Easter in Italy is a time of family, food, and cherished traditions. From the scent of freshly baked Colomba cake filling the air to the excitement of children hunting for chocolate eggs in the garden, the holiday is a beautiful blend of old customs and joyful gatherings.
We caught up with the team at our Treviso headquarters to discover the traditions and family moments that make this holiday so special.
What does Easter Sunday look like for you? Do you have any family traditions?
On Easter Sunday, it’s a tradition in our family to hide chocolate eggs in the garden for the children to find. Another tradition we have is coloring hard-boiled eggs – it’s always a fun and creative activity!
Are there any special foods you always eat at Easter?
As for food, we have the Colomba cake – it’s the sweet Easter bread shaped like a dove and often covered with sugar and almonds.
Are there any regional Easter traditions in your area that you take part in?
The game of "righea"* is a very popular regional tradition here in Veneto. It’s such a unique and fun part of the Easter celebrations (and it’s also played during the day after Easter, ‘Pasquetta’). The Easter celebrations are a mix of family gatherings and outdoor activities. The day after Easter, "Pasquetta," is typically spent with friends, often enjoying a grigliata (barbecue) in the open air. It's a time to relax, cook together, and enjoy nature. Meanwhile, Easter Sunday is dedicated to family, with big meals.
*The Righèa is a traditional Easter game resembling billiards, played on a ground surface made of clay and sandstone. The playing area is shaped like a spoon, featuring a slide from which players release their eggs. Hard-boiled eggs, often decorated in different colors, are rolled toward a designated spot with the aim of striking an opponent’s egg. Each successful hit earns the player a predetermined wager set by the head-righèa, much like a game of marbles!
If someone were visiting Italy during Easter, what would you recommend they experience?
I would highly recommend visiting Venice during Easter as a day trip. The city is beautiful in the spring, and it’s the perfect time to explore the canals and streets without the summer crowds. Additionally, the cities of Verona, Padua, and Treviso are wonderful to visit during this time of year as well. Spring is definitely the best time to enjoy the charm of these beautiful cities.
Words from Veronica Recalcati & Giulia Favaro
