Curious about how to spend Easter in Palermo? Look no further! In this article, I’ll reveal three exciting and unique activities that’ll make your visit to Palermo during Easter truly unforgettable and special.
Are you ready to make the most of Easter in Palermo? If you’re going to be in town during this time, I’ve got three incredible activities that you won’t want to miss, and I’ll reveal them all in this article.
By the way, if we haven’t met yet, I’m Nico, a 100% Sicilian local, and I’ll be your personal insider’s guide to Sicilian traditions.
Before we get started, there are a few things you should know.
First, in Sicily, Easter is a time for family and close friends to come together and celebrate, which means that most public events and activities are limited.
Second, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are the only official holidays during Holy Week. On these days, you may find that some shops and restaurants are closed, as locals tend to stay at home. For the rest of Holy Week, everything runs as usual.
With that in mind, let’s explore the three exciting things you can do to celebrate Easter in Palermo.
Nico’s Take:
Basically, what we do on Easter Sunday is eat until we explode. We gather with our family at a relative’s house and indulge in food and drink like there’s no tomorrow. On Easter Monday (or “Pasquetta” as we call it) we do it all over again but this time with our friends at a barbecue.
1. Check out the Easter procession
Whether you’re Christian or not, you just gotta see the procession because it’s folkloric.
On Good Friday (Friday before Easter), there’s this army of believers marching through the streets of the historic center, carrying statues and crosses that represent scenes from Jesus Christ’s passion. They sing, pray, scream… it’s a show. It kicks off in the afternoon and goes on till late at night.
Also, if you are a Catholic, on Saturday you got the so-called Easter Vigil. You head to church around 10:30 PM, and sing and pray till the climax around midnight when they celebrate the resurrection of Christ. And, of course, Sunday’s all about Easter celebrations.
Nico’s Take:
You don’t have to go on a wild goose chase to find an Easter procession in Palermo. They’re everywhere! Just take a stroll through the city center on Good Friday, and you’re bound to run into one. And, if you’re looking for the crème de la crème of processions, my nonna says the Church of Cocchieri in the Kalsa district is where it’s at.
2. Hit the markets
Palermo’s got these super famous medieval markets, rich in history and, more importantly, FOOD. People usually come here for the street food, considered by food experts as number one in Europe.
During Easter season, these markets just go nuts! I mean, food is practically exploding from every single corner. You’ll find not only the classic traditional dishes but also Easter specials that’ll knock your socks off. When I’m there, I morph into a ferocious monster, ready to devour everything in sight!
I would recommend going on a paid tour here. You can visit them solo, but without a guide, it’s hard to know what you’re eating and get the history behind these age-old recipes. And that history’s the best part!
Nico’s Take:
You need to visit the street markets; it’s basically a sin not to! And let me tell you, the street food there is out of this world. But during Easter season? Oh boy, you’re in for a treat. You’ll find traditional dishes mixed with Easter specialties that will make your taste buds dance. It’s like a foodie’s paradise – but be warned, self-control is not an option. So, bring your stretchy pants and get ready for a serious food coma.
3. Sightsee on Easter day and Easter Monday
On Easter day and Easter Monday, you’ll hardly spot any locals on the streets of the historic center. They’re busy with never-ending lunches at home with relatives and friends.
There’s no better time to explore the city! Some attractions are closed, but many others aren’t, so take advantage of it! Trust me, exploring the city in such a serene atmosphere is a whole different ball game!
Remember that on Easter day, peace only lasts until the late afternoon when people with full bellies pour into the streets to stroll (or maybe roll) around, trying to burn off the tons of food they’ve eaten.
Nico’s Take:
If I were you, I’d take the opportunity on Easter Day to explore the historic center of Palermo. It’s in the moments of peace and quiet that you can really connect with the city’s intimate essence.
Conclusion
Allora (so), it’s time to put a quirky bow on this package!
We’ve chatted about Sicilian Easter traditions and the must-dos in Palermo during Easter. The procession is an absolute showstopper, so don’t even think about skipping it! Even if you’re not Christian, it’s your golden ticket to dive into the local culture, and trust me, it’s more dramatic than a soap opera.
Oh, and don’t forget the mouthwatering tour of the markets – missing it would be a culinary crime! Eat until you can’t possibly fit in another bite.
A little bonus nugget of wisdom about food: The day of Easter isn’t prime time for dining out. Most restaurants are closed because locals are busy feasting at home. The ones that are open? Tourist traps with a less-than-stellar rep. My advice? Go casual on the lunch front and seize the day by exploring the city, as I mentioned earlier.
And hey, if you’ve got questions, drop a comment below – I’m all ears!
