Italy celebrates Pasqua with traditions, food and public holidays. Rome is set to welcome around half a million tourists this Easter, according to data from the Lazio tourism board, an increase of two per cent compared to 2025. The capital will host about 1.2 million overnight stays (presenze) over the Easter season, up 1.3 per cent on last year. Rome remains one of the most sought-after destinations - the city's tourism councillor Alessandro Onorato said - despite the dramatic geopolitical situation that is inevitably impacting the tourism sector. More than 10 million Italians will be travelling away from home, primarily to areas close to their own region, over the 2026 Easter season, according to a Tecnè survey for Federalberghi, the main Italian association representing hotel and tourism entrepreneurs. The majority of those travelling for Easter, 85 per cent, will remain in Italy, with the rest opting for foreign destinations. For those travelling to Italy for Easter, or Pasqua, what can they expect? The Easter season in the Eternal City is an experience rich in religious and culinary traditions. Holy Week and Easter at the Vatican The Vatican's Holy Week and Easter liturgies will mark the first presided over by Pope Leo XIV, after his predecessor Pope Francis died on Easter Monday last year. One of the most evocative ceremonies associated with Holy Week in Rome - the Via Crucis or Way of the Cross - will take place at the Colosseum on the night of Good Friday, 3 April, at 21.15. This solemn candle-light procession - which is free to attend and does not require tickets - attracts thousands of faithful who listen to meditations re-enacting Christ's crucifixion. Via Crucis at the Colosseum The Vatican's Easter Vigil Mass will be in St Peter's Basilica at 21.00 on Holy Saturday, 4 April, as well as Easter Sunday Mass in St Peter's Square the next morning at 10.30. Pope Leo will impart the Easter Sunday Urbi et Orbi blessing from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica at midday on Easter Sunday, which falls on 5 April this year. For full details of the Vatican's liturgical programme see official website while for a listing of English-language religious services in the capital see Wanted in Rome's guide. What to eat in Rome at Easter Roman restaurants typically offer menus featuring abbacchio (lamb) for Easter lunch, however you will need to reserve your table in advance due to high demand. Easter Sunday brunch in Rome is a savoury occasion with Romans laying out a delectable spread of hard-boiled eggs (often painted brightly), salami and cheese, accompanied by the classic pizza al formaggio. Rome's bakeries sell a sweet cake made in the shape of a dove, known as a colomba, which has been a firm favourite on the Easter calendar in Italy for almost a century. Another culinary celebration of spring in Rome is vignarola, a fresh stew of braised vegetables, gently cooked with guanciale and roman mint, and finished with shavings of pecorino romano. Colomba Easter cake Pasquetta Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, or Pasquetta (Little Easter), are national holidays in Italy, with all public offices and schools closed on Monday 6 April. Many Romans mark Pasquetta with a picnic in the city's parks or other popular outdoor destinations such as along the Via Appia Antica or the Castelli Romani countryside. Museums tend to open exceptionally for Pasquetta however the Vatican Museums will be closed on both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Easter in Italian life In contrast to Christmas, which is very much a family-oriented occasion in Italian society, Easter is a time to celebrate with friends. As a popular expression goes: Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi, meaning Christmas with your family, Easter with whoever you want. For the best things to do in Rome over Easter and during April, see our event guide. Photo credit: A.J. Olnes / Shutterstock.com
March 27, 2026