Easter Day in Italy

Easter Day in Italy is a national holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death, as written in the Christian bible. The Easter date is set around the time of the March Equinox.

Statues of Jesus are seen at parades, processions and festivities in Italy on Easter Day.

©iStockphoto.com/Sebastien Cote

What do people do?

Easter, or Pasqua in Italian, is a festive holiday throughout Italy. Religious parades and celebrations are held in many towns and cities nationwide. A statue of Jesus or his mother Mary is carried in street processions that involve large crowds of people. Easter meals vary, but include eggs, Easter pie, and lamb.

Public life

Easter Day is a public holiday in Italy. It also falls on Sunday. Organizations and businesses that are closed include:

• Government offices.
• Post offices.
• Banks.
• Schools and other educational institutions.

Transport options, such as taxis, rail services between major cities and major long-route bus lines, are available on Easter Day but travelers are advised to check first with local transport authorities.

Background

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as written in the New Testament of the Christian bible. The roots of the Easter holiday’s traditions and activities can be traced back to pagan celebrations. The name Easter is believed to come from Eostara, the goddess of rebirth. Easter Day is not only celebrated in Italy but also in many countries worldwide.

Symbols

Eggs in Italian Easter dishes symbolize fertility, renewal and life.

About Easter Day in other countries

Easter Day Observances

Related holidays

• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013
• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 1, 2013

Other holidays in March 2013 in Italy

• Good Friday ―Friday, March 29, 2013