March and Easter in Italy

March is still the period of Lent, the time between Carnevale and Easter celebrations. This year Easter comes in March. The week before Easter sees religious processions and reenactments of the stations of the cross in many towns, especially on Good Friday. The town of Trapani in Sicily has a huge 24 hour procession. Enna, also in Sicily, has a large procession on Good Friday, with more than 2,000 friars dressed in ancient costumes walking through the streets of the city. Of course, Rome and Vatican City are popular Easter destinations.

Besides the solemnity, there are several unusual Easter events like the Scoppio del Carro, explosion of the cart, in Florence or La Madonna Che Scappa in Piazza held in Sulmona. The Monday following Easter, known as La Pasquetta, is also a holiday and is celebrated with picnics in the country, music, and games. Read more about Easter events in Easter in Italy.

Besides Easter, the Feast Day of San Giuseppe, Saint Joseph, is March 19. Special sweets, usually zeppole, are made to celebrate, but in Rome you'll get bigné di San Giuseppe. You can see photos and read about them on Italian Notebook.

March also has the first day of spring, the Commemoration of Caesar’s Death, the marriage of Venice to the Sea, and chocolate, wine, and music festivals. Read more about these Italian festivals in March Festivals in Italy.