The holidays are that unique part of the year that everyone is looking forward to. Apart from the fact that during them we manage to break away at least for a while from the gray everyday life, they fill us with happiness and positive emotions. They are an occasion to gather the whole family in one place. To experience unique moments of happiness and create new memories.
In this article, we will tell a little more about the greatest holiday for all Christians, called the holiday of all holidays – Easter. In particular, we will pay attention to what are the traditions for it in the various Italian cities and how the holiday is celebrated in the country.
Easter in Italy is a huge holiday. In importance for the Italians, it ranks second after Christmas.
In Italy we can often hear the expression “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi”. With it, they symbolize the traditions of the two holidays, namely Christmas is a time spent with family, and Easter is a holiday that is celebrated with all friends except relatives.
Easter in Italy is a time for celebration, time spent with loved ones at the table. Each region has its own customs, but traditional foods to this day remain lamb and eggs, which are a symbol of rebirth and renewal. The Italian Easter menu begins with a soup of rich broth, thickened with eggs and prepared with beef or lamb, or better known in the world as “Italian wedding soup”.
In the southern part of the country, spicy bakery products are prepared, including meat, cheese, and whole eggs.
Casatiello from Naples is a traditional bread baked in a ring and covered with whole eggs.
In the Ligurian region, Easter bread is traditionally made with 33 thin layers of dough, one for each year of Jesus’ life.
Many sweetbreads are also prepared on the table, the most famous of which is the so-called lomba. It is a sweet yeast bread in the shape of a dove and covered with almonds and crunchy pearl sugar.
Pastiera Napoletana is another popular Italian Easter dish that is so popular that it is now eaten all year round. It is a creamy mixture of ricotta and semolina, flavored with lemon peel and orange water.
In the early 15th century, Italians colored hard-boiled Easter eggs with herbs, flowers, and onions. Today, traditions have changed. The most popular Easter egg among Italians is a hollow chocolate egg, which is a surprise for children, or small silver frames or gold jewelry for the elderly. Also called “Nuovo di Pasqua”, they are made from medium-sized milk chocolate. Some producers distinguish between “children’s” and “adult” chocolate eggs. The best eggs are handmade by artisans who offer the insertion of a personalized surprise.
Cities in Italy have different traditions and customs with which they celebrate Easter.
In the Vatican, the holiday is celebrated with solemn events that culminate in the Easter Sunday table. La Pasqua is an official Italian holiday that celebrates the day after Easter.
For 300 years, the people of Florence have celebrated the annual Skopje del Caro. The ritual includes a carriage built in 1679 and two to three stories high, passing through the entire city. Immediately after it is white cattle decorated with garlands. The walk ends at the basilica “St. Maria del Fiore ”, in front of which the lunch service takes place. The holiday is
celebrated with spectacular fireworks, as a sign that the harvest will be better than last year.
In Merano, there are many competitions with a special breed of horses, ridden by young people dressed in costumes of their cities.
Carolina is famous for his procession dedicated to the Madonna del Belvedere, which takes place on the Saturday before Easter.
Religious rites dating back to the 15th century are held in the Sicilian city of Ena. On Friday, before Easter, around the main church, in front of which about 2,000 monks dressed in ancient costumes, walk-in silence through the streets of the city. On the day of the feast, they hold the Passover ceremony, during which they take the statue of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ to the main square and then to the church, where they stay for a week.
Italy is a country with beautiful nature, rich cultural and historical heritage, and incredibly delicious food. It promises everyone an unforgettable experience. And if you decide to celebrate Easter in Italy you will touch on the traditions and customs of the country. Here you can not see the famous bunnies or go hunting for eggs. Easter in Italy is a huge holiday that includes a variety of processions and festive tables full of traditional dishes.
