Pasqua, or Easter in Italian, is a beautiful time in the Dolomites. Not only is the renewal of spring budding from every corner \u2013 colorful displays and traditions announce the joy of the season.<\/p>\n
Easter\u00a0is Italy\u2019s second most celebrated holiday, right after Christmas (of course). This is not surprising, given that almost 80% of Italy\u2019s population identifies as Catholic! Whether adhering to religious beliefs, or celebrating in a secular way, the entire region \u2013\u00a0in fact the country \u2013\u00a0gets involved in Easter celebrations in one way or another. While traditions vary greatly between regions \u2013\u00a0in Italy from province to province, and in the Dolomites from valley to valley \u2013 common themes emerge.<\/p>\n
Food traditions include serving lamb (agnello) on Easter Sunday \u2013\u00a0although the preparation varies by region. Sweets including Colomba di Pasqua \u2013 a cake similar to the panettone you find at Christmas, but dove-shaped \u2013 is a must. Chocolate eggs are a more recent addition to the traditions here, but are in high demand \u2013\u00a0high quality chocolate, wrapped in packaging so beautiful it is almost a shame to open it! But eventually everyone does, because of the hidden gifts inside the chocolate eggs!<\/p>\n