Easter in Turin …. Traditions & Practices

Turin, Italy. A WONDERFUL gem of a city rich with history and culture. A must visit on your next trip to Italy! What should you do and where should you go if you were to find yourself in Turin around the Easter? Here are some traditions and practices for an Easter in Turin.

I myself have spent many Easters in Italy. But all were in the South, where I was born and raised. Traditions in the South concentrated largely on the types of foods we ate rather than the more modern traditions of egg hunts and Easter bunnies like in the U.S.

However, as we find the different Italian dialects that span from North to South, so do Holiday traditions. Follow me as we take a journey through Turin. See what fun and historical traditions can be found in this magical city at Easter time.

The Meaning Of Easter

 Easter in Italy is a VERY religious time for all Italian Catholics. Leading up to the BIG day are processions in the main town squares offered to statues of Mary and Jesus. Masses, organ music filling the air and and an overall general time of reflection.

Then. Easter day, it is time to let loose and celebrate what Catholics believe to be the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Turin is a predominantly-Catholic city. Holy Week, Settimana Santa in Italian, is widely celebrated in Turin. There are a lot of festivities and happenings in Turin the week of Settimana Santa.

As for the Italians, one day was not enough celebration for such a joyous occasion. Easter Monday, the day following Easter, known in Italian as Pasquetta, is also a public Holiday and widely celebrated throughout Italy.

Pasquetta is typically meant for friends to leave the city together and celebrate in nature with picnics in the mountains, lakeside or in meadows.

Easter Treats & Sweets

There is no way to talk about Easter in Turin without mentioning the traditional Easter treats & sweets. Starting with The Easter Egg.

An Italian Easter egg carries a symbolic weight as it is the symbol of rebirth, once again in accordance with the scripture of the Catholic bible where Jesus is reborn.

Italiandelights.com mentions that the people of Piemonte, the region in which Turin is located, is best known in fact for being the chocolatiers who started to add small trinkets and “surprises” inside the hollow egg.

According to an article in wonderfulitaly.eu magazine:

“Turin is considered the Italian capital of chocolate, the homeland of gianduia, and of another tradition that kids, in particular, love: the chocolate Easter egg. The chocolate egg has become one of the symbols of Easter in Italy, but just a few people know that it was born in Turin.”

Turin, located in the Piemonte Region of Italy known for its Barolo wines, also holds on tight to a fun tradition of cooking Easter meat in Barolo wine!

Traditional Food of Easter

Another traditional food of Easter and eaten throughout Turin is the Colomba, meaning “Dove”, an Italian Easter cake and a sign of Spring.

The best way I can describe the Colomba is as a soft, brioche like spring cake, topped with almonds and sugar traditionally.

However, in the Piedmont region, known for their “Tonda e Gentile” Hazelnuts, you would find those in place of the almonds. If you want to learn more about the famous Piemonte Hazelnuts read my article on “The Noble Hazelnut”

LifeinItaly.com shares another traditional food of Easter in Piemonte, that of the “Torta Pasqualina”. Consisting of “several layers of a very thin dough made with water, flour, and olive oil, in which a savory mixture of ricotta, chard (known as “erbette” in Liguria and Piemonte) artichokes, and peas are poured.

Sometimes torta Pasqualina can be made with spinach, too. Torta Pasqualina is the apotheosis of Spring’s bountiful harvest: all of its ingredients are seasonal, genuine, fresh, and it’s usually served on Easter Sunday, although it is also often consumed cold on Pasquetta”

Quick Tips For Easter in Turin

A few things to know before you go. First, most museums and major restaurants WILL be open during Easter festivities being that Turin is a major city. However, make sure to book any tours and guided sightseeing in advance so you know you have a spot.

Also, in recent years Italians have also taken to going out to dinner for big Holidays. Make a reservation in at least one or two restaurants to secure food for the special occasion!

Piemonte, with its traditions of festivals, piazza dances, games, traditional foods, wine and artisanal  Easter Eggs could just be where you spend your next Easter!

Until then, we wish all of our followers and readers a “Buona Pasqua!”