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…