Italian Easter traditions and vocabulary

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Taking part in Italian Easter traditions and celebrations is a good start to deepen one’s Italian language and culture knowledge.

what is Italian Easter?

As a matter of fact, Easter in Italy is a very important feast and it is second only to Christmas. Besides, the various Italian Easter traditions have ancient roots and are deeply felt by all Italians. Actually, Easter Sunday is just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, the week before Easter is full of subsequent events. And generally,whether one’s religious or not, pretty much everyone takes part in them.

For this reason, I decided to share with you everything I know about Italian Easter traditions and vocabulary. Hopefully, if you pop around here in Italy during Easter time, you will find it of some help.

So, let’s get started!

How to celebrate the Italian Easter or Pasqua

As you probably already know, Easter is one of the movable feasts and its day depends on the lunisolar calendar.Undoubtedly, Easter always falls in Spring and the link between the two is very tight.  

Indeed, as Spring represents the rebirth of nature after Winter, Easter celebrates the victory of life over death. Thus, both are synonyms of joy and hope. Consequently, in Italy you will feel and see this glee in the houses. As a matter of fact, one of the Italian Easter traditions is to decorate them. Usually, people create the Easter Trees and buy numerous colourful ornaments.

Additionally, the kitchens are full of delicious food and chocolate eggs. Importantly, in Italy there is no Easter Bunny or Egg hunt, but we give children chocolate eggs as presents.

Just to be clear, there is not a proper age for a chocolate egg. Personally, I’ll always want my chocolate egg, even in my 90ies. Come ‘on, who doesn’t want chocolate?

Here there are some useful books for you:

Vocabulary related to Italian Easter traditions

Below, you will find the most common words that you can use to talk about Easter in Italy.

  • La Pasqua – Easter.

To wish “Happy Easter!” you say “Buona Pasqua!”.

  • La Resurrezione – The Resurrection.
  • L’Agnello – The Lamb.

Actually, this animal is the symbol of Jesus who sacrificed His life to save humans. Therefore, it is one of the main Easter foods. In fact, it is not just a second dish, but pastry shops also realize chocolate and sugar lambs.

  • La colomba – the dove, symbol of peace.
  • L’uovo – the egg, symbol of new life.

Italian traditional Easter decorations

Italian Easter traditions

Here you will find some of the things most likely to be in every Italian house during Easter time.

  • La Decorazione – The decoration, ornament.
  • L’Albero di Pasqua – The Easter Tree. Briefly, it is an olive branch decorated with hand-painted eggs, colorful bows and paper’s doves.
  • L’uovo di ceramica – the pottery egg. Actually, you will find pottery eggs of all sizes, colours and functions.
  • La Candela a forma di uovo – egg-shaped candle.
  • Il lavoretto di Pasqua – the Easter kids’ crafts made at school. Indeed, parents show with great pride their kid’s crafts.

Italian traditional Easter food and gift

  • L’Uovo di cioccolato – The chocolate egg. As we said above, eggs represent the new life. Therefore, pastry shops and food firms created the chocolate egg tradition. Also, a little surprise is ceiled in it.
  • La Gallina di cioccolato – Chocolate chicken. Similarly to the chocolate eggs, the chocolate chickens are a widespread Easter gift.
  • Il Coniglio di cioccolato – Chocolate bunny. Even if Italian children don’t believe in the Easter Bunny, its chocolate representation is an appreciated Easter gift.
  • La Colomba pasquale – Easter dove. Namely, a dove-shaped cake with candied fruits or other creamy fillings exchanged as an Easter gift. Particularly, the Colombe artigianali (artisanal doves) are very much appreciated.

Easter Monday or Pasquetta in Italian

Italian Easter traditions

A crucial Italian Easter tradition is Pasquetta (literally Little Easter) or Easter Monday in English. Actually, in Italy it is also called Lunedì dell’Angelo (Angel’s Monday). In fact, it commemorates the Angel who showed up to the pious women announcing Jesus’ resurrection. 

Typically, for this Italian Easter tradition people organize excursions, pic-nics, lunch at farmhouses or visits to museums. Actually, the organization is not easy peasy. In fact, a great number of people with different preferences are involved. Hence, you have to come to an agreement about where to go and what to buy. Briefly, it is exhausting, but it is more than worth it.

Nonetheless, there is always a little detail that ruins the Italian Pasquetta: the weather. Really, there is a sort of spell on this day as it always rains. However, we don’t give up! On the contrary, we usually postpone our plans to the next day.

Useful vocabulary to talk about Pasquetta

Here, I leave you the words we use the most on Pasquetta.

  • Il pic-nic – the pic-nic. Of course, we’re not talking about a frugal meal! On the contrary, in every region there is a wide range of traditional food.
  • La carne grigliata – grilled meat.
  • La salsiccia – the sausage.
  • La mozzarella – the Mozzarella cheese.
  • Il formaggio – the cheese.
  • Il pane – the bread.
  • Il vino – the wine.
  • L’acqua – the water.
Italian Easter traditions

Also, there are always the following objects:

  • Una palla  – a ball.
  • Le carte – the playing cards.
  • Una griglia – a barbecue or a broiler/grill pan.
  • La musica – music.
  • Una chitarra – a guitar.
  • I piatti/bicchieri e le posate riciclabili usa e getta – disposable recyclable plates/cups and cutlery.
  • I tovaglioli di carta– the paper napkins.
  • Un apribottiglie – a bottle opener.

Finally, on this day you can:

  • Fare una gita fuori porta – to take a day-trip out of town.
  • Prenotare un tavolo in un agriturismo  – to book a table in a farmhouse.
  • Fare visite culturali – to go on cultural visits.

Palm Day or Domenica delle palme in Italian

Another significant Italian Easter tradition is Palm Day, the Sunday that marks the beginning of the Holy Week.

Traditionally, it celebrates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. On this occasion, people welcomed Christ waving palm branches, symbolizing victory. For this reason, on Palm Day people in Italy reenact this event. In fact, they organize a procession where the priest personifies Jesus and the people welcome him with their palms.

Then, the priest blesses the palms and together with the crowd goes back to the church to celebrate mass. Eventually, people exchange palms as a good wish.

Useful vocabulary to talk about Palm Day

Italian Easter traditions

Here you will find the important features of the Italian Palm Day.

  • La Domenica delle Palme – Palm Day, but literally “Sunday of the Palms”.
  • La Palma di confetti -the Sugared-almonds’/comfits’ palm. To be clear, this is a tradition of the southern regions of Italy. Indeed, here grandmothers create stunning flower-shaped palms with colourful comfits and other decorations.
  • La Palma di ulivo – Olive branches palm.

Actually, it could be a small olive branch or olive’s leaves weaved. As a matter of fact, southern boys prefer this kind of palm.Usually, on Palm Day you will see kids walking with a huge olive branch full of salami and caciocavallo cheese. Weirdly enough, we put food on branches!

  • La Benedizione – The Blessing.
  • La Chiesa – the Church.
  • La Processione – the Procession.
  • La Messa – the Mass.
  • Il Prete – the Priest.
  • La Settimana Santa – the Holy week. It is the week preceding Easter.

Good Friday or Venerdì Santo in Italian

Among the Italian Easter traditions an important one is the celebration of Good Friday.  On this day, we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus on Mount Calvary. Actually, in a great number of Italian cities there are displays recalling the last day of Christ on Earth.

For example, in the South of Italy the Via Crucis is the most important event of the Holy Week. Specifically, it is the reenacting of the sorrowful path of Christ up to Mount Calvary. For this procession, people wear Roman costumes and the streets’ lights are turned off. In fact, only a few candles and tapers light the path. Additionally, silence reigns and it is broken only by drums and choirs. Indeed, one of the most emotional ones is the so-called Miserere, a chorus with only men singing in Latin.

Usually, the Via Crucis takes place late at night, with some lasting till 3 A.M. Really, it is one of the most suggestive Italian Easter traditions and requires a long organization.

Vocabulary of Good Friday

Italian Easter traditions

Now, in case I made you curious let’s see how to talk about Good Friday.

  • Il Venerdì Santo – Good Friday.
  • La Passione di Cristo – The Passion of Christ. In this case, the word passione indicates the suffering of Jesus. However, it is commonly used as “love for something, enthusiasm, fondness”.
  • La Crocifissione – The Crucifixion, from the word croce, cross.
  • La Campana – The Bell.
  • La Rappresentazione – The representation, performance, display.
  • La Via crucis – The Stations of the Cross or the Way of the Cross. Usually, it refers to the images of the subsequent steps of Christ’s crucifixion day. In this case, it refers to the procession organized on Good Friday.
  • Il Cammino – The path.
  • Il Costume – The theatrical costume, here. However, be careful with this word because in Italian it usually means swimsuit.
  • La Candela – the candle.
  • La Torcia (Le torce, pl.) – The taper.
  • Il Miserere – The Misere. The name of this choir comes from the Latin imperative miserēri which means “abbi pietà”, have mercy.
  • Il Coro – The choir.
  • Il Tamburo – The drum.

Maundy Thursday or Giovedì Santo in Italian

Maundy Thursday is another important Italian Easter tradition. On this day, in the churches reenactments of the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper take place. This day marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, which commemorates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Additionally, in southern regions on this day there is Italian Easter tradition called i Sepolcri (literally sepulchres, graves). Basically, faithfuls visit from 5 to 7 churches in which altars are adorned with flowers and sprouts of wheat.

Vocabulary related to Maundy Thursday.

Italian Easter traditions

Let’s see the relevant vocabulary of this celebration.

  • Il Giovedì Santo – Maundy Thursday, but literally Holy Thursday.
  • Il Triduo pasquale – Easter Triduum. Specifically, the word triduo comes from the number tre, three. In fact, it refers to the fact that the Triduo lasts three days (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday).
  • La Lavanda dei piedi – the Washing of the Feet. Here, the noun lavanda comes from the Italian verb lavare, to wash. However, remember that the Italian word lavanda could also mean “lavender”.
  • Il Sepolcro – the Sepulchre, grave.
  • L’Ultima Cena – the Last Supper.
  • Il Germoglio di grano – Wheats’ Sprout.

Lent, Quaresima in Italian

When talking about Italian Easter traditions, we couldn’t not mention Lent. As we also said in the Carnival’s article, Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and finishes on Easter day. Notably, it is a 40-days period of prayer and atonement (recalling the days Christ spent in the desert). Indeed, the Italian term Quaresima comes from the Latin quadr(ag)esĭma, meaning “quarantesimo giorno” (fortieth day).

Now, let’s see some useful vocabulary to talk about Lent.

  • La Quaresima – The Lent.
  • L’Espiazione – The atonement.
  • La Preghiera – The prayer.
  • Il Peccato – The sin.
  • Il Digiuno – The fasting.

Common sayings linked to Italian Easter traditions

Italian Easter traditions

Obviously, the continuously evolving Italian language has created a lot of sayings focused on Italian Easter traditions. Clearly, they originate from the deep meaning these traditions have.

So, scroll down to learn useful sayings that will allow you to fluently speak with Italians.

Italian saying about Lent

To begin, let’s see a couple of sayings associated with Lent, Quaresima:

  • Lungo come una quaresima. – Literally, “long as a lent”. This expression describes either a person who talks too much or a long-lasting unpleasant situation.
  • Ha sciupato tutto e adesso fa Quaresima. – Literally, “He/she has wasted everything and now does the Lent”. Here, we are talking about a person who spent all money and is now poor.

Italian sayings linked to Good Friday

Now, the following sayings are based on the figurative meaning of the cross. Let’s see them!

  • Essere la croce di qualcuno. – To be someone’s cross, that is being someone’ burden.
  • Mettere in croce – to crucify.
  • Gettare la croce addosso a qualcuno. – to put blame on someone. Literally, it is “To throw the cross on someone”.
  • La mia vita è un calvario. – Literally, my life is an ordeal. Clearly, we use this expression when we have a very tough life.
  • La croce che ci si fa da soli è la più pesante. – The translation is “the cross that you make yourself is the heaviest”. Often, we use this saying when we do things we regret and of which we have to face consequences.
  • Portare la propria croce. – Literally, “to carry one’s cross”. Indeed, we use this expression when we take our responsibilities.

Italian sayings linked to Easter

Italian Easter traditions

Finally, here’s a couple of sayings related to Easter:

  • Essere felice come una Pasqua. – To be happy as can be. Literally, “To be as happy as Easter”.
  • Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi. – Literally, “Christmas with your family and Easter with whoever you want”. Indeed, this saying refers to the fact that usually people spend Christmas at home. On the contrary, during Holy Week some people prefer to go on vacation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have seen how Italian Easter traditions are deeply rooted and felt by Italians.

Indeed, from religious celebrations, to historical displays and food tradition, Easter permeates the Italian culture and language.

For this reason, every Italian language learner should think about coming to Italy to personally experience all the Italian Easter traditions. So what are you waiting for? Check when Easter is and book a flight!

We will wait for you. Ciao!

Carnevale in Italy – all you need to know about Carnival

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What is Carnevale?

Carnival is one of the most entertaining festivities around the world and the Carnevale in Italy is no exception. It is the celebration of chaos, mockery of authorities and exaggerated social satire, and we all know that Italians are very good at it.

When is Carnevale celebrated in Italy?

Although the origins of Carnival trace back to pagan festivities of Greeks and Romans, it is linked to the Catholic world.

In fact, it is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, the last day when it is allowed to feast before the rigors of Lent. Consequently, it doesn’t have a specific date but depends on which day Easter will be.

Etymology of the word Carnevale

The name Carnival (Carnevale in Italian) comes from Latin carnem levare, which literally means remove the meat. Specifically, Carnival was the last occasion for meat consumption, as people abstained from it during the following forty days of Lent.

How is Carnevale celebrated in Italy?

Carnevale in Italy

The Carnevale in Italy represents a way through which people can set aside their everyday life and simply have fun.

Usually, folk of all ages wear elaborate costumes and masks, throwing at each other confetti and streamers. Additionally, they take part in joyful parades, street parties and other entertainments.

Moreover, in almost every Italian city there is an important Carnival tradition: the creation of huge floats. In fact, it is a serious matter for Italians, as they compete for the best carro (float in English) every year. The price? The glory, but that’s enough.

But how does it work? Easy! First, groups of people gather to choose a theme for their float, usually at night after school or work. Then, they start creating the machines.

Specifically, some work with papier-mache, while others help design clothes. Eventually, they show their creations during the parades, which become an actual competition for the best carro.

Similarly, primary schools too organize colorful parades based on different themes. For instance, they dress up kids as animals, protagonists of fairy tales or cartoons.

Traditional food of Carnevale in Italy

Carnevale in Italy - Chiacchiere

Needless to say, food plays an important role in the Italian Carnevale.

Truly, the queen of the Carnival menu is undoubtedly the lasagna.

Nonetheless, on the table you will find any kind of delicious meat dishes and countless bottles of wine. Of course, do not forget to save some space for dessert.

Specifically, every region and city have a traditional dessert to serve at the end of the Carnival lunch.

Among the most common carnival desserts, the so-called Chiacchiere deserve first place (Angel wings for the English speakers). Basically, they are sweet crisp pastries shaped into thin twisted ribbons, deep-fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Similarly, the Castagnole (Castagnola for the singular) are a typical sweet of the Carnevale in Italy. The shape of this fried little ball recalls chestnuts, consequently its name comes from castagna, the Italian word for chestnut.

In addition, a traditional Carnival dessert of the Campania region is the so-called Migliaccio. This cake has the same ingredients of the Sfogliatelle’s filling: semolina, ricotta cheese, candied fruits, eggs, sugar and vanilla. A real treat!

However, there are plenty of Italian Carnival dishes, but it would be impossible to write about every of them here. Nonetheless, if you are fond of Italian culinary traditions, go check our latest article on the Italian desserts.

And now, let’s continue the discovery of the Italian Carnival celebrations!

Traditional Carnival masks in Italy

Carnevale in Italy - Masks

Together with the floats, another symbol of the Carnevale in Italy are the masks. In fact, throughout the years every Italian region has created its own characteristic mask.

They come from puppetry, Italian folklore and from an early form of professional theatre called Commedia dell’arte (meaning Comedy of profession).

As we said before, their aim was to mock authorities and social rules. As a matter of fact, they are a mix of fierce satire and funny parody. So, why don’t we have a look at some of them?

From the North…

Of course, one of the best-known way to celebrate Carnevale in Italy is with the Mask of Arlecchino (Harlequin in English) and his chequered colorful costume. He is an astute servant and with his agility and trickster qualities always tries to thwart his master’s plans.

Then, in the city of Milan we find another famous mask: Meneghino. This witty but honest servant is one of the few characters of the Commedia dell’arte, who doesn’t wear a mask.

Instead, in Venice we meet a completely different character: Pantalone. He is a greedy merchant with an exceptional ego. Therefore, over the years he has become the metaphorical representation of money.

Likewise, the Emilian mask Balanzone (known as the Doctor among English speakers) is a parody of the educated elite. He is a pompous inept, fond of drinks, chocolate and girls. Also, he always pretends to be an expert in subjects that he actually doesn’t know.

Another popular Italian mask is the Turinese Gianduja. When hearing this name, the first that comes to your mind is chocolate, I know. But even if the two things are related, we are talking about a totally different thing. In fact, Gianduja is an honest peasant of the Piedmontese country land, with an inclination for wine and beautiful girls.

…To the South!

Then, when we talk about Carnevale in Italy, how could we forget about the Neapolitan Pulcinella? He is an ignorant but astute servant, who is always on the side of the winner. With the white costume, black mask and huge nose has gradually become one of the symbols of Italian culture worldwide.

And finally, another iconic Neapolitan mask: Tartaglia. Usually, he is depicted as a clumsy lower working class’ member, short-sighted and with a minor stutter.

Of course, all these masks are not just awkward movements and hilarious tricks. Indeed, there is far more in them then we could imagine. They are the results of history events, revolutions and oppressions. They rise from stereotypes and represent some regional features and traditions.

Now, speaking of regional traditions, we just have to explore the most famed examples of Carnevale in Italy.

Venetian Carnival

Carnevale in Italy - Venetian Carnival

Of course, the first that comes to mind is the Carnival of Venice. It attracts a great number of tourists from all over the world. According to legend, its celebration began after an important military victory of the Venetian Republic in 1162. Then, it became official in the Renaissance.

However, in spite of its fame the Emperor Francis II outlawed the Venetian Carnival in the late XVIII century. And only later, in 1979, it officially returned.

Nowadays, the Carnevale in Venice is a long celebration and has three major events in it.

First, the so-called Festa delle Marie, in which twelve girls walk down the streets and receive prizes. This event celebrates the kidnapping and the release of twelve brides-to-be in the late XI century.

Second, the Volo di Sant’Angelo (literally “Saint Angel’s fly”), when an acrobat gets down from the bell tower of San Marco Church to reach the square.

And third, the Svolo del Leon (Venetian dialectal form for “The Lion’s fly”), which concludes the Carnival with a tribute to the Winged Lion, symbol of Venice.

Moreover, masks are an important feature of the Venetian Carnival. Originally, they were simple in design, decoration, and with a symbolic and practical function. Of course, many things have changed.

For instance, the materials. In fact, while once mask makers used leather, porcelain or glass, nowadays they prefer gypsum and gold leaf. Eventually, they hand-paint the masks and decorate them with natural feathers and gems. Literally outstanding piece of art!

The Carnival of Viareggio

Anotehr important Carnevale in Italy is the Carnival of Viareggio (Carnevale di Viareggio in Italian): a month-long Tuscan Carnival and one of Europe’s longest-established festivals.

Some wealthy middle-class men organized the first Viareggio carnival parade in 1873. However, on that occasion several citizens decided to put on masks as a sign of protest against the high taxes. Therefore, today people still use masks to remember that distant event.

However, what makes the Carnevale di Viareggio unique are its papier-mâché allegorical gigantic floats. Indeed, the largest one tower 70 feet over the crowds and weigh about 40 tons.

Due to their dimension, the floats are built in an apposite seat, called Cittadella del Carnevale (Carnival Citadel in English). In addition, Carnival celebrations are scheduled every weekend night in the city’s different quarters, which host all-night masked parties.

Later, on Carnival day the parade of floats and masks colors the streets of the city. Also, it includes competitions of traditional music bands for the most original masks.

The Carnival of Cento

Cento Carnival is one of the most ancient Carnevale in Italy and it is also twinned with the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro.

Similarly, to the Viareggio Carnival, the one in Cento is a month-long celebration. Here, the local Carnival societies compete for the most original float and show their creations in the parades.

Additionally, during the displays people from the floats throw at the crowd a great number of inflatables and plushes.

Then, on the last Sunday a jury awards the winning society and gives a prize also for the throwing of toys and gadgets. Finally, at the end of the last parade a firework show accompanies the burning of the traditional mask Tasi. This event concludes this incredible Carnival.

The Ivrea Carnival

This Carnival is world-known especially for the Battle of the Oranges and it is one of the best Carnevale in Italy!

According to the legend, in the XII century the tyran of the city tried to rape the young Violetta on the evening of her wedding. However, the girl fought back and decapitated him, generating a revolution.

Every year the citizens remember their liberation with the Battle of the Oranges, where the fruits represent the old weapons and stones. Indeed, teams of aranceri (orange handlers) on foot throw oranges against the aranceri riding in carts (representing the tyrant’s ranks).

Finally, the Carnival ends on Shrove Tuesday with a silent march, the solemn funeral of the tyran.

Acireale Carnival

This is the most beautiful Sicilian Carnival, but also one of the most ancient Carnevale in Italy. Likewise, the others, it has parades with huge papier-mache floats and both traditional and modern masks.

Furthermore, on the last week of celebrations another kind of floats parades along the streets. We are talking about the so-called Carri Infiorati (from fiore, flower in English).

These big floats are fully covered with lights and thousands of flowers, whose scent makes this Carnival a unique experience.

The Carnival of Fano

One of the sweetest Carnevale in Italy is undoubtedly the one in the city of Fano, in the Marche region. Among the most ancient, it takes place on the three Sundays before Lent.

Again, the protagonists are the huge allegorical papier-mache floats, which mock politicians, actors and other VIP.

They parade three times along the streets. During the first lap, participants show their float. Then in the second one, they throw chocolate and candies at the crowd. Finally, on the third lap, they turn the lights on, creating a memorable picturesque image for the audience.

Carnival vocabulary and expressions

In case I made you curious and you’re planning to test the Carnevale in Italy, I leave a list of useful words below!

Carnevale Carnival
maschera mask
costume costume
carro float
sfilata parade
coriandoli confetti
stelle filanti streamers
Martedì Grasso Shrove or Fat Tuesday (the day in which Carnival falls)
Mercoledì delle Ceneri Ash Wednesday (the day after Fat Tuesday)
Quaresima Lent

Also, I would like to share with you some of the most used Italian Carnival expressions.

Italian motto English translation Meaning
A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale. Anything goes at Carnival time. On Carnival day you can do any prank you want.
A Carnevale il povero va a zappare At Carnival the poor man hoes. Once poor people couldn’t allow themself to celebrate Carnival instead of working.
Carnevale al sole, Pasqua al fuoco. Carnival under the sun, Easter on fire. Carnival fun leads to Easter contrition.
Carnevale guarisce ogni male Carnival heals every harm. The fun on Carnival makes you happy.
Chi si marita male non fa mai carnevale Who gets married badly doesn’t celebrate Carnival. Who chooses a bad husband/wife could never be happy.

Now, you are ready to talk with Italians about Carnival and not only about the weather!

Conclusion

Whether it is in the North or in the South, the Carnevale in Italy fills the streets with laughter, colors and joy.

If you love Italian culture and want an immersive experience in it, then Carnival celebration is what you need.

So, what are you waiting for? Check when the next Carnival is and book a flight to Italy.

An extraordinary fun experience is waiting for you!