Easter in Umbria: A guide to local traditions, food, and celebrations
Easter in Umbria is more than just a religious holiday—it's a time when history, community, and deep-rooted culinary traditions come together. From religious processions through medieval streets to family lunches filled with regional delicacies, Easter is one of the best times of year to experience Umbrian culture up close.
Whether you're planning a spring trip to Italy or just curious about how locals celebrate this important holiday, here’s a guide to Easter in Umbria—what to see, what to eat, and how to experience it at best.
What Makes Easter in Umbria Special?
While Rome and Florence might get most of the spotlight, Umbria offers a more authentic and deeply traditional experience of Easter, away from the crowds of mass-tourism. Known as “the green heart of Italy,” this region holds on to its customs, often passed down for generations. Easter in Umbria is community-centered, filled with local processions, religious reenactments, and regional foods that you’ll rarely find elsewhere, and that you only might taste during this period.
Unlike the more commercial approach to Easter in other countries, here it is tied closely to spirituality, history, and hospitality.
Religious Celebrations: A Week of Rituals
Palm Sunday (Domenica delle Palme)
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter), when locals attend church with olive branches (not palm leaves, as for example happens in the U.S.). These are blessed during Mass and later displayed in homes as symbols of peace.
Holy Thursday (Giovedì Santo)
Many towns of Umbria keep the tradition of the “Washing of the Feet,” a symbolic act of humility that commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper. Churches stay open late into the night for "Visita alle Sette Chiese"—visiting seven churches in a single evening.
Good Friday Processions (Venerdì Santo)
Perhaps the most striking moment of the week, Good Friday is marked by dramatic processions through historic town centers. Locals dress in traditional robes, some barefoot, carrying crosses and statues representing the Passion of Christ.
Where to see the most traditional and scenic processions:
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Gubbio: This medieval town hosts a silent, torch-lit procession through its narrow streets—deeply moving and atmospheric.
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Assisi: As the birthplace of St. Francis and probably the most important Umbrian town religious-wise, it’s no surprise that Assisi holds one of the most revered Good Friday events in the country.
Pasqua: Easter Sunday Festivities
On Easter morning, families attend Mass, followed by a large and festive lunch. Churches are filled with fresh flowers, and bells ring out across the valleys to mark the resurrection.
There are no egg hunts or chocolate bunnies here. Instead, Easter Sunday is about celebration through food and family, often lasting the entire afternoon. Typically, tables of Umbrian families during Easter lunch are filled with:
Torta di Pasqua (Umbrian Easter Bread)
Don’t let the name fool you—this is not a dessert. Torta di Pasqua is a tall, savory bread made with cheese (usually pecorino and parmesan) and often served with cured meats and hard-boiled eggs. It's a must-have on every Easter table. Due to some small differences in traditions depending on the location, some families eat Torta di Pasqua, cured meats and boiled eggs during breakfast for Easter.
Coratella with Artichokes
This traditional dish—lamb offal (heart, liver, lungs) cooked with artichokes—is not for the faint of heart, but it's a true Umbrian delicacy. Usually, coratella is also served as part of the Easter breakfast, alongside the torta di Pasqua.
Roast Lamb (Agnello al Forno)
For the main course, most Umbrian families serve oven-roasted lamb, seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. It’s a simple yet powerful dish that reflects the region’s pastoral roots.
Ciaramicola (Easter Cake from Perugia)
Ciaramicola is a bright red cake covered with white icing and colorful sprinkles, symbolizes rebirth and joy. It’s traditionally made by fiancées for their future husbands—though today, anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate it.
Easter Egg (Uova di Pasqua)
While Umbrians are proudly attached to their culinary traditions, there’s one modern treat you’ll find on every Easter table: the chocolate Easter egg. Often beautifully wrapped and filled with a surprise inside, it’s a beloved tradition for both children and adults. The most popular eggs are made by Perugina, one of the region’s most iconic chocolate brands.
Easter Monday (Pasquetta)
Pasquetta, literally translated to “Little Easter,” is celebrated the day after Easter Sunday and is often the most beloved part of the holiday for locals. In fact, in Italy Easter Monday is a public holiday and It’s common for families and groups of friends to take short trips, have outdoor picnics, or go for a hike in the countryside.
Many Umbrians like to head to the region’s beautiful lakes to enjoy nature and fresh air. If you're curious, check out our blog post on the 5 Hidden Lakes of Umbria for ideas on where to go.
If you're in Umbria on Pasquetta, head to a local agriturismo or wine estate for a casual meal, often featuring barbecue, wine, and homemade desserts, or ask locals for advice to go for a picnic like a true local.
Best Towns to Visit During Easter in Umbria
Assisi
Assisi is one of the most spiritually significant places in Italy. During Easter, the town comes alive with solemn processions, sacred music, and services held in its historic churches, including the beautiful Basilica of St. Francis.
- Where to Stay in Assisi
- How to Get There: From Perugia Airport, Assisi is just a 20-minute drive, or you can take the Umbria Airlink bus from the airport to the Assisi central station. From Rome Fiumicino, it's about 2.5 hours by car (follow the signs first for Orte/Terni and then for Perugia) or train (via Foligno).
Norcia
Home to the world renowned art of Norcineria, black or white truffle, and also famous for its lentils, Norcia offers a unique Easter experience with food markets and strong religious roots tied to its Benedictine heritage.
- Where to Stay in Norcia
- How to Get There: From Perugia Airport, it’s roughly 1 hour by car. From Rome Fiumicino, expect a 2 hour and half drive.
Todi
With its breathtaking piazza and hilltop views, Todi offers a quieter but equally rich Easter experience. Local churches host special Masses and processions, and restaurants serve traditional dishes all weekend long.
- Where to Stay in Todi
- How to Get There: Todi is about 45 minutes from Perugia Airport. From Rome Fiumicino, it’s about a 2-hour drive through scenic countryside.
Tips for Tourists Visiting Umbria During Easter
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Book early: Easter is a popular time for both locals and visitors. Agriturismi and restaurants fill up quickly.
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Respect local traditions: Some events, like the Good Friday processions, are deeply sacred. Dress appropriately and avoid taking intrusive photos.
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Try the local foods: Even if they’re not what you’re used to, Easter is the perfect time to try Umbrian cuisine at its most authentic.
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Plan for quiet Sunday: Many businesses and shops will be closed or have limited hours during Easter weekend.
Final Thoughts: Why Easter is the Perfect Time to Experience Umbria
If you're looking to go beyond the usual tourist paths and truly connect with Italian culture, Easter in Umbria offers a meaningful, immersive experience. It's a time when locals open their homes, share their traditions, and celebrate not only a religious event—but a way of life rooted in simplicity, community, and history.
Whether you're walking through a silent procession in Gubbio or tasting Torta di Pasqua for the first time in a farmhouse kitchen, you’ll carry a piece of Umbrian Easter with you long after the holiday ends.