Most of the Italian population is a follower of Christianity so all of the
Christian festivals like Christmas, Easter and Good Friday are observed here in
almost all the families. Easter, one of the major festivals of Christians is
also held in high regard in the country and celebrated with great gusto. As this
day is celebrated in order to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus’ after
crucifixion, this day is considered to be very holy and auspicious. Though you
may miss the Easter bunny in the Easter celebrations of Italy, there are many
other rituals that will keep your pre-occupied in the Easter celebrations at
Italy. Read on to explore more about the Easter celebrations in Italy.
The deep influence of tradition and ritual in Italian culture is reflected in
celebrations such as Easter. Known as La Pasqua, Easter celebration in Italy is
marked by many rites observed throughout the country that have their roots in
ancient pagan rituals. The Holy Week celebrations across Italy reflect regional
differences, and are remnants of religion, peasant lore and pagan influences. On
Palm Sunday, the churches are bedecked with baskets of palms and olive branches
and once they have been blessed by the priest they are given out to the
congregations. Thousands of people throng the St. Peters Square on Palm Sunday
to receive the palms blessed by the Pope after Mass has ended. On Giovedi Santo
or Holy Friday, many churches re-enact the ceremony of the washing of the feet
at the altar.
Among the myriad of Easter traditions in Italy, Scoppio del Carro, meaning
explosion of the cart, is the most spectacular one. For over 300 years the
Easter celebration in Florence has included this ritual, during which an
elaborate wagon, a structure built in 1679 and standing two to three stories
high, is dragged through Florence behind a fleet of white oxen decorated in
garlands. Like in many other countries, in Italy the fasting of Lent is preceded
by a carnival with colorful pageants, masquerades, dancing, music and all kinds
of merrymaking. The Carnevale begins in January and lasts until Ash Wednesday.
The activities and merriment of Carnevale precede the somber overtones of the
Lenten season.
The Easter dinner is usually a sumptuous feast arranged with special delicacies.
The most important dish is Agnellino, roasted baby lamb. Eggs feature
prominently in the day's dishes, in both soups such as Brodetto Pasquale, a
broth-based Easter soup thickened with eggs, and various kinds of breads, both
sweet and savory. Pannetone and Colomba (dove shaped) breads are also given as
gifts. Hollow chocolate eggs that usually contain something surprising inside
are also presented to near and dear ones. Gifts exchange in various other forms
is also popular in Italy.
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