Venice, situated on an archipelago of more than a hundred small islands in the Adriatic Sea, serves as the capital of Italy’s Veneto Region. Renowned for its distinctive urban layout, where bridges and canals link the islands, Venice stands as Italy’s most frequented destination. Accessible solely by watercraft or by foot, the city offers an unparalleled experience, particularly during Easter week, appealing to both Christians and non-Christians alike. Springtime enhances the city's allure, with blooming landscapes enhancing its beauty. With pleasant weather, a plethora of activities, and the extended Easter weekend, Venice beckons as an essential destination during this period.
Easter in Venice 2024
Easter falls on Sunday, 31st March, 2024, with decorations going up around the city in the days leading up to it. The week before Easter, from 24th-30th April, is known as Holy Week, which is the last week of Lent. Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week with a Christian moveable feast to commemorate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Holy Wednesday or Spy Wednesday, the Wednesday before Easter, commemorates the act of betrayal committed by Judas.
Maundy Thursday, which follows Spy Wednesday, commemorates the foot washing and the Last Supper of Jesus. Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and right afterward, the celebrations unofficially start with a special evening church service, although transport, businesses, and shops continue as usual.
Easter in Venice – Traditions and Festivities
Venice offers an unparalleled setting for experiencing the richness of traditional Easter festivities. Despite the fasting period of Lent observed by many locals, the days leading up to Easter brim with anticipation and joy. Vibrant Easter eggs adorn the streets, infusing the atmosphere with festive cheer. On Easter day itself, residents gather for solemn Easter mass, illuminating the city with candlelight, while the resounding toll of church bells reverberates throughout Venice. A delectable feast awaits, featuring succulent lamb dishes, decadent chocolate eggs, and a plethora of other mouthwatering delicacies. For those seeking additional entertainment, various restaurants and venues host captivating live performances and engaging activities, adding further allure to the Easter celebrations.
What’s Closed on Easter in Venice
Many attractions are currently open due to the high influx of tourists during peak season. It's important to note that opening hours may vary on Easter compared to regular days, so it's advisable to verify with each attraction prior to your visit. Additionally, numerous shops are anticipated to be closed over the Easter weekend, while restaurants are anticipated to maintain regular operating hours.
How to Celebrate Easter in Venice
1. Attend church services
Easter church services in Venice are profoundly stirring and hold a unique charm. Whether you adhere to the Catholic faith or not, attending one promises an unforgettable experience. People journey from far and wide to partake in these services, adding to the city's vibrant atmosphere. Various churches host masses at different intervals throughout the day. The grandest service takes place at San Marco's Basilica, admission being free, but securing space can be challenging, so it's wise to arrive well in advance.
2. Head for an Easter brunch with family
The celebration of Easter involves a feast to end abstinence during the period of Lent, and there is no better way to feast than having brunch with your family. Venice is dotted with multiple brunch spots throughout the city, each offering a memorable experience with your loved ones. Head over to Terrazza Danieli to enjoy a wide selection of elegantly prepared food, ranging from the best ham and cheese to couscous, shrimp cocktails, and tiramisu. Check out the Sunday brunch at Al Parlamento for the best music and live concerts, which is usually inspired by jazz, blues or rock.
3. Catch an opera show at Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice is an opera house in Venice that hosts a variety of shows and world-class performances. Having burned down thrice and rebuilt, in 1774, 1834 and 1996, this is one of the most famous landmarks in the history of Italian theater. There are multiple shows playing throughout the day, so check out which ones you’d like to see beforehand. If none of the shows interest you, the Teatro La Fenice with Audioguide - Skip The Line ticket gives you a tour of the opera house with an audio guide, allowing you to learn about different Venetian Opera singers and their impressive years of glory.
Teatro La Fenice
4. Visit the museums in Venice
The best way to explore a city’s culture and history is through its museums, and Venice has no shortage of those. Many of Venice’s museums present the perfect opportunity to take in the city’s architecture while marveling at various artistic creations by famous Italian artists. The Doge’s Palace, which houses many smaller museums, is one you can’t miss during your visit. Ca'Rezzonico is another museum you should visit if 18th-century art strikes your fancy. Head over to the Leonardo Da Vinci museum to explore the famous artist’s works, giving an insight into his life.
5. Witness the Art of Glassblowing and Lacemaking
A visit to Venice is incomplete without a visit to the islands of Murano and Burano. This charming lagoon is sprinkled with gothic architecture. Take a boat tour to these islands for a peek into the ancient crafts of glass-making and lace-making. Watch live demonstrations of glassblowing at a Murano glass workshop. Visit the gallery and watch lacemaking led by master artisans at Burano's premiere lace shop, where you can also take back your lacework as a souvenir. Explore the vibrant streets on these islands and learn about its culture and history at your own pace.
6. A Gondola Tour
Enjoy Venice from the waters of its iconic canals on this delightful cruise while a singer serenades you with traditional Italian songs. Admire the stunning medieval architecture of the floating city and be amazed at how time has immortalized and not aged this city. The buildings with their facades facing the canals have each a story to tell about Venice. The twilight and the city’s lights create a magical time letting you take in Venice in all its glory.
7. Head to Lido Beach for fun and relaxation
Lido's beaches provide a tranquil backdrop for a leisurely day of sunbathing and relaxation. Situated between the central Venetian lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, this narrow strip of land boasts gentle seabeds ideal for even the youngest swimmers. Amid leafy residential streets, bustling roads, and cyclists navigating pavements, one can enjoy picturesque views of the lagoon. On clear days, fortunate visitors may catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites framing the city's skyline.
Easter Dining in Venice
Salami with Boiled Eggs
A plain dish served for Easter (as an appetizer) is salami and boiled eggs. Symbolically, the eggs represent rebirth and the salami the fortune of the farmers, who awaited the festivities to put the salami on the table.
Scottadito (Baby Lamb Chops)
Lamb is one of the most common Easter dishes served in Venice. Scottadito is a dish of marinated lamb chops cooked on very hot charcoal grill, usually with polenta and local vegetables such as radicchio or potatoes.
Colomba Di Pasqua
Colomba Pasquale or Colomba di Pasqua is a traditional Italian Easter cake. It is made with flour, egg, sugar, butter and decorated with almonds and candied fruit.
Tips for Visiting Venice During Easter
- Pack light and take bags that are easy to carry, as the main modes of transport include gondolas and water buses or taxis, which can make loading and offloading your luggage convenient.
- Buy a pass for the water bus for unlimited access to the water buses within the city.
- As Easter is peak season in Venice, book tickets for the attractions you want to see well in advance.
- Some attractions may be closed or have different timings for Easter. Make sure you are equipped with the right information before visiting.
- Cover your knees and shoulders if you are visiting the St. Mark's Basilica.
- Check out the Doge's Palace Guided Tour - Skip the Line tickets that includes a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, a glassblowing tour, and tickets to Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, that will be worth your time.
