Throughout Italy, Easter week is filled with religious and cultural traditions. Each town has its long-held ceremonies, and Cortona is no exception. Children who held their grandparents’ hands as they were first introduced to the Good Friday procession now carry those same heavy and beautifully crafted statues through the streets of town as their own children watch in awe.
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The solemnity of Friday evening fades Saturday morning as people gather along the streets and in the markets to shop for their Easter meal. Friends are greeted with Buona Pasqua and the double cheek kiss as they exchange pleasantries and best wishes while shopping.
One dessert staple is the Colomba di Pasqua, a traditional Italian Easter cake, which comes in various sizes and a few flavors, but is always shaped like a dove.
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On Easter Sunday, although most cook and eat at home with family, there are also many restaurants offering multi-course traditional meals.
And then comes La Pasquetta, Easter Monday, or Little Easter. This is a national holiday when families pack up Easter leftovers, head to parks or beaches for picnics, or stroll around towns like Cortona. And stroll they do. I always need to remind myself to slow down on these days.
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La Pasquetta is a time for relaxation, and a midday Aperol Spritz seems to be the colorful beverage of choice for many.
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Amid the crowds and festivities, we always manage to find time for quiet walks, alone or with friends, taking in some views that newly trimmed trees now offer,
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as well as the magnificent signs of spring.
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And then, of course, there are the sunsets, with or without aperitivo, no description needed.
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Happy Easter, Passover, and Spring!
Ciao
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
It’s wonderful how well you captured the spirit! Missing Italy.
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Thanks! We were recently wondering if Italia is on your agenda this year???
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Another excellent blog! I’m glad to see you’re back in action.
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Vincent J. Connelly
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I know, thanks! Sounds like a fun evening last night in your neighborhood.
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Happy Easter to you and Len!
Thanks for giving us the wonderfully delicious taste of Cortona through your beautiful photographs!
Saludos,
Hilary and Gustavo xoxo
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And the same to you both. Would love to share a meal or several together here again.
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How beautiful! Happy (belated) Easter. 😊
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Thanks and the love to you, Mike and Francesca!
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Very informative Had the feeling I was transported to Italy for a brief moment Well done Thank you for the diversion My best to all
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You are quite welcome, and best to you.
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Glad you found a place to stroll. The Parterre was opened to traffic today (Easter Monday) and quickly became a parking lot. Hope to see you soon – morning Cappuccino?
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Yes, for sure. Let’s email.
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And how many Easter Sunday’s did you deliver a delicious meal to my back step when I was saddened to be without family. Such kindness not easily forgotten.
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You are too sweet! I was always happy to do a small thing for you as you were always doing grand things for others! Happy memories.
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The Italians do it so well. Cortona is such a very special place and your photos highlight its beauty. Sounds like it was a wonderful Easter break.
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They do do it well, don’t they! Thanks!
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