Photography
From our editorial team
While the Easter bunny is making his rounds in Germany, Italy is celebrating a festival of superlatives. Easter, or "Pasqua" in Italian, is one of the country's most important holidays. But how do people actually celebrate in Rome, Naples or Palermo: what is on the table and why do Italians give huge chocolate eggs instead of bunnies?
In Italy, the actual Easter weekend begins with the Good Fridaywhich, however, is not a public holiday. Nevertheless, processions take place in many cities, especially in the south. In Rome, the faithful are drawn to the Via Crucisthe Way of the Cross at the Colosseum, where the Pope himself accompanies the last stage.
Holy Saturday is traditionally spent quietly, often with preparations for the big feast. The actual holiday is the Easter Sunday - with a service in St Peter's Square and a special message from the Pope: "Urbi et Orbi".
La Colomba: Italy's Easter cake with symbolic character
Instead of chocolate bunnies, Italy has the "Colomba di Pasqua"a fluffy yeast cake in the shape of a dove. It symbolises peace and hope. The dough is similar to panettone, but is refined with almonds and icing. Each region has its own variation: sometimes with candied fruit, sometimes with chocolate chips or even pistachios.
Photo: stock.adobe.com/New Africa
The big feast: What's on the table at Easter?
In Italy, Easter is first and foremost a family celebration - and that means: Lots of food, lots of people, lots of hours at the table. Popular depending on the region:
- Roast lamb (Agnello)especially in the centre and south of Italy
- Torta Pasqualinaa savoury puff pastry pie with egg, spinach and ricotta, especially in Liguria
- Pastiera Napoletanaa traditional Easter cake with ricotta, wheat grains and candied fruit from Naples
- Artichokes, often braised "alla Romana" in Rome
It is served with bread, wine and, of course, the colomba or an oversized Chocolate egg with a surprise ("uovo di Pasqua"). Children in particular look forward to the contents - anything is possible, from toys to love letters.
Rome, Naples, Sicily: where Easter is particularly festive
In Rome the Vatican is at the centre of the celebrations. Thousands of pilgrims come to experience the Pope. The city is festive, international and spiritual.
In Naples Easter is emotional, familiar and loud. The alleyways smell of pastiera, music sounds from open windows. If you're lucky, you'll be invited to dinner - often by families you've only known for five minutes.
Photo: stock.adobe.com/Pecold
In Sicily Easter shows its baroque side: huge processions, dramatic costumes, statues of the Virgin Mary carried through the towns. The Good Friday procession in Enna is particularly famous - with over 2,000 participants in traditional confraternity robes.
North meets south: a comparison of Easter traditions
At North In Italy, Easter is often cooler and quieter. The celebrations are more subdued, the food is lighter and the weather is sometimes still wintry. Typical: excursions on Easter Monday, often with a picnic in the countryside.
At South In contrast, Easter is a celebration for all the senses: loud, colourful, with lots of emotion and a table that bends. Here, the religious is often mixed with the popular, and even non-churchgoers take part in the processions - out of tradition, pride and a sense of community.
Easter in Italy is not a minor matter - it is an event. Between religious seriousness, culinary delights and surprising warmth, the country reveals itself in all its diversity. Anyone who has ever been to Italy for "Pasqua" will understand: This festival is like a good Italian film. A bit loud, very emotional - and with a surprising chocolate finale.
