Easter on the Amalfi Coast: A Guide to Celebrations, Traditions, and Culinary Delights

Easter, or Pasqua in Italian, is a deeply significant celebration on the Amalfi Coast. This picturesque region not only offers breathtaking landscapes and charming towns but also a rich tapestry of traditions, events, and culinary specialties that make Easter a unique experience for visitors. If you’re planning to visit during this period, there are many ways to immerse yourself in the local culture and festivities.

1. Participate in Traditional Processions

One of the most evocative aspects of Easter on the Amalfi Coast is the series of evocative traditional processions that take place during Holy Week, which are organized by religious brotherhoods, each distinguished by the color of their robes.
In the small town of Atrani, Holy Thursday is marked by the Battenti (the Beaters) procession, where participants dressed in white robes walk barefoot through the torch-lit streets while chanting ancient hymns. The procession moves from Atrani to the neighboring town of Amalfi, creating a deeply moving spectacle.
Amalfi itself hosts the Procession of the Dead Christ on Good Friday. At sunset, the town dims its lights, allowing only the glow of torches and braziers to illuminate the nocturnal procession. Organized by the Reale Arciconfraternita dell’Addolorata, this event features hooded figures carrying the statue of the Dead Christ through the town’s streets, accompanied by mournful chants and solemn music.
In Minori, Holy Thursday brings one of the most moving traditions on the coast, the Via Crucis. The Battenti lead a long procession that winds through the town’s center and its surrounding hamlets, following a large cross and singing traditional hymns until dawn.

2. Explore Unique Sites and Cultural Events

Beyond the religious ceremonies, the Amalfi Coast offers various cultural experiences that enrich the Easter atmosphere.

In Amalfi, the Arsenale della Repubblica often hosts sacred performances and concerts during Holy Week, providing an opportunity to engage with the region’s artistic and spiritual heritage.

In many towns, special markets appear during the Easter period, offering an array of local crafts, seasonal foods, and traditional specialties. Some communities even organize workshops on local crafts or cooking classes, allowing visitors to experience the region’s customs firsthand.

Moreover, Easter Monday, known as Pasquetta, is a public holiday in Italy and is traditionally celebrated outdoors with communal gatherings. Many locals organize picnics in scenic locations, taking advantage of the stunning trails that wind through the region. The Sentiero degli Dei, or Path of the Gods, is one of the most famous and offers breathtaking panoramic views, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely hike. These outings are often accompanied by traditional dishes that reflect the festive spirit of the day.

3. Savor Traditional Easter Dishes

Speaking of food, Easter on the Amalfi Coast is also a time of extraordinary culinary indulgence. Traditional dishes fill tables across the region, offering a true feast for the senses.
A staple of the Easter meal is baked pasta, prepared with eggs, salami, and mozzarella cheese, though every family has its own variation. Two other specialties that are emblematic of Neapolitan Easter cuisine are Tortano and Casatiello, savory breads with cheese, salami and eggs.
No Easter celebration in the region would be complete without Pastiera, a sweet ricotta and wheat pie flavored with orange blossom water. This quintessential Neapolitan dessert graces Easter tables in both homes and restaurants. There are also two other traditional Easter sweets that are popular all over Italy: chocolate eggs, which often contain a surprise inside, and Colomba, a soft cake similar to Panettone, topped with sugar.

The festive meal often includes lamb, pork-based cold cuts, fresh seasonal vegetables, and typical local cheeses, all paired with regional wines and liqueurs. The Easter feast, a true triumph of aromas and flavors, is just as important in family homes as it is in restaurants, which frequently offer special menus to mark the occasion.

Practical Tips for a Great Easter on the Amalfi Coast

Since Easter is a popular time to visit the Amalfi Coast, planning ahead is essential to make the most of the experience.

Due to the high influx of visitors, we recommend you to book restaurant tables, boat tours, and other activities in advance.

When attending religious events, it is important to dress modestly and be mindful of the solemn nature of the ceremonies.

For those relying on public transport, checking timetables in advance is advisable, as schedules may change during the holidays and delays are possible.

Spending Easter on the Amalfi Coast is an experience that beautifully blends spirituality, tradition, culture, and gastronomy. Whether witnessing a solemn procession, savoring a slice of Pastiera, or hiking along the Sentiero degli Dei, you are sure to leave with unforgettable memories of one of Italy’s most enchanting regions.

Are you planning your Easter on the Amalfi Coast? Stay in one of our villas for rent in Amalfi, Positano or Ravello.