Easter Holidays in Tuscany 2025

Easter is a significant time in Tuscany, marked by vibrant displays of Italian religious and folkloric traditions throughout the festive week. The celebrations start on Palm Sunday (Domenica delle Palme) and continue through to Easter Monday (La Pasquetta), with the most prominent events taking place on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

Processions on Maundy Thursday

On Holy Thursday, churches open their doors to the crowds of believers. You can visit Castiglione di Garfagnana (in the province of Lucca), where a traditional Processione dei Crocioni is held on that day. The procession leaves after the "In coena Domini" mass at 8 pm. Thousands of people follow the procession led by a person dressed like Jesus Christ, with chains and a cross on his shoulders.

Radicofani hosts another beautiful Maundy Thursday Procession. Starting after the mass at 8:30 pm, the procession begins the reenactment of the Last Supper, followed by the mourning procession commemorating the death of Jesus, Led by solemn Scalzi brotherhood, dressed in black hooded robes, the parade goes through the entire town and returns to the parish church.

Easter Passion Play in Grassina

On Good Friday, there are many parades all over Tuscany. Participants wear costumes and carry statues of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. Grassina, a town near Florence, holds an Easter Passion Play with 500 residents participating in the reenactment. The tradition dates back to 1633 when locals wanted to thank God for sparing the town during plague epidemics and held Good Friday Passion Play for the first time. The event consists of two parts: the historical parade and the Passion of Christ scenes.

Scoppio del Carro

Each year, Florence marks Easter Sunday with the unique and historic tradition of the Scoppio del Carro. This ritual, which dates back approximately 350 years, features the "Brindellone," a beautifully decorated cart first constructed in 1622. Towering two to three stories high, the cart is pulled through Florence's streets by two oxen adorned with floral garlands. It makes its way to Piazza del Duomo, positioned between the baptistery and the cathedral. The festivities begin with the procession at 10 am, culminating in the dramatic Explosion of the Cart at 11 am.

For a quieter experience away from the crowds, consider witnessing the same tradition in Figline Valdarno or Cutigliano, located in northern Tuscany. In Figline Valdarno, the Scoppio del Carro occurs at 11 a.m. near the Collegiate Church in Piazza Marsilio Ficino.

Easter Procession in Porto Santo

The Maremma region is famous for its impressive Easter procession in Porto Santo. Easter Sunday begins with a serene dawn procession winding through the town's streets, leading to the ancient ritual of the blessing of the sea. At the harbor, the statue of the risen Christ is lifted three times in a symbolic gesture. At the same time, fishermen honor the blessing by sounding the alarms of their docked boats, creating a poignant and memorable tradition.

La Pasquetta

In Italy, Easter Monday, or Pasquetta, is a national holiday that celebrates Jesus following His resurrection. While it is traditionally a day for families to come together, the cities remain lively, as both Italians and tourists often head out to dine or take leisurely walks through central areas or along the Arno River, especially in Florence and Pisa.

Many Italians embrace Pasquetta as an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with family, often gathering for a picnic featuring seasonal favorites like pecorino cheese, fresh fava beans, bread, olives, and red wine.

On Easter Sunday and Monday, Tuscany invites visitors to immerse themselves in its artistic wonders, with many museums open for the occasion. Everyone can explore the treasures of the Galleria degli Uffizi or the Museo del Novecento in Florence, admire the unique displays at the Museo delle Sinopie in Pisa, or uncover other cultural gems across the region for a truly enriching Easter experience.