A visit to Italy on Easter is becoming more popular among Russian-speaking tourists. And although the Italians themselves respond very ambiguously to Easter in Rome, Florence or Venice, nevertheless, these directions remain the most popular because they allow you to get a “two in one” trip - to feel the traditions of Italian Easter and just have a good time, getting the most out of emotions from really spring weather.
Easter in Rome
Easter in Rome will allow you to go the whole Way of the Cross, reflecting the life, suffering and resurrection of Christ, and symbolically stretching from the Coliseum to the Palatine, as well as visit the most popular in the world Easter Mass at St. Petra.
Easter in Italy is considered the most important holiday
Ancient traditions and faith, the true spirit of the holiday - this is what impresses the Eternal City. Rome at Easter is full of believers and tourists who rush to devote holy places, ancient churches and cathedrals.
Important: it is worth noting that many establishments on Easter do not work throughout the country, and transport services are reduced to a minimum. This may well be a fly in the ointment for an unprepared traveler. However, if your movements are local, and you have taken care of transport and hotels in advance, then it remains to relax and absorb impressions - Easter in Rome will not disappoint.
Easter in Florence
"Scoppio del Carro" (exploding wagon) - the most famous and vibrant Easter tradition of Florence, dating back to the time of the Crusades. An old legend says that Pazzino de Ranieri, who led the Florentines in the Crusade, received three stones from the Holy Sepulcher for his heroism. They and the sacred fire were to be delivered in a cart to Florence for the Easter ceremony. Since Easter in Florence It is inconceivable without releasing a dove from the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, lighting the Easter fire. In the old days, they fired up their homes, symbolically cleansing them.
Today, Florence on Easter demonstrates the ancient ritual in a slightly different way. Exquisitely decorated with the first spring flowers, a cart is pulled to the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore by white oxen.
- Florence's most famous Easter tradition - Scoppio del Carro
The procession is accompanied by standard-bearers and musicians dressed in medieval costumes. After the mass, the archbishop launches a dove-shaped rocket into a wagon loaded with pyrotechnics. Easter cleansing fire turns into colorful fireworks. Among Florentines, there is a belief that if a fire is lit, the year will be successful, and vice versa. Maybe this is just prejudice, but many remember the flood of 1966, the year in which the “dove” failed to complete the festive ceremony.
Easter in Venice
Venice is beautiful in spring. Walking around the city, cozy cafes where you can enjoy a delicious colomba will be held in relative calm, since in April there is rarely an influx of tourists. In the old church of Chiesa di San Giorgio dei Greeks, you can visit the Orthodox service.
Venice for Easter it will be remembered for an unforgettable vacation on the water, unexpected surprises - chocolate Easter eggs - in elegant hotel rooms. A visit to the famous Cathedral of San Giorgio Maggiore will allow you to join the ancient ritual - light a candle from the Holy Fire of the church, brought from the Jerusalem Church of the Resurrection of Christ.
Venice for Easter will be remembered for an unforgettable vacation on the water
Italy for Easter It will leave many vivid impressions, among which there will be Easter games with eggs, known as the Tredosio race. When you visit the Panicale in the Umbria region, do not be surprised at the unusual picture when you see giant heads of cheese rolling around the city walls. The winner is the participant, whose cheese practically did not hit the walls and rolled to the finish line first.
Ancient Italian traditions are interesting in that they do not have a tourist coloring. On the feast of the Holy Resurrection, Italians relax and have fun in full. It is worth considering this fact and will take care of the hotel and the vehicle in advance.
