The pinnacle of the religious and cultural calendar, Easter brings a season of celebration and festivities to Italy, with events happening across the regions, from Florence through to Sicily.
Italy is set to captivate the international travel market in 2025 with an exciting array of new openings, cultural events and initiatives that celebrate the country’s rich heritage and vibrant future. The New Year will see Italian regions take centre stage with Sicily taking the crown as European Region of Gastronomy for 2025 in addition to Agrigento being named Italian Capital of Culture. A flurry of exciting new hotel openings paired with new flight routes from major providers including British Airways and easyJet, mean that the year ahead looks to be promising for tourism in the world’s cultural capital.
EASTER CELEBRATIONS
Piazza del Duomo, Florence – 20th April
The Easter Sunday chariot tradition in Florence dates back to the First Crusade in 1099, when a soldier from the Pazzi family climbed the walls of Jerusalem and was rewarded with three pieces of the Holy Sepulcher, and since then, the people of Florence have celebrated by carrying a purifying flame through the city every Sunday, with the carrying of the holy fire evolving into a cart and later fireworks.
LA SEMANA SANTA IN ALGHERO (SARDINIA)
Alghero – 14th April – 20th April
The religious event, organised by the Brotherhood of Santo Monte, dates back to the end of 1600 during Spanish domination. Many inhabitants participate and the days before it is possible to feel a particular atmosphere in the city waiting for the Holy Week’s processions and especially for Good Friday one.
SACRED REPRESENTATION OF GOOD FRIDAY
Valmontone, Rome – 18th April
The procession on Good Friday, has taken a typically theatrical role with performances drawing inspiration from medieval times. The “Sacred Representation “of Valmontone refers to this style and is over a century old. The actors recite texts based on the Holy Scriptures. The story starts from the New Testament, continues with the reconstruction of the Nativity and follows the events of Christ’s life. The Via Crucis and deposition from the Cross concludes the procession.
THE HOLY WEEK IN SULMONA (ABRUZZO)
Sulmona – 14th April – 20th April
In Sulmona, the Holy Week is celebrated through various processions, such as the Good Friday procession, which starts in the evening at the Baroque Church of Annunziata and returns late at night at the Church of the Trinity, and the Easter Sunday procession of the Confrati (friars), which represents the meeting of the Virgin Mary with the risen Christ, culminating with a flight of doves that signifies the quality of the upcoming harvest season, followed by the start of the Easter feast.
MADONNA CHE SCAPPA (THE DASHING MADONNA)
Sulmona – 20th April
This event takes place every year on the morning of Easter Day in the spectacular Piazza Garibaldi, crowded with people. The members of the Confraternita Santa Maria di Loreto, carry the statues of St Peter and St John in a procession to the Church of St Philip. The church’s door then opens and the statue of the Virgin Mary is carried out, wearing a back cloak, a sign of mourning. Halfway, she “meets” the statue of her Son, she “dashes” towards him, letting her cloak fall, revealing a bright green dress.
RITES AND PROCESSIONS OF THE SICILIAN EASTER TRADITION
MARONNE VASA VASA
Modica – 20th April
The Easter morning in Modica, a spectacular procession takes place with two parades that walk along the streets of Ragusa with statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
THE DEVILS
Adrano – 20th April
Every year on Easter Sunday, a traditional event known as “The Devil” is held in Adrano which showcases a folklore representation of the battle between Good and Evil led by Lucifer on one side and Paradise on the other with a main focus on the victory of Good and Light over Evil.
THE ABBALLU DE LI DIAVULI
Prizzi – 20th April
The Abballu de daivuli is a procession on Easter Sunday where people wear terrifying zinc masks and red robes, portraying devils who run through the village to capture as many souls as they can until the afternoon. After the meeting of the Virgin Mary with the Risen Christ, the devils are restrained and carried by angels to the Virgin Mary.
THE PROCESSION OF THE MYSTERIES
Trapani – 18th April
The Procession of the Mysteries is held in Trapani from 2 pm on Good Friday and continues for almost twenty-four hours until Saturday. It is the longest religious event in Italy and one of the oldest. This event consists of the transport of 20 groups of statues (Sacred Mysteries) representing the various stages of the Via Crucis through the city. The statues were made between the 17th and 18th centuries.
FESTIVALS AND CULTURAL EVENTS
27TH DOLOMITI SKI JAZZ FESTIVAL
Trentino, 7th – 16th March 2025
The Dolomiti Ski Jazz Festival returns in 2025, bringing the soulful rhythms of jazz, blues, funk and Latin music to the majestic mountains. Concerts will take place on sunlit terraces in Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa, as well as in theatres, streets and pubs throughout the picturesque Dolomite valleys.
Puglia, March 22nd – 29th 2025
The Bari International Film Festival (BIF&ST) returns in March 2025, hosted at the stunning Teatro Petruzzelli and other venues across the city. This annual celebration of Italian and global cinema offers screenings of new releases, Q&A sessions with filmmakers and an opportunity to immerse in Italy’s vibrant film culture.
EDVARD MUNCH ON DISPLAY IN ROME
Palazzo Bonaparte, Rome, 18th February – 2nd June 2025
The Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome will host Munch: The Inner Scream, an exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of Edvard Munch’s death. Featuring approximately 100 works, including paintings, drawings and prints from Oslo’s MUNCH Museum, this showcase provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the profound vision of one of the 20th century’s most influential artists.
Trentino, 16 to 29 March 2025
Paradice Music Festival offers a truly unique experience at 2,600 meters on the Presena Glacier; situated on the border between Val di Sole and Valle Camonica, between Trentino and Lombardy, the glacier is part of the Presanella mountain group. Held in an igloo, the festival features an orchestra performing on instruments made entirely of ice. Organised by the Pontedilegno-Tonale Consortium, the Val di Sole Tourist Board and Trentino Marketing, it is a magical blend of nature and music.
FOOD AND WINE EVENTS
Primavera del Proseccoin Treviso and Surrounding Areas – 8th March – 9th June
Embark on a journey through the Prosecco wine region, where you will discover the secrets behind Italy’s beloved sparkling wine. Indulge in special packages offering a blend of gastronomy and culture.
Vinitalyin Verona, Veneto – 6th– 9th April
Immerse yourself in the world of Italian wines at Vinitaly, the largest wine show globally. Explore exquisite wines, witness prestigious competitions and embrace the essence of Italian viticulture.
Sagra del Pescein Liguria –11th May
Experience the vibrant tradition of the Sagra del Pesce in Camogli, Liguria, where the picturesque port square transforms into a culinary spectacle. Dating back to 1952 and intertwined with the ancient festival of San Fortunato, this celebration honours the patron saint of fishermen. Witness the spectacle of the world’s largest frying pan sizzling with freshly caught fish, while the community gathers for bonfires and artistic competitions between the districts of Porto and Pinetto.
Focaccia Festival of Reccoin Genoa – 25th of May
Join the celebration of the iconic gastronomic symbol of Recco at the Focaccia Festival. Established in 1955 and organised by the Consorzio della Focaccia di Recco col Formaggio and the Municipality of Recco since 2006, this event pays homage to the beloved focaccia. Experience the culinary tradition with the free distribution of both classic and onion-flavoured focaccia.
SPORT EVENTS
Rome Marathon– 16th March
‘Run Rome the Marathon’ is a journey in the eternal city that will make participants fall in love with running and the marathon, forever. Share the wonders of the route with hundreds of fellow runners: starting from Fori Imperiali, passing in front of the Vittoriano, in Piazza Venezia, you will gaze at Circo Massimo, feel the breeze of Lungotevere and run past places such as Castel Sant’Angelo, Viale Della Conciliazione and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Giro d’Italia(Tour of Italy) – 9th – 1st June
The Giro d’Italia is an annual multiple-stage bicycle race primarily held in Italy, while also passing through, other countries. The Giro is one of professional cycling’s three-week-long Grand Tours, and after the Tour de France is the second most important stage race in the world.
Emilia Romagna, 22nd – 25th May 2025
Celebrate Emilia Romagna’s legendary automotive legacy at the Motor Valley Fest. This dynamic event highlights iconic brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati through exhibitions, high-performance vehicle displays, and cutting-edge technological showcases.
REGIONAL EVENTS
Il Diamante Nero, Black Truffle, early April, Scheggino Truffle tastings and products, activities for children, sports, music and an attempt to set a Guinness world record. http://diamanteneroscheggino.it/
International Journalism Festival 9-13 April 2025, Perugia Europe’s largest annual media event, covering topics important to democracy such as freedom of the press, deep fakes, social media manipulation, threats to journalists and more. https://www.festivaldelgiornalismo.com/
Primavera Medievale Bevagna late April Bevagna. Art and culture, exhibitions, performances and music and especially demonstrations of ancient crafts (weaving, papermaking, candle making) in a charming medieval village https://www.ilmercatodellegaite.it
Tulip Festival End ofApril 2025 Castiglione del Lago including a parade of colourful floats “painted” in tulip petals https://festadeltulipano.com/
Corsa all’Anello 23 April – 11 May 2025, Narni Historic re-evocation in a picturesque medieval town, with traditional foods, costumed participants and competitive horseback jousting. https://www.corsallanello.it/
Only Wine Festival 26-28 April 2025 Città di Castello National Exhibition of Young Producers and Small Wineries focused on the best small wineries “under 40” in Italy selected by AIS, which will exhibit and let people taste the best of their production (over 500 labels in a single location) with many tastings guided by the best AIS sommeliers. https://www.onlywinefestival.it
Calendimaggio (May Day Festival) 7-10 May2025 Assisi Four days of celebrating the start of spring, with demonstrations of ancient arts, choral competitions, parades of beautifully costumed participants, and more. www.calendimaggiodiassisi.com
Corsa dei Ceri 15 May 2025, Gubbio Teams representing the three districts of the village race up its steep streets, carrying enormously heavy statues. The tradition has been passionately followed by locals since at least the 1890s. https://www.ceri.it/
Picnic a Trevi mid-May Art, music and snacks among Trevi’s olive groves. A weekend in Umbria dedicated to beauty, nature, simplicity, good living and tastings of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. https://www.facebook.com/PicNicaTrevi
Cantine Aperte May, September, November Wineries throughout Umbria welcome visitors with live music, tastings and other activities. http://www.mtvumbria.it/index.php/it/eventi.html
Porchettiamo mid-May Gualdo Cattaneo Porchettiamo is more than a festival, it is a declaration of love to one the Italy’s most flavourful, ancient and popular traditional foods: porchetta. The best porchetta producers will gather in Umbria in the “Piazza delle Porchette” (“Porchetta Square”) for a three-day event dedicated to the monarch of street food coupled with selected handmade beers of “Fermento Birra” and selected wines of “Strada del Sagrantino”. www.porchettiamo.com
Ocriculum AD 168 mid May 2025 Otricoli Spend the day in a bucolic 2nd century CE Roman town, on the banks of the Tiber River. Change your euros for sesterces to buy snacks and spiced wine while you watch Roman legionnaires demonstrate their prowess, learn about ancient games, dancing, music and medicine, and observe solemn rites dedicated to the ancient deities. https://ocriculum.it/
La SpoletoNorcia Gravel mid June 2025 The SpoletoNorcia Gravel is a cycle tour on mixed asphalt and gravel terrain, with regular gradients and no technical off-road passages. It is not a race, there is no ranking and no time limit, La SpoletoNorcia Gravel is a great opportunity to enjoy the landscapes and villages of the Valnerina. Participants must have good physical preparation because of the length and gradients of the route. https://www.laspoletonorciagravel.it/
HOTEL NEWS
THE HOXTON Boutique Hotelin Florence
Opening March 2025
Opening Spring 2025 near Piazza della Libertà, The Hoxton in Florence offers 161 rooms, a Riviera-inspired restaurant, a vibrant wine bar and an expansive garden terrace, perfect for enjoying Tuscany’s charm.
HILTON TURIN CITY CENTREin Turin
Opening May 2025
Opening May 2025, Hilton Turin City Centre will offer central accommodations within walking distance of the Egyptian Museum, Porta Nuova Station, and other top attractions, along with Italian dining, event spaces, and a pool.
FLIGHT NEWS
NEW BRITISH AIRWAYS FLIGHTS
New flight to Rimini from London Heathrow as from May 2025.
New flight to Salerno (Amalfi Coast) from London Gatwick as from May 2025.
New flight to Olbia (Sardinia) from London City as from May 2025.
NEW EASYJET FLIGHTS
New flight from London Gatwick to Olbia (Sardinia) as from 16 April 2025.
New flight from Edinburgh to Olbia (Sardinia) as from 1 May 2025.
