A popular Italian proverb “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi" meaning 'Christmas with your relatives, Easter with whomever you want', aptly describes the importance of Easter festivities in Italy. Easter, is known as Pasqua in Italian, and is a joyous celebration with games and concerts held around Italy. The historic nation of Italy is pre dominated by Catholic faith hence traditional Christian beliefs are rigorously followed here.
Easter celebrations in Italy begin with Carnevale activities which is a prelude to the Lenten season. These celebrations depict the historical folklore of each area. Some of the most well known Carnevales are observed in the cities of Venice, Ivrea, and Sicily where people wearing masks display dances. During Lent the Festa di San Giuseppe takes place in Sicily in mark respect to St. Joseph.
One of the popular Easter customs in Italy is that Easter eggs are brought when the church bells ring. In parts of Italy, church bells do not ring from Good Friday until Easter Sunday. Once the Lenten season is over every family would celebrate the event by making frittata which is like an omelet. In the city of Florence, enactment of the 'scoppio del carro' known as 'explosion of the cart' occurs where a fanciful cart is led by a white oxen to Easter Mass and firecrackers in shape of dove-shaped rocket is set off to commemorate the event. However the major Easter attraction in Italy is that in the capital city of Rome, the Pope leads a procession to portray the “Passion of Christ” on the day of Good Friday that starts from il colosseo. This event is broadcast all over Italy and tourists and devout Christians from different parts of the world come to this city to witness this holy ritual.
An Italian Easter remains incomplete without its mouthwatering traditional delicacies as 'antipasto','minestra di pasqua', 'pizza ricresciuta', 'pupa cu l'ova', 'torta di ricotta' and 'uovo di pasqua' a kind of decorative chocolate egg especially for children. If you're in Italy during this time, how could you miss out the popular Easter destinations of the country like the great Vatican Museum of Rome, the romantic city of Venice and not to forget the magnificent Leaning Tower of Pisa. Other traditions that continue to dominate Easter festivals in Italy are tredozio done on Easter Monday, merano where fascinating horse races are conducted and the customary dance of Barano d'Ischia.
So, what are you waiting for! Come to the beautiful country of Italy and explore its wonderful vicinities.
Celebrate the festive fervor of Easter in Italy with Christmas Carnivals. Keep browsing for more details. Happy Easter!
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