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La Pasqua e la Pasquetta in Italia
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Is Easter celebrated in Italy?

In Italy, Easter (Pasqua) is what we call a “mobile holiday“. Because it’s tied to the lunar cycle, the date changes every year. While Italy is a secular nation in many ways, it is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, and Easter remains one of the most important dates on the calendar. But how do Italians actually celebrate it?

Easter in Italy: what do Italians do on Easter and Easter Monday? -

Is Easter celebrated with the family in Italy?

There is a famous Italian proverb: “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi” (Christmas with your family, Easter with whomever you want). This saying perfectly describes the social vibe of the holiday. While Christmas is an “untouchable” obligation to spend time with parents and relatives, Easter is much more relaxed. You are free to celebrate with friends, travel, or even head out of town for a mini-vacation without the fear of offending your relatives!

What is the “fioretto” in the Italian Easter tradition?

For many Italians, Easter marks the end of Lent (Quaresima) – a 40-day period of reflection and sacrifice. During this time, many people (even children) make a “fioretto“. A fioretto is a small sacrifice or “little flower” offered to God, such as giving up chocolate or social media. When Easter Sunday finally arrives, the fioretto is over, and it’s time to eat! Whether religious or not, most Italians celebrate with a massive, multi-course lunch. While the menu varies by region, the goal is always the same: to enjoy the “forbidden” treats of the last 40 days.

What is the symbol of Italian Easter?

If you visit Italy in the weeks leading up to Easter, you will see walls of chocolate eggs in every supermarket and pastry shop. But these aren't the small eggs you might find in an American Easter basket. Italian Uova di Pasqua are large, hollow chocolate eggs that always contain a “sorpresa“ (surprise) inside. For children, it’s a competitive sport to see who can collect the most eggs. While the toy inside is usually small, the excitement is all about the mystery. Some high-end pastry shops even allow customers to bring in a custom gift to be sealed inside a handmade egg for a romantic surprise!

What is “Pasquetta” day in Italy?

The festivities don't end on Sunday. In Italy, the Monday after Easter is a national holiday called Pasquetta (Little Easter) or Lunedì dell’Angelo. If Sunday is for big lunches and family, Monday is for the outdoors. The classic question among friends in April is always: “Che fai a Pasquetta?” (What are you doing for Pasquetta?). Usually, the answer involves a “scampagnata“ – an excursion to the countryside, the mountains, or the beach. Italians pack up the leftovers from Sunday’s feast, grab a blanket, and head to a green space for a picnic. It is arguably the most relaxing day of the year – spent playing cards on the grass, kicking a ball around, and soaking up the first real sun of spring.