Easter for Italians is the second most important holiday after Christmas. It is celebrated in a much more religious manner as compared to western countries which have made it a secular celebration.
Italy is filled with majority of Catholics i.e. up to 80% and that is one of the biggest reasons why Easter traditions revolve around religion.
But,
That definitely doesn’t mean that Easter is not a fun-filled occasion in Italy.
People of Italy know how to have fun on Easter and after reading this article, you will do too.
So, let’s get into some of the Easter traditions that are followed in Italy;
Easter Traditions in Italy
Easter covers a long weekend in Italy and everyone is allowed to enjoy the holidays however they like.
1. Carnevale
A surprising fact,
Easter in Italy has a very early beginning, starting from the first month of the year i.e. January to Easter Sunday.
Carnevale is a festival that starts in January marking the start of the Easter season followed up by Ash Wednesday.
From the day of Ash Wednesday, the Catholics start their period of lent in which they are not allowed to consume any kind of animal product.
Usually this period lasts for 40 days in which the practitioners devote themselves in prayers and church services.
It is a firm believe of Catholics that by completing their lent in the purest way possible, they will earn God’s blessing.
2. La Festa del Carro
Since 1096,
Florentines celebrate the return of ‘Pazzino di Ranieri de’ Pazzi’ with a Sunday procession.
Pazzino di Ranieri de was a knight who picked up the Holy Cross banner and raised it high in Jerusalem. For this act of courage, he is remembered by the Christians all around the world.
In order to celebrate this act of bravery,
A 30-foot long dray is pulled collectively by a group of 150 people dressed in ancient attire. People of this group can be soldiers or even musicians too.
The march starts from Porta al Prato and ends at Piazza del Duomo.
This event is commemorated in order to bring good and a bountiful harvest, which will lead to a successful business.
3. Easter With Pope
A great benefit of spending your Easter in Italy is getting blessed by the Pope.
The celebrations of ‘State of the Cross’ takes place near the Colosseum.
In this event, a huge cross is set on fire in the form of torch. Everyone receives Pope’s blessings this way.
Another religious ritual that is practiced in all the churches in Italy is the Easter mass. The Easter mass with the most audience is the one celebrated by the Pope at the very own Saint Peter’s Basilica.
The level of participation is so high that the authorities responsible for tickets, recommend all the interested personals to order the tickets in advance.
4. Easter with La Madonna Che Scappa
On Easter Sunday, a special show takes place in Sulmona by the name of La Madonna Che Scappa.
This show unveils the story of Virgin Mary.
At the start of the show,
She is dressed in black color but as soon as she moves towards the fountain, a big number of doves are released. As the doves fly away, the color of women’s clothes changes from black to green.
People come to watch this show wearing green and white dresses that represent peace, hope and resurrection.
5. La Pasquetta
La Pasquetta is referred to as the event that is held in the cities of Italy.
Special dances along with concerts and many other Easter activities take place in this event.
If you’re travelling to Italy this time of the year, you will come across a game known as Ruzzolone.
Ruzzolone is a game much similar to egg rolling.
The participants have to roll a wheel made of cheese to the finish line in the minimum number of strokes. The key to winning this game is the minimum number of strokes.
At the end of the event, there is some music and delicious wine is served to the guests.
Italy is one of the top choices of tourists to attend Easter.
So, if you’re in a mood to visit Italy this Easter 2019, make sure you book an early ticket in order to avoid any inconvenience.
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