Easter Monday: Italy’s Beloved “Out-of-Town” Tradition

“Christmas with your family, Easter with whomever you like” is one of Italy’s most popular holiday sayings. If Christmas Eve dinner reigns supreme as a family affair around beautifully set tables at home, Easter — and especially Easter Monday, known as Pasquetta or “Little Easter” — belongs to freedom, nature and one essential collective ritual: the scampagnata fuori porta, the countryside escape just beyond the city gates.

But where does this uniquely Italian obsession with Easter Monday trips come from? And why, despite the ever-present threat of spring showers, do millions of Italians still challenge the forecast just to spread a tablecloth on the grass or explore a hidden village?

The Roots of a Ritual: Between Sacred and Secular

The tradition of Pasquetta has both religious and civil origins. In Christian tradition, the Monday after Easter commemorates the Angel’s appearance to the women who went to Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body according to Jewish custom. Instead of a body, they found the joyful announcement of the Resurrection — hence the name “Angel Monday.”

The custom of heading out of town, however, is often linked to another Gospel episode: the appearance of the Risen Christ to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, a village just outside Jerusalem. To honor this symbolic “journey,” it gradually became customary to venture beyond the city walls — often to visit relatives and friends who lived farther away. Moreover, Easter marked the end of Lent and its restrictions, including those related to long-distance travel.

It was in post-war Italy, however, that Easter Monday officially became a public holiday and evolved into the cultural phenomenon we know today. It is the day when cities empty and the countryside fills; a collective breath of fresh air before returning to work, usually coinciding with the arrival of spring and longer, brighter days.

Over time, Pasquetta has become a celebration of informal sharing — often among friends — defined by simplicity and joy.

The Art of the “Fuori Porta”: More Than Just a Day Trip

The expression fuori porta (“outside the gates”) evokes a vivid image: leaving behind the old city walls to immerse yourself in the countryside, traveling to meet friends and relatives. Today, this tradition hasn’t disappeared — it has simply evolved.

If Easter Sunday is still reserved for gathering around the table with family, Easter Monday is the perfect excuse to step into nature and explore the surroundings of a city in search of something different — always with sharing at its heart.

For the conscious traveler who wants to experience Italy like a local, Pasquetta offers the perfect opportunity to discover that hidden Italy that often slips by during fast-paced city tours.

What Makes This Day So Special?

Leftover Feasting (But Make It Gourmet): Easter Monday celebrates cucina al sacco — picnic cuisine at its finest. Savory pies take center stage, such as the legendary Torta Pasqualina from Liguria or the iconic Casatiello from Naples, alongside herb-filled frittatas, local cured meats and regional cheese. And if they’re leftovers from Easter Sunday’s feast, even better — enjoyed outdoors, they somehow taste even more delicious.

If you’d like to entertain the little ones or put your own skills to the test, a Treasure Hunt through Italy’s villages is just what you’re looking for. Many of the country’s most beautiful borghi take advantage of this special day to open private gardens, castles and historic villas. It’s the perfect opportunity to lose yourself in the winding streets of a medieval town or visit a botanical garden in full bloom, exploring lesser-known corners of Italy while having fun along the way.

Beyond the joy of being outdoors, it is sharing that truly takes center stage: Easter Monday is the celebration of friendship. It’s the day of big groups, laughter, and relaxed conviviality — far removed from the formal etiquette of ceremonial holiday lunches.

Where to Experience an “Unusual” Pasquetta

If you’d like to escape the crowds and enjoy something truly memorable, the secret lies in choosing less obvious destinations.

Picnic Among the Vineyards of Monferrato

Is there a better pairing than breathtaking views over Piedmont’s rolling vineyards and a fine glass of wine? This picnic experience offers all that — and more. Escape the rush of daily life, surrounded by nature. You’ll be guided through a winery visit before choosing your perfect spot among the vines to savor local specialties and enjoy a rare sense of peace and quiet.

 

Discover our guided vineyard tour in Monferrato with wine tasting.

Lunch in an Authentic Medieval Castle near Montalcino

The perfect experience for those who wish to combine gastronomy and history. Through the fascinating stories of the castle — located along the historic Via Francigena, a crossroads of travelers and traditions — you’ll embark on a 360-degree exploration. Let yourself be carried away by the intertwining of flavors and centuries-old tales, creating an experience unlike any other.

Discover our guided castle tour and tasting lunch.

Secret Livorno

For culture lovers, a guided tour of Livorno reveals one of Tuscany’s lesser-known gems. For centuries the main port of the Medici family, the city preserves historic palaces, charming squares, and picturesque canals reflecting centuries of history. Still want more? Choose how to conclude your experience: explore the vibrant Mercato delle Vettovaglie at your leisure, toast with a glass of wine, or cruise along the canals to admire the city from the water.

Discover our guided tour of Livorno

The Hunting Lodge of Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi

Looking for something close to the city yet off the usual tourist paths? The Hunting Lodge of Stupinigi is the perfect destination. Step back into the 19th century and be captivated by magnificently decorated halls adorned with frescoes, gilded stuccoes, and original furnishings — a testament to the splendor of Savoy court life and grand hunting parties.

Discover our guided tour of the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi.

Yoga and Wine Tasting in Montepulciano

For those seeking a wellness-inspired Easter Monday, a yoga session among the vineyards offers the perfect balance between energy and relaxation. The day begins with a guided outdoor practice, immersed in the silence of nature and the fragrance of spring, helping you reconnect with breath and balance.

Afterward, the pace slows for a wine tasting featuring local labels paired with regional delicacies. A shared glass at sunset, surrounded by rolling hills, becomes the most harmonious way to welcome the new season — uniting body, mind, and conviviality in true Pasquetta spirit.

The Charm of the Unexpected

There is one final element that makes Easter Monday authentically Italian: a sense of humor about the weather. In Italy, there’s an unwritten rule that “it always rains on Easter Monday.” This playful challenge against the clouds is part of the tradition itself. The beauty of a fuori porta lies in adapting — taking refuge in a small, unknown trattoria or transforming a picnic under a portico into an unforgettable moment of joy.

After all, Pasquetta is not a destination — it’s a state of mind. It’s the desire to rediscover the land with fresh eyes, celebrating the arrival of spring and the beauty of the small treasures Italy hides just beyond the main routes.

Celebrate Your Easter Monday with Us

Are you ready to plan your next fuori porta escape? Whether it’s a visit to an artisan workshop, a tasting in a historic winery, or a walk through the hidden corners of an art city, explore our curated experiences and discover Italy at its most authentic.

Browse our experiences and find your inspiration today!