Pasqua in Italia – Easter Traditions in Italy

The Easter celebrations in Italy are very similar to those practiced in the US. The Easter bunny and Easter egg hunts are not present. Instead the olive branch, and the blessing of the home by the local priest occurs at this time of year. The priest will go door to door with two alter boys and bless each house individually, leaving a blessed olive branch to be hung over the door.

The blessing of the eggs is a widely practiced tradition. The chocolate egg, elaborately decorated, can also be found.

While Christmas is spent at home with family, Easter is an occasion when it is appropriate to celebrate with friends or extended family members. Easter is another occasion to prepare foods that would not be part of the normal diet. Each region has their Easter favorites and some of those are Agnello Cacio e Uova, Capretto, Casatiello, Pastiera, Pizza Rustica, Gubana and Colomba.

Easter is a time of marvelous sweet breads, rich in flavor and symbolism. The Gubana in Friuli, the Casatiello in Naples and the Colomba are all part of this special festivity.

Some areas also have local rituals based on things from their past. In Florence they celebrate the Scoppio del Carro or in Ragusa, Sicily they celebrate the Maronna vasa vasa. No matter where you are Easter is a marvelous occasion to spend time with family and friends.

Tags: Italian Easter Traditions Sicily Friuli Travel Food and Wine Italy