Easter is one of the most cherished holidays in Italy alongside Christmas. The Easter traditions in Italy deserve to be discovered, and there's nothing better than a day trip or a short getaway to reach the places where the celebrations are especially unique.
Every year, many celebrations are organized from north to south, highly anticipated moments involving entire towns. Usually, these are festivals and rituals linked to Catholicism. Even those who are not believers may find them interesting to witness because they encapsulate the history of Italian customs passed down through generations.
Easter Traditions in Italy: Holy Week
It all begins the Sunday before, that is Palm Sunday, to remember Jesus entering Jerusalem. The typical gesture of this day is the exchange of olive branches as a sign of peace. The actual rites usually start on Holy Thursday and are accompanied by colorful flower petalsfalling from the balconies of buildings.
4. Friuli – Cividale
Here there is a charming Easter and Easter Monday tradition: the game of Truc. This ancient tradition involves sliding boiled and colored eggs down a sand-covered inclined ramp so that they touch each other; the winner is the one who manages to hit the opponent’s egg. The game of Truc has been played in the squares of Cividale since the 18th century, and its name comes from the sound of objects striking each other.
5. Sardinia – Iglesias
In Iglesias, Holy Week draws inspiration from the 17th-century Spanish tradition, a consequence of the Iberian domination of the island. The protagonists of the festival are the baballottis, hooded figures dressed in white. On Holy Thursday and Good Friday, they walk through the streets of the historic center alongside the statue of the Virgin Mary, searching for Jesus. Finally, the procession, accompanied by drums and rattles, witnesses the scene of Jesus’ funeral. The music and sounds end, and a very moving and significant moment begins.
Easter Traditions in Italy, a Great Opportunity to Travel!
Discovering the customs and traditions of our country is even more beautiful during a special festive period. Moreover, it will be late spring, so the weather is pleasant and encourages weekend trips.
Take a few days off and choose a destination to spend the Easter holidays, you will have the chance to see new places and also discover ancient traditions!