Pasqua

Pasqua is the Italian term for Easter, the central festival of the Christian liturgical year that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is observed by Catholics and many Protestant denominations, and marks the culmination of Holy Week with various liturgical and cultural traditions across Italy.

Origin and date: The word derives from Latin Pascha, from Hebrew Pesach (Passover). In Western Christianity, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the ecclesiastical full moon following the vernal equinox, causing the date to fall between late March and late April. Orthodox churches often celebrate Easter on a different date, following the Julian calendar.

Religious and social customs: In Italy, Easter observances include solemn Masses, processions in many towns, and family gatherings. Holy Week features Palm Sunday processions, Holy Thursday commemorations, and Easter Sunday services. The day after Easter, known as Pasquetta, is commonly spent with picnics and outings.

Culinary and cultural traditions: Pasqua is associated with festive foods. Uova di Pasqua (chocolate eggs), and Colomba di Pasqua, a dove-shaped sweet bread, are widely enjoyed. Regional dishes vary, with agnello (roast lamb) and desserts such as pastiera napoletana in Campania or cassata in Sicily illustrating local flavors.

Other uses: Beyond the holiday, Pasqua can appear as a surname or in place names within Italian-speaking areas. As a term, it is primarily focused on the holiday in common usage.