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!

The post 10 Unexpected Italian Easter Traditions That Will Delight Your Clients appeared first on Blog | Travelive.

Easter in Greece is a time when the country’s essence shines with a particularly unique glow — and nowhere is this more evident than in Corfu. The Holy Week sees the island’s centuries-old traditions, Venetian influences, and Orthodox rituals align in a truly mesmerizing display of faith, culture, and community. So, why not witness this magic with a luxurious stay at Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection, where the island’s spectacular Greek Orthodox Easter festivities will unfold right before your eyes!

Holy Week in Corfu: A Tradition Like No Other

Beyond its overt allure as a picturesque gem of the Ioanian Sea, Corfu’s Venetian, Catholic, and Byzantine roots infuse every aspect of its existence with a wondrous, singular flair — and Easter is no different. There is something about the island’s blend of music, time-honored customs, and unadulterated Greek spirit that makes its Holy Week one of the most deeply spiritual and profoundly joyful celebrations in the country. With that in mind, lets take a look at what to expect!

Palm Sunday

The week begins with the Palm Sunday procession of Saint Spyridon, the island’s beloved patron saint, whose relics are carried through the atmospheric streets of Corfu Town, accompanied by the resonant notes of the island’s world-famous philharmonic orchestras. The scent of freshly baked fogatsa (sweet brioche) and kolombines (Easter cookies) already fills the air, as locals dutifully prepare for the most important religious event of the year.

Holy Thursday

On Holy Thursday, is when Corfu’s multi-cultural heritage comes to the forefront in a joined celebration of faith. The Service of the Holy Passion takes place in Orthodox churches, where the Twelve Gospels are solemnly read. Meanwhile, in the Catholic Cathedral (Duomo), located in Town Hall Square, twelve candles are lit at the beginning of the service, with each one extinguished after the reading of a Gospel. Though Catholic and Orthodox Easters do not always coincide, Corfu’s Catholic community shares in Orthodox celebrations, a testament to the island’s unique spiritual harmony and heritage.

Good Friday

On Good Friday, solemn Epitaphios processions take over the town’s cobbled streets, complemented by the palpable aura of one of the best-preserved historic quarters in Greece. Each church parades its beautifully adorned bier of Christ through the city, accompanied by the resonant sounds of the philharmonic bands. After 10pm, the final and most majestic Epitaphios of the Metropolitan Church emerges, enveloping the city in a deeply moving atmosphere of reflection and devotion.

Holy Saturday

In the early hours of the Holy Saturday, the Church of Panagia of the Foreigners reenacts the moment of Christ’s resurrection in a powerful display of faith, with the evocative procession of Saint Spyridon’s Epitaphios taking place soon after. Later, at 11:00 AM, Corfu rejoices in the famous “Botides” custom, as  giant clay pots filled with water are hurled from balconies onto the streets below, symbolizing renewal and good fortune. Come night, the midnight Resurrection service illuminates the island with the glow of a thousand candles, accompanied by tolling bells and dazzling fireworks, marking Christ’s triumph over death in a spectacular display of devotion.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is a time of feasting and celebration, as Corfu comes alive with the aroma of lamb roasting on the spit, the cracking of red-dyed eggs, and the cheerful sound of music. Throughout the island, families gather for lavish outdoor feasts, ending the Lenten fast and savoring jubilant moments of togetherness.

Plan an Ideal Easter Escape with a Stay at Domes of Corfu

A great celebration always entails great hospitality. Resting at the foot of lush, green hills, Domes of Corfu, an Autograph Collection Resort, offers a luxurious yet authentic setting to experience Corfu’s Easter festivities. With the waters of the Ioanian just steps away, world-class dining for every taste, and a dedicated children’s creche and kids’ club, this beachfront resort is an ideal retreat for families, couples, and travelers seeking an immersive escape. From exceptional dining across four restaurants and refined cultural experiences of its unique open-air agora (The Core) to relaxation at the serene Soma Spa and its three sparkling pools, Domes of Corfu ensures a memorable and relaxing stay for all.

Travelive’s partners at Domes always make sure that their guests have an incredible experience, and the same goes for Easter! Here is what you can expect if you join Domes of Corfu for a 3-Night Easter celebration filled with music, tradition, and gastronomy.

• Good Friday (April 18, 2025) – Begin the weekend with a sumptuous buffet breakfast and dinner, featuring traditional fasting dishes.
• Holy Saturday (April 19, 2025) – Become a part of the Resurrection Dinner, a heart-warming meal that includes traditional magiritsa stew, red-dyed eggs, and festive Easter buns.
• Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025) – Celebrate with a rich Festive Lunch, complete with lamb on the spit, traditional delicacies, and unforgettable live music.

Whether you’re drawn to Corfu for its rich traditions, stunning scenery — or maybe the chance to visit the island of Paxos, the enchanting filming location of Maestro in Blue — Easter at Domes of Corfu promises a truly unforgettable experience.

Book your Easter getaway with Travelive today and celebrate a Greek tradition like never before!

The post Experience the Magic of Greek Easter at Domes of Corfu appeared first on Blog | Travelive.