The Italian Easter-time saying goes “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi,” meaning “Christmas with family, Easter with whoever you want.” Easter, which is observed more religiously in Italy than in the United States, is the most popular holiday in the country, after Christmas. And while the week leading up Easter Sunday is filled with procession and rituals, both solemn and celebratory, the festivities don’t stop on Sunday. In Italy, they’re extended for one more day – Pasquetta. Literally meaning “Little Easter,” the day is both a religious and civil one for Italians.
According to Solo Libri, an online Italian book, community, the day is also referred to as “Lunedí dell'Angelo,” (Angel Monday), in reference to the day three women visited Jesus’ tomb, armed with essential oils to embalm his body, and encountered the angel that announced his resurrection. But, Pasquetta is also a civil holiday in Italy. It was introduced at the end of World War II to give Italians a long weekend after the Easter festivities, as was done with the day after Christmas – December 26 is also a civil holiday in the country.
(Photo Credit: italian-traditions.com)
Pasquetta is used as an opportunity to, of course, feast on cheese spreads, vegetables such as artichokes, and main courses like roasted lamb or a general “grigliata,” a medley of meats grilled on the barbecue. Sweets usually include the dove-shaped Colomba cake and chocolate eggs.
Although the day references a biblical moment, there usually aren’t any religious ceremonies to attend, so it’s typical for Italians to take a “scampagnata,” a day trip to the countryside, according to Solo Libri. Many Italians go to their country houses, where they host barbecues or go for picnics in parks.While Easter is most often enjoyed with family members, Pasquetta is an opportunity to invite friends along to partake in the festivities, eat good food, and enjoy the spring weather
Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba is a trilingual freelance journalist from Rome, Italy. In the past, her work on culture, travel, and history has been published in The Boston Globe, Atlas Obscura, The Christian Science Monitor, and Grub Street, New York Magazine's food section. In her free time, Asia enjoys traveling home to Italy to spend time with family and friends, drinking Hugo Spritzes, and making her nonna's homemade cavatelli.