Destination Spotlight - ITALY part 2.
Holy Week in Italy
Many religious holidays and festivals dot the calendar of Italian life. Of these special days, participating and observing the Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday in Italy is among my favorite, inspiring experiences.
Across the Italian penninsula and in Sicily, the Holy Week - La Settimana Santa - is observed with church services, processions, and rituals. Traditional foods and local customs vary from town to town, but all over Italy there are celebrations and feasting. The celebrations on Easter Sunday lead into the holiday of La Pasquetta (little Easter) on Monday when Italians spend time with friends, often enjoying the spring weather with an picnic in a park or out in the countryside.
As today is Palm Sunday which marks the beginning of this most Holy Week, I recall my time during Holy Week in both Amalfi (April 2018) and Florence (April 2023) - some of my favorite memories of my travels in Italy!
Amalfi April 2018
Good Friday Processional in Amalfi
Back in 2018, this is what I had to say about our experience (from my Travel Ark 2.0 blog entry Friday March 30, 2018):
“Back in the square the preparations for the processional are happening. They are placing the barricades. We park ourselves in the square to get a good view. Waiting for about an hour, we are rewarded by front row places across from the steps coming down from the cathedral. The processional begins with silence while the crucified Christ is carried out of the cathedral and down the steps through the town. Men from the community dressed in religious hooded attire carried and followed the Christ. Younger boys followed behind. Next Jesus laying on the tomb was carried down the steps as the band at the top began to play a somber song. The whole community joined the choir singing. Behind the large effigy of Jesus on the tomb came Mary, mother of Jesus, following behind. The whole town was lit by torches, lighting had been turned off. The experience moved us to tears. We are so grateful to be here in Amalfi on this special day to give thanks to our Lord for his ultimate gift. Words just cannot describe.
The processional goes all through the town to deliver the crucified Christ to another church. Then Mary returns to the cathedral.”
Thinking back to this special evening witnessing this Good Friday processional brings back powerful, emotional memories.
Easter Sunday - April 1, 2018 @ Duomo di Amalfi
Sunshine greeted Easter Morning in Amafil 2018. We attended Easter service at the Duomo di Amalfi where we were welcomed as travelers along with so many people from all over the world. While most of the mass was said in Italian, the service was familiar and touched our hearts as we celebrated the resurrection - He is risen indeed!
Inside the Duomo di Amafi - Easter Mass
Florence April 2023
Last year, I was blessed to journey to Florence on our group holiday to take part in the festivities and celebratory mass on Easter Sunday at the Duomo.
Here is what I said at the time in my travel journal blog:
“Easter Sunday in Firenze is one of the most amazing experiences in this world. The spectacular fireworkds of the Scoppio del Carro and the beautiful mass inside the Duomo to celebrate this special day… There are no words. The religious tradition dates back to the middle ages … Fire sparked by ancient stones of the Holy Sepulchre brought back in the crusades have been used to blesss the city at Easter. In the 17th century, the Bridellone “cart” used still today was created to house pyrotechnics, lit by a flying dove on a wire from the high altar out the door of the Duromo. The cart is escorted in a parade pulled by white oxen. It all is spectacular. The fireworks go on for 10 minutes as the bells ring outside. The electricity in the church and the piazza is real. Afterwards, there is an Easter mass with the chior singing beautifully in this awesome building. To be here on Easter Sunday is very special. We feel grateful to participate.”
Waiting for Easter Sunday service to begin @ Duomo in Florence
Early Easter Morning Visit to the Duomo in Florence
The fireworks as seen from inside the Duomo
As I remember these special days, I am looking forward to visiting during Holy Week again. Interested in making your own holiday memories in Italy? Let’s talk about it.
Bouna Pasqua !
