On Easter, many people take into consideration the idea of spending a weekend in Bologna. Spring is the best season to visit the city, which is also the period of Easter.

Bologna, with its characteristic historical center and the green surrounding hills, can offer everything you need. The city has a long history, which is why you will also find very old traditions. Easter is no exception, even though it has lost some festive mood in the last few years.

In this article, you can discover the Easter traditions in Bologna, with its beautiful decorations, picnics, and typical dishes and desserts.

Homes decorated with daffodils

Daffodils are associated with Easter. In Christian symbolism, daffodils represent rebirth. In fact, it blossoms in spring, which is the season associated with rebirth and regeneration.

Moreover, in the area surrounding Bologna, precisely in the National Park of Tuscan-Emilian Appennine, there are huge stretches of daffodils. When they blossom, they put on a show, which is pleasant to watch even if it's not Easter.

Walking among the city

Walking among Bologna during the Easter period will help you get in the right mood for the celebration. In fact, streets, shops, and squares are decorated for the occasion, and the chocolate eggs make everything more colorful.

Easter Monday in San Luca

On Easter Monday, one of the favorite activities for Bolognese people is spending the day on Guardia Hill (Colle della Guardia), where there is the San Luca Sanctuary. If you want to reach it, you can have a walk under the Portico of San Luca, which is the longest arcade in the world. There, you can have a picnic, a bike ride, or watch the sunset over the beautiful city.

Easter Monday at Monteviglio Castle

Monteviglio is a small medieval town near Bologna, perched on a hill among the Apennines of Emilia-Romagna. One of the main attractions of the town is its castle, of which there is only the tower and the door left. In spite of this, it's a very picturesque place, thanks also to the Nature Park near it. The Regional Park of Abbazia di Monteveglio hosts the homonymous Abbey, which has been built during the Norman-Byzantine Era.

In the Park there are many paths, which are all perfect for an open-air walk on Easter Monday. They vary in length, there are the long and the shorter ones: you only have to choose the one you prefer!

Traditional Easter food in Bologna

The culinary tradition of Bologna never disappoints, not even at Easter. During this period, there are many traditions linked to food, which mark the different days of Holy Week. From Holy Thursday to Easter, the Bolognese menus won't disappoint you for sure.

Among the most loved dishes there are obviously tortellini in broth, usually prepared with beef. It is a classic of Emilian cuisine and they are mainly eaten during the days that precede Easter.

On Holy Friday, according to tradition, there should be fresh fish from the Adriatic Sea. It is connected to Catholic doctrine, according to which during Lent, meat is not allowed on Fridays. Fish is usually marinated in orange juice or fennel seeds before cooking, so it acquires a peculiar taste.

On Easter morning, everyone eats chocolate eggs, which have become a classic for both young and adult people.

For Easter lunch, people usually eat a big classic of Emilian cuisine: lasagne! They are usually eaten at the end of Lent when the fasting period ends.

Easter desserts in Bologna

One of the most loved desserts at Easter in Bologna is surely rice cake, which is a typical dish. It's fresh, so very appropriate for spring, very soft and light. Usually, people also add a bit of amaretto or alchermes.

In some parts of the region, you can also find the Eastern Pagnotta from Romagna. People usually eat it at breakfast, along with blessed eggs. It's similar to a brioche, but it has a less sweet taste, and it can also have raisins.

A stay in Bologna during the Easter period will let you discover the city in a different way. If you are thinking of spending Easter in Bologna, check our homes.