Each year thousands of pilgrims flock to Rome to celebrate one of the most important holidays in the Catholic calendar. If seeing the Pope has a top spot on your bucket list, then this is the perfect time to head to Rome. Our best tip to making the most of your holiday is to visit attractions such as the Colosseum early in the morning and to fly in a few days before Easter as opening times of the sites will vary during this period. Easter festivities begins on Palm Sunday with a holy mass conducted in St. Peter’s Square, and from there the ‘Settimana Santa’ or Holy Week starts.
Good Friday
You’ll find that Good Friday is the most solemn day of the week and the time where the crowds get busier. Whilst traditionally there is no mass on this day as the Catholic Church views it as a day of mourning, the Pope will still conduct a liturgy to the audience at St. Peter’s Basilica. Following this is a tradition that dates to the 18th century with the papal procession through the Colosseum. The reason why the procession is held here is as a tribute to the martyrs who were persecuted there for being Catholic by Emperor Nero over a thousand years ago. The Pope will lead the stations of the cross, stopping at each of the fourteen stages to read a meditation in several languages. This is a deeply spiritual experience to witness, even if you are nonreligious.
Easter Sunday
Revered as the holiest day of the week, Easter Sunday is the most important day of the week. It is a day of rejoicing the Resurrection and the atmosphere of Rome is one of unity and peacefulness despite the large crowds. Easter Mass begins at 10:15am and is a free, ticketed event. If you plan on going to the mass, make sure you get there earlier to get a good vantage point. Hosted at St. Peter’s Basilica, tens of thousands make their way to the square to hear the Pope’s blessing; ‘Urbi et Orbi’, which can be translated as ‘to the City and to the World’ where he stands on a balcony high above the crowd. To get tickets to these events, you will need to fax through a form to the Papal Household who will approve and grant you tickets. To avoiding missing out, we recommend doing this at least 2 months in advance.
Easter Monday
After the Easter celebrations have ended, prepare yourself for the vibrant and joyful experience that is Easter Monday. Primarily this day is seen by the Romans as a day of feasting and while there are many restaurants open on this day, your best Easter lunch is experienced by doing as the Romans do, by having a picnic. The day is a laid-back affair, with many traditional dishes being enjoyed out in the springtime weather. Head to the Borghese Gardens and enjoy a picnic lunch feast of artichokes, lamb, and primavera pasta dishes. Be sure to head to the local Pasticceria to indulge in the iconic Colomba, a traditional dove-shaped cake that only comes out around Easter time.
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