THE FACTS ABOUT EASTER IN ITALY

Italy

Easter is sacred in Italy, for both religious and family reasons. Passion processions in remembrance of Christ's suffering are common across the country on Good Friday, whether it is by carrying the cross or re-enacting the Stations of the Cross. In Rome, the Pope leads the procession that begins at the Coliseum. The Resurrection on Easter Sunday is celebrated with church-going and family feasts with traditional dishes such as agnelino (a roasted baby lamb) or Abbacchio al Forno (a whole roasted lamb), served with stuffed artichokes. For dessert, there is a selection of sweet pastries and bread. Easter Monday is a public holiday, and is often celebrated in the warmer corners of country with the first outdoor picnic of the year. See all our guides to Italy here