"Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi" as the Italian proverb goes - "Christmas with your relatives, Easter with whomever you want". In Italy at Easter, with the first signs of Spring leading the way, travel is in the mind of millions. With Pagan roots and Christian additions, Easter is full of national and local traditions to enjoy at home and away.
Whether following the Christian calendar with la Quaresima, or the movements of the moon after the Spring equinox, all roads lead to Pasqua. On Venerdi Santo there are often parades through the centre of major Italian cities to commemorate la via della croce, Christ's carrying of the cross to Calgary Hill. After the pause of Sabato Santo the celebrations begin on la Domenica di Pasqua celebrating the Resurrection, and the coming of Spring in local fusions of Christian and pagan events.
Obviously, food plays a key part in the celebrations. Lamb and eggs are found on tables around the country along with seasonal vegetables and salad. Local dolci specialities join with the national uovo di cioccolata and la Colomba, a dove-shaped cake covered with icing and almonds. If they are not already away from home, it is often on Lunedi dell'Angelo - also called Pasquetta, that full-stomached Italians head for their favourite places.
This year, according to some statistics, there will be from 8 to 16 million Italians seeking Easter experiences away from home. A third will visit friends or family, the rest will stay in hotels, holiday homes, agriturismi, and campsites. The mountains, where skiing is still possible in some areas, is one favourite destination; those who prefer the sea will usually head to Liguria, Sicilia, or Sardegna. European cities including Paris, Prague, Vienna, and London are first on the list for those who travel abroad. At the same time, Italian cities such as Roma, Milano, Torino, and Bologna empty of their citizens but fill with tourists, most notably in Roma, where the Pope draws thousands from all over the world to the Vaticano for Easter services.
The Italian tourist industry is by now well organized and used to this mass movement and annual business boom. The ministero per i Beni Culturali has this year increased the opening hours of museums and other tourist attractions, and with 60% of holiday makers travelling by car, the radio and TV journalists prepare reports on the extent of the inevitable traffic jams.
So, if you are planning to visit Italy this Easter and want to enjoy all that il bel paese has to offer, make sure you plan well by looking at the Ministry of Culture's website at www.beniculturali.it.
la Quaresima Lent
Pasqua Easter
Venerdi Santo Good Friday
la via della croce literally "the road of the cross"
Sabato Santo The Saturday before Easter
la Domenica di Pasqua Easter Sunday
dolci desserts
uovo di cioccolata chocolate egg
la Colomba An Italian Easter cake
Lunedi dell'Angelo, Pasquetta Eater Monday
ministero per i Beni Culturali Minister for Culture
il bel paese The beautiful country - Italy.