The Easter Season in Italy is widely celebrated and represents the second most endeared time of year after Christmas. The traditions of the following festivals evolved from the Catholic belief that this was when Jesus Christ was crucified. Then he was buried and on the third day, ascended into heaven.
The first of our top ten Easter festivals takes place in Oliena, Sardinia.
A solemn procession takes place on Easter Sunday when the townsfolk carry statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary through the streets. This represents the heartfelt search of Jesus’s mother Mary for her son after his mysterious disappearance from the tomb before she realises he has ascended into heaven.
The first of our top ten Easter festivals takes place in Oliena, Sardinia.
A solemn procession takes place on Easter Sunday when the townsfolk carry statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary through the streets. This represents the heartfelt search of Jesus’s mother Mary for her son after his mysterious disappearance from the tomb before she realises he has ascended into heaven.
Symbolically, the two statues are reunited back in the church before Sunday mass begins. Also in Sardinia is an exciting Easter festival called the ‘Lunissanti’ which takes place in Castelsardo. This solemn procession takes place on the evening of Holy Monday.
A chanting choir leads the way towards the Abbey of Nostra Signora di Tergu whilst others hold the instruments that represent the Passion of Christ. This enchanting candlelit parade lasts several hours and would be a mesmerising event to witness during your visit here.
A chanting choir leads the way towards the Abbey of Nostra Signora di Tergu whilst others hold the instruments that represent the Passion of Christ. This enchanting candlelit parade lasts several hours and would be a mesmerising event to witness during your visit here.
One of the most bizarre and thrilling Easter festivals in Italy takes place in Florence city. It’s called ‘Scoppio del Caro’ which translates as ‘Explosion of the Cart’.
This strange tradition is over 350 years old! A three storey high cart, dating back to 1622 is pulled through the streets by two oxen between the Baptistery and the Duomo on Easter Sunday.
It is filled with fireworks and set alight! This extremely visual display of pyrotechnics exploding symbolise a new beginning of life! Stay in a nearby apartment in Florence and see the city come alive during this Easter season.
Click here to read about other intriguing Easter festivals across Italy.
This strange tradition is over 350 years old! A three storey high cart, dating back to 1622 is pulled through the streets by two oxen between the Baptistery and the Duomo on Easter Sunday.
It is filled with fireworks and set alight! This extremely visual display of pyrotechnics exploding symbolise a new beginning of life! Stay in a nearby apartment in Florence and see the city come alive during this Easter season.
Click here to read about other intriguing Easter festivals across Italy.
Photo credits
picture 1: SehLax / CC BY 2.5;
picture 3: Bouncey2k / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: SehLax / CC BY 2.5;
picture 3: Bouncey2k / CC BY-SA 3.0
