Italy’s Easter (Pasqua) celebrations are as rich and varied as the regions themselves. While the Vatican and major cathedrals hold center stage for many travelers, some of the most unforgettable experiences take place in quiet piazzas, family kitchens, and hilltop villages where tradition runs deep—and occasionally a little wild.
The 10 customs below go beyond what travelers expect from Easter in Italy. They bring together food, folklore, and festivity in ways that make clients feel like locals. And with Travelive’s destination experts on the ground, we can build experiences around any one of these unique moments to make them even more special!
Florence’s Exploding Cart – Scoppio del Carro
On Easter Sunday, Florence quite literally sparks joy. In the heart of the city, a 30-foot antique cart —lavishly decorated and pulled by white oxen — is wheeled to the Duomo and packed with fireworks. During Easter mass, the Archbishop lights a mechanical dove (symbolizing the Holy Spirit), which zips down a wire from the altar to ignite the cart in the square outside. The result? A spectacular mid-morning fireworks show, all to ensure a good harvest and peace for the year ahead. It’s centuries-old, loud, and utterly unforgettable — a bucket-list event we can a arrange VIP viewing for.
The Running Madonna – La Madonna che Scappa in Sulmona, Abruzzo
In this emotionally charged tradition, a statue of the Virgin Mary is carried through the piazza dressed in black mourning. As she “sees” the resurrected Christ across the square, her cloak is yanked away to reveal a joyful green dress. She then rushes toward her son, to the sound of fireworks and applause. This moving reenactment captures the very moment of hope that defines Easter and is as much a local treasure as Sulmona’s famous confetti almonds.
Sicily’s Sweetest Symbol – Agnelli Pasquali
In Sicily, Easter is sweet — and symbolic. The agnello pasquale (Easter lamb) is made of hand-sculpted marzipan, painted with vibrant detail, and filled with pistachio paste. They’re especially popular in towns like Favara, where these edible artworks are displayed in bakery windows like sculptures.
Liguria’s Iconic Easter Pie – Torta Pasqualina
In Genoa and across Liguria, Easter lunch includes torta pasqualina, a rustic pie with layers of thin pastry filled with ricotta, sautéed greens, Parmigiano, and whole eggs that bake beautifully into cross-sections inside the pie. It’s a local favorite that can be incorporated into market visits or cooking classes.
La Pasquetta – Easter Monday’s Country Escape
Easter Monday, or La Pasquetta, is all about picnics and playful traditions. Families and friends pack baskets and head for parks, vineyards, or the seaside with frittatas, grilled lamb, fresh cheeses, and bottles of local wine. Some towns also host egg-rolling contests or donkey races.
Venice’s Flight of the Angel – Festa dell’Angelo
In Venice and nearby towns, a young child dressed as an angel is attached to a wire and gently glides over the piazza from the bell tower, tossing rose petals or confetti on the crowd below. While rare at Easter, this tradition lives on in smaller towns with a twist.
Umbria’s Egg Battles – Lo Scoppio delle Uova
In small Umbrian towns like Todi, families bring hard-boiled eggs to Easter breakfast and engage in ‘egg duels’ — tapping their eggs together. The last uncracked egg wins and brings its holder good luck for the year.
Rome’s Star Dish – Abbacchio Romano
In the Eternal City, no Easter meal is complete without abbacchio, or roast spring lamb. Seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and lemon, it’s traditionally served with Roman-style potatoes or chicory. We can arrange for this to be a feature of private chef experiences or countryside meals for clients.
Naples’ Chocolate Egg Surprise
In Naples, chocolate Easter eggs often contain personalized surprises: love notes, small gifts, or charms. Bakeries compete for the most creative designs, and clients can even customize their own.
The Dove-Shaped Cake – Colomba di Pasqua
Symbolizing peace, the colomba is a buttery cake shaped like a dove and topped with pearl sugar and almonds. It’s perfect for tastings during food tours or as a thoughtful welcome gift.
Let’s Bring These Traditions to Life!
From fireworks and flying angels to sweet lambs and symbolic pies, Easter in Italy is an invitation to experience tradition in a truly local way. At Travelive, we don’t just know the highlights — we know the hidden gems, the personal stories, and the people behind each one.
Let us help you build custom Easter itineraries for your clients—from exclusive event access to immersive culinary moments!