Easter in Tuscany
Easter in Tuscany: Traditions, Festivities & Delicious Foods
When I first moved to Italy, I learned pretty quickly that Easter is a big deal here – especially in Tuscany, where traditions run deep and food brings everyone together. But one of my funniest Easter memories actually came from my physio! His name? Well, he calls himself Luca… but one day I spotted his official certificates and realised his real first name is Pasqua – which literally means Easter in Italian! He doesn’t like it, so he swapped his names around. Ever since, I cheekily call him “Easter”—and I think he likes this new name. 😄
How Italians Celebrate Easter
Even Easter here does seem to revolve around chocolate eggs and bunnies when going into the supermarkets here in Italy. But, Pasqua is about faith, tradition, and food. The celebrations begin well before Easter Sunday, with processions and religious events taking place throughout Holy Week (Settimana Santa).
Good Friday & Holy Saturday: Processions & Religious Traditions
In many Tuscan towns and villages, solemn processions reenact the Passion of Christ. One of the most famous is in Florence, where a dramatic torch-lit procession winds through the historic streets. Towns like San Gimignano, Volterra, and Cortona also hold beautiful and deeply moving religious parades, often featuring locals dressed in traditional medieval costumes.
Holy Saturday (Sabato Santo) is typically a quieter day of reflection before the big celebrations of Easter Sunday.
Easter Sunday: Celebrating with a Bang!
One of the most famous and unique Easter traditions in Tuscany is Florence’s “Scoppio del Carro” (Explosion of the Cart). This spectacular event, dating back over 350 years, takes place in front of Florence’s stunning Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore).
A beautifully decorated cart filled with fireworks is pulled through the streets by white oxen. Once it reaches the cathedral, a mechanical dove (Colombina) is released from inside the church, igniting the fireworks in a grand explosion! The belief is that if the fireworks go off successfully, it promises a year of good fortune and a successful harvest.
Easter Monday: A Day for Picnics & Nature
The celebrations don’t end on Easter Sunday! Easter Monday (La Pasquetta) is a national holiday, and it’s all about spending time outdoors with friends and family. Many Italians head to the countryside for a picnic or a long lunch by the coast. In Tuscany, you’ll find families enjoying homemade lunches in vineyards, olive groves, or even at the top of scenic hilltops.
How do you celebrate Easter?
