Umbria is preparing to celebrate Easter with a perfect balance of spirituality, history and conviviality. Between solemn processions, historical re-enactments and food and wine traditions, this region offers a unique experience for those who wish to experience the Easter holidays in an authentic and evocative setting.
Processions and rites: the mystical heart of Easter in Umbria
Easter in Umbria is steeped in spirituality and centuries-old traditions. Good Friday, this year April 18, sees the unfolding of evocative processions in the most characteristic villages. In Assisi, confraternities parade with statues of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Dead Christ, creating an atmosphere of intense religious participation. In Norcia, more than 400 figures give life to a touching Stations of the Cross with living pictures culminating in the dramatic crucifixion scene.
Gubbio is home to one of the oldest and most heartfelt processions, organized by the “Venerable Confraternity of Santa Croce della Foce, “ with the procession opened by the “sacconi” who play the clappers, followed by the brethren carrying the symbols of the Passion.
The procession winds through medieval streets, illuminated by large fires lit along the route.
Art and faith: the representations of the Passion
In addition to processions, Umbria hosts events that blend art and religion. In Spello, from April 18 to 21, the Via Crucis d’Autore transforms the 14 stations into works of art created by national and international artists. In Città della Pieve, on the other hand, in the basement of Palazzo Orca, the “Living Paintings” reconstruct with more than 40 figures the salient moments of the Passion of Christ, inspired by Italian Renaissance painting.
In the Terni area, in Marmore, the Historical Reenactment of the Passion of Christ takes place in Libero Liberati Park, with a natural setting of lights, sounds and themed music that makes the experience even more evocative.
Folk traditions: games and rituals of Umbrian Easter
Not only faith and religious rites: the Umbrian Easter is also an opportunity to meet and have fun. In Civitella Sul Lago, until March 31, there is the “Museo dell’Ovo Pinto” contest, where participants decorate eggshells with various artistic techniques.
The traditional “tocciata” or “ciuccittu,” a truly unique contest where players stand in the center with a hard-boiled egg in their hands and take turns beating their opponent’s egg. Whoever is left with the egg intact moves on in the contest, while whoever has the broken egg is eliminated. Tradition dictates that whoever wins the contest takes home the eggs of the defeated opponents to share with family over Easter lunch..
The taste of Umbrian Easter: authentic flavors and ancient recipes
Easter celebrations in Umbria are accompanied by a rich culinary tradition. Queen of the table is Easter cake, also known as “Easter pizza” or “crescia,” a soft savory bread made with eggs, cheese and flour, prepared on Holy Thursday and eaten at Easter breakfast, along with capocollo, blessed hard-boiled eggs and wine.
In the Perugia area, unfailing is the ciaramicola, an alkermes cake with meringue icing and colored sugared almonds, a symbol of the colors of the city of Perugia. In theOrvieto and Valnerina areas, on the other hand, people enjoy the sweet Easter cake, enriched with spices and candied fruit.
In Umbria, Sunday is still celebrated with a special breakfast of cheese cake, capocollo and hard-boiled eggs, all strictly blessed. On the morning of Holy Saturday, families prepare a basket containing the typical savory pie, some salt, eggs, some cold cuts, bread, wine and ciaramicola (a typical Perugino dessert) and take it to church for the blessing of the food. Each food has a deep symbolic meaning in Christian tradition: the egg represents the resurrection, the bread Christ as the “bread of life,” the wine the blood of Jesus, and the meat the sacrifice.
For Easter lunch, each area has its own specialties: from meat-filled agnolotti to homemade tagliatelle and Spoleto’s strangozzi. The second course par excellence isroast lamb, served with lemon slices to enhance its flavor. Inevitable then throughout the region is the classic Easter dove.
Experiencing Easter in Umbria: an experience between the sacred and the profane
Easter in Umbria is a journey through spirituality, history and food and wine traditions. From solemn rituals to convivial celebrations, this region offers an authentic and engaging experience, perfect for those who wish to rediscover the deeper meaning of the Easter holiday.
For more information on events and itineraries, you can visit the Umbria Region’s official website.
