Italians love to celebrate all Christian festivals and Easter is one of fests they love most, along with Christmas. Easter is being one of the main festivals in the country and is widely celebrated in the capital Rome and in the whole country. On that day, the people in Italy commemorate the resurrection of Jesus and for that reason the day is considered holy. The Easter celebrations in the country are associated with many festivals, driven by the deep tradition and the Italian culture. Easter in Italy is known as La Pasqua and it is celebrated with various rites that are arranged in the country, some of which rituals are having ancient pagan roots. The celebrations for the Holy Week reflect the regional differences in the country, but have one general appeal. On the Palm Sunday people bring to the churches baskets with olive and palm branches, which are left there for the priests to bless them. Then people gather at the St. Peter’s Square to receive the blessed palm branches, once the Mass has ended. On the Holy Friday many churches present the ceremony of washing the feet of Jesus at the altar.
Before the Lent in Italy is being organized a carnival with masques, a lot of music and dances. This carnival in Italy starts in January and lasts until Ash Wednesday. The Lent season however is quieter period. The next celebration is the Easter dinner, when the table is arranged with lovely and very tasty delicacies. Among the finest dishes on that Easter dinner is called Agnellino, which is a roasted small lamb. Eggs are also widely present, as well as the soups like Brodetto Pasquale, the Easter soup and all kinds of breads. The most famous dessert for Easter in Italy is called Pannetone and this sweet bread is also given as a gift. Kids also receive chocolate eggs with a surprise inside. Of course, the recipes are a great part of the Easter holiday, as all meals are based on old family receipts, some of them being secret.
The traditional recipes include chocolate bunny cakes, cookies with peanut butter, and also lamb. The Easter recipes are easy to make and they do not take a lot of time. The chocolate Easter Eggs are also a great part of the holiday. Among the other dishes that deserve to be mentioned is the Easter Ham, which is smoked and comes with spices, as well as the special Easter desserts like the famous Pannetonne. On Easter Day is organized a traditional lunch, which is a great occasion to gather the family and your friends and have lovely time. During the Easter lunch the kids play different games like matching the eggs. As a symbol of the holiday comes also the Easter Bunny, which brings colored eggs that symbolize the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Italians love the holiday and everything that it symbolizes and take part in all activities.
