Even though in Italy Easter is not as important as Christmas (which is why they say “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi“, meaning: “Spend Christmas with your folks, Easter with whoever you want”), it still is a significant celebration. Most of us spend this day with either family or friends, many go to Mass, have a succulent meal together and then end the day with a relaxing stroll (“passeggiata”). What makes this holiday different from what we see in the States is that in Italy we celebrate also the following day, on Monday, known as Pasquetta.
Pasquetta is a well established tradition: schools are closed, banks and offices are closed, stores are closed and Italians usually enjoy this day outdoors. But it is not a catholic holiday such as Easter, because it was introduced by the Government after the second World War to allow the citizens to enjoy the day of Easter in a more relaxed way, without the concern of going back to work the day after. So while today my friends in Italy either enjoyed a field trip, or a picnic together, I went to school, as any other Monday…
In italia il lunedì di pasquetta è davvero molto atteso.
Come scritto da voi si organizzano pic-nic in campagna, gite, ma vi dico cosa più di tutto noi mSaeridionali preferiamo fare: andare a Savelletri a mangiare i ricci di mare.
Savelletri è in provincia di Brindisi, ha delle meravigliose spiagge di sabbia che si alternano ad altre scogliose.
Qui ci sono dei ristorantini molto spartani che cucinano pesce, la particolarità è che i tavoli sono posizionati sugli scogli, praticamente si mangia quasi “con i piedi nel mare”.
Non vi aspettate chissà che cosa eh, è tutto fatto senza troppe pretese ma per i Baresi che consumano pesce crudo è quasi sacro andare a Savelletri a mangiare il fritto misto di pesce, il risotto alla pescatora o gli spaghetti con il sugo di ricci (ma credetemi sono molto più buoni crudi!!!).
Complimenti per il blog, lo seguo con piacere…
Great site and great essays. Thanks you have given me another view of Italy, its culture and lifestyle.
I had the opportunity to go to this beautiful place last year and I think without thinking I would make the bags right now and grab the next flight to Rome when I just remember of all the places that I knew !!!
View your page is the only thing that does is fall in love every day of this country, I think that’s why I keep getting into. I have seen some of your articles about places I did not know about this wonderful European country. I had the opportunity to know Sicily is a wonder!.
Byeeeeeeeeee.
L’italia è piena di luoghi bellissimi di cui neanche noi italiani conosciamo l’esistenza.