Sicily at Easter: a perfect destination.

4 Apr 2019

Gruppo UNA

Sicily at Easter is the perfect destination for either a short break or a longer visit. The sea will be comfortable enough for adventurous swimmers, while al fresco coffees and lunches are guaranteed.

But, what makes an Easter break in Sicily, Italy, so special is the colourful and mystical religious processions. These Easter celebrations in Italy take place all over the island of Sicily from Palermo to Catania. Base yourself in the UNAHOTELS One Siracusa and you are perfectly placed to sample Sicily at Easter time. Not only do you have good transport links to the rest of the island but you have the Mediterranean Sea and the historic city of Siracusa on your doorstep.

Easter Celebrations in Sicily.

Like all of Italy, Sicily takes its Easter celebrations very seriously. In Italy, during Easter, even the smallest of villages have processions that weave their way through piazzas and narrow streets. The celebrations involve everyone from the youngest to the oldest. Pay a visit on these Easter dates to Italy and you are sure to be made welcome and invited to join in.

Italy, during Easter week, is also a time to celebrate the arrival of spring and warmer weather, and you will also notice that many pagan traditions have been incorporated into the religious processions and festivals. In the week leading up to Good Friday and carrying on to Easter Monday throughout Italy and Sicily, there will be something happening every day.

Easter in Italy - food.

Italy over Easter in Sicily is one of the best times to experience and enjoy the island's gastronomy with many local delicacies being prepared. For those with a sweet tooth, Martorana or fruit-shaped marzipan sweets celebrate the seasonal bounties to arrive while bakeries and cafes across the island showcase Sicily's Easter cake, Cassata. Traditionally made for the Easter holidays in Sicily, Cassata is a concoction of sweet ricotta cheese, candied fruit and marzipan.

For main courses, the Easter holiday dates in Italy see the start of the tuna season, while Fritella is a tasty combination of fava beans, artichokes and fresh peas.

An Easter break in Sicily, Italy 2019 at Catania.

Easter is celebrated in a big way at Catania, and staying at the luxurious Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze is the perfect way to enjoy the celebrations. Easter in Catania is based around the Diavolta, an ancient religious play that is performed annually on the evening of Easter Sunday.

The Diavolta dates back to 1728 when it was written by a local priest. The play tells of the struggle between evil devils and the goodness of St Michael the Archangel. The performance highlight is when a local girl is hoisted across a tightrope suspended over a piazza to meet a statue of the risen Christ. Colourful costumes, smoke and fireworks add to the dramatic effect.

With its authentic Sicilian luxury and city-centre location, the Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze not only puts you at the heart of Catania's Easter celebrations but provides a true taste of Italian hospitality. Staying in Catania or at the UNAHOTELS Naxos Beach Sicilia puts you close enough to Bronte, where Good Friday's Passion of Christ is celebrated with an atmospheric procession. During the procession, traditionally costumed locals re-enact the Stations of the Cross, and as an eerie silence descends, the only sound heard is the solemn beat of drums.

Easter Monday at Taormina.

Check into the UNAHOTELS Capotaormina in Taormina and you are perfectly placed for the Good Monday procession at Forza d'Agro, just north of the city. This highly religious procession has been taking place for many centuries and involves holy oils, laurel leaves and home-made bread called or Cuddere which is distributed to onlookers. There is even a competition for the best religious banner constructed from laurel leaves.

When the Easter celebrations are over, stay on for a few days to enjoy the tranquil setting of the UNAHOTELS Capotaormina with its private beach and landscaped gardens. Indulge yourself with some pampering spa treatments and dine in the hotel's restaurants on authentic Sicilian dishes made from local products by our talented chefs.

 At all of our Sicilian hotels, you are guaranteed a warm Italian welcome along with comfortable rooms, luxurious surroundings and delicious food.

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