Italian Easter Regional Variances

For the past 300 years, Florentines have celebrated Easter with the Scoppio del Carro, or the explosion of the cart. This exciting tradition involves a wagon full of fireworks, a three-story structure built in 1679, and a dove-shaped rocket. A team of white oxen decorated in garlands pulls the structure through the streets on the wagon, to the Basilica di S. Maria del Fiore. A mass is held in the church, during which the archbishop lights a fire with a Holy Sepulchre. The fire is used to light the dove-shaped rocket, which travels down a wire to the cart. The fireworks explode in a rainbow of colors and the crowd cheers. The appreciation of the fireworks is linked to the ancient value of fire. A large explosion signifies a good harvest, and the dove is a symbol of fortune and peace.

Vatican City, conversely, practices Easter with the most formal of Catholic traditions. Any traces of pagan rituals that Romans might once have practiced have long been absorbed by the church. Easter is marked with a solemn, high mass delivered by the Pope.

The town of Tredozio, Emilia-Romagna, takes on a more playful celebration. On La Pasquetta, the Monday after Easter, the Palio dell'Uovo is held. This competition has a series of events where eggs are the stars of the games.

In Merano, Trentino-Alto Adige, the Course Rusticane takes place. Special horses, known for their blonde manes, take part in races. Children also ride the horses, wearing costumes from their neighborhoods.

Tuscan Easter has a musical quality. Easter morning is announced by the slow build up of church bells that have been silenced for a week. All of the churches ring their bells at the same time, and the choruses echo throughout the towns.

The citizens of Barano d'Ischia, Campania, celebrate an aspect of their own personal history. On Easter morning the 'Ndrezzata is held, a dance which revives the fights against the Saracens.

Easter in Enna, Sicily lasts for two weeks. Holy Week is celebrated before Easter. On Good Friday, 2,000 friars carry out religious rites from the Spanish domination of the 15th century. They parade silently, in ancient costumes, through the streets. The Paci Ceremony takes place on Easter. A statue of the Virgin Mary and Jesus are carried to the main square and into the church, where they remain for the following week.

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