Easter Events in Milan : Celebrate with Tradition and Culture

Easter Week begins with Palm Sunday, a day when locals flock to churches to receive blessed olive branches—a uniquely Italian tradition symbolizing peace and renewal. The solemn Mass at the Duomo di Milano is a highlight, featuring moving choral performances and a sense of communal devotion. Walking through Milan’s historic streets, you’ll find vendors selling intricately woven olive and palm branches, a beautiful sight that adds to the city’s Easter charm.

On Holy Thursday, churches across Milan commemorate the Last Supper with the traditional Missa in Coena Domini. A cherished Milanese tradition is the Visita alle Sette Chiese (Visit to Seven Churches), where the faithful visit seven different churches for prayer and reflection. This pilgrimage offers a chance to explore some of Milan’s most beautiful churches, including the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, and Santa Maria delle Grazie. The evening Mass at the Duomo is particularly special, with priests performing the symbolic washing of feet, echoing Christ’s humility and service.

Good Friday is a day of solemnity and reflection in Milan. The Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross) takes place in several churches, with the most significant being the grand procession starting from the Duomo. As night falls, candlelit processions wind through the streets, with worshippers carrying crosses and statues of the Virgin Mary and Christ. The Basilica di Sant'Eustorgio hosts a particularly moving reenactment of the Passion of Christ, drawing crowds who come to witness the deeply symbolic event. Restaurants across Milan traditionally serve meat-free dishes in observance of the religious customs.

Holy Saturday is a day of quiet anticipation, marked by Easter Vigil Masses in the evening. The Easter Vigil at the Duomo is one of the most significant services of the year, featuring a mesmerizing candlelit procession that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Churches are beautifully decorated with flowers, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. While the daytime remains subdued, many Milanese take the opportunity to stroll through parks or visit Easter markets to pick up last-minute festive treats.

Easter Sunday is the grand culmination of Holy Week in Milan. The Duomo di Milano hosts a spectacular Easter Mass, often attended by thousands, with magnificent music filling the vast Gothic cathedral. Churches across the city ring their bells joyously, signaling the resurrection of Christ. Families gather afterward for an elaborate Easter lunch featuring classic Lombard specialties such as agnello al forno (roast lamb), risotto alla Milanese, and Colomba Pasquale, a sweet, dove-shaped cake. The festive spirit extends to Milan’s piazzas and parks, where visitors can soak in the celebratory atmosphere.

Easter Monday, known as Pasquetta, is all about relaxation and outdoor fun. Milanese locals embrace the spring sunshine by heading to Parco Sempione or Idroscalo, a lakeside retreat just outside the city, for a leisurely picnic. Many families opt for a short train ride to Lake Como, where they enjoy scenic boat rides and delicious lakeside meals. Traditional Pasquetta dishes include Torta Pasqualina, a savory Easter pie filled with eggs, ricotta, and greens, perfect for a picnic. The city also hosts various cultural events, including open-air concerts and street performances, adding to the festive cheer.

This dove-shaped cake, similar to panettone but lighter, is a staple on every Milanese Easter table. Made with butter, eggs, candied orange peel, and almonds, it symbolizes peace and renewal. You’ll find the best artisan Colomba at Pasticceria Marchesi or Peck, where they are made using centuries-old recipes.

Easter lunch often includes Risotto alla Milanese, a creamy saffron-infused rice dish. Its rich yellow color symbolizes prosperity and pairs perfectly with roasted meats or seafood. Try it at Trattoria Milanese for an authentic taste.

Roast lamb, seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil, is the centerpiece of Milanese Easter feasts. This dish, representing sacrifice and renewal, is best enjoyed at traditional restaurants like Antica Osteria Cavallini.

A flaky, savory Easter pie filled with ricotta, spinach, and eggs, Torta Pasqualina is often prepared for Pasquetta picnics. The best ones can be found at Luini Panzerotti or Milan’s local bakeries.

Milanese chocolatiers craft luxurious chocolate Easter eggs, often filled with pralines or surprises inside. Visit Pasticceria Cova or Venchi for exquisite, hand-decorated ovetti di cioccolato.

A Hearty Easter Bread: While more common in southern Italy, Milanese families also enjoy Casatiello, a savory Easter bread enriched with cheese, salami, and eggs baked inside. It’s a flavorful and filling snack, perfect for an Easter Monday getaway.