Easter in Sulmona is certainly one the most beautiful Italian tradition. During this “holy” week the town of Sulmona becomes a magical place. The allegory of the resurrection blends together with the start of a new spring. Special delicious recipes are prepared to honour the tradition. An unforgettable experience to live.
Day tours and cheaper solutions on request
Sulmona
*On specific request other collection points may be agreed.
4 p.m.
Collection at Fiumicino airport at 4 p.m. and transfer to Sulmona (optional). After hotel check-in a welcome aperitif is offered with typical Abruzzo’s wines, cheese and charcuterie. Subsequently a briefing will introduce Abruzzo and will present the main points of interests and activities included in the the tour. Safety recommendations ara also provided. A dinner is then provided in the restaurant of the hotel.
The first day will be dedicated to the visit of Sulmona. In particular the Wednesday before Easter has a typical local tradition. The people of this beautiful town make a tour of the main churches imitating the pilgrimage to the tomb of Christ. The so called “sepolcri”. With a professional guide you will discover the art and history of this ancient town. The tour include a lunch in one of the best restaurant of Sulmona and the visit to the confetti museum. The late afternoon and evening will be available for relax and free time.
After breakfast you will move with a minibus to the town of Capestrano to discover the old crops of Abruzzo. In particular you will visit a biological agriturismo with a unique tasting menu which will let you appreciate the best flavours of Abruzzo. After a relaxing time looking at the wonderful Capestrano’s valley you will come back in Sulmona for free time. The Friday before Easter, called the “holy Friday” is famous in Sulmona for its unique and particular dead Christ procession.
This event takes place in Sulmona since centuries. After a typical frugal dinner, to respect the tradition, you will meet a local guide that will let you discover the history and secrets of the procession. You will be also able to follow the event from different perspectives and foresights. Once the procession will end in Piazza Garibaldi square you will return to the hotel for the night.
After breakfast you will start the cooking class day visiting the famous old market of Sulmona. This market, situated in the wonderful Piazza Garibaldi square, is a traditional event which occur every week since the last 600 years. Together with your teacher you will choose the ingredients which will be the basis for your cooking class. After this experience you will move, with a minibus, to Pacentro. In this amazing old village of Abruzzo the cooking class will take place. You will learn how to prepare and cook the traditional Easter recipes of Sulmona. The afternoon will be then available for a free time to visit Pacentro. Subsequently you will come back to the hotel for relax and free time.
Finally Easter Day comes with all his colours and traditions. During this day you will act like a people born in Sulmona. The morning will be dedicated to join the crowd in Piazza Garibaldi. There you will participate to the touching “Madonna che scappa in piazza” tradition. Literally translated in “The holy Mary which runs in the square”. This event tells about the Virgin Mary who do not want to believe that his son is resurrected. Saint Peter to knock three times to a door of the San Martino church to inform.
Eventually the holy Mary comes out with a slow pace while his son Jesus stands in the other side of the square. Once Maria recognises his son she starts to run, the black veil falls and white doves fly from his green cape. The run end with a symbolic hug with his son surrounded by the clamour of the crowd and a unique atmosphere. Subsequently, after an aperitif at the beautiful XX September square it will be time to sit for the typical lunch of Easter. The afternoon will be free for relax.
The Monday after Easter is traditional for a short excursion to the mountain around Sulmona. It is traditional to eat lamb and enjoy the new spring landscapes. After breakfast a minibus will drive you through Anversa. Subsequently we will follow he breathtaking romantic path of the Sagittario’s gorges. This beautiful journey through the mountains of Abruzzo will let you admire unique and amazing landscapes like the San Domenico and Scanno’s lake. After a short stop to the lake of Scanno for a coffee we will proceed to a typical agriturismo on the mountain. There you will appreciate probably the best cheese of Abruzzo and a traditional “Pasquetta” lunch. In the afternoon you will enjoy a free time to let you visit Scanno’s village to discover his beauties. You will then come back to Sulmona to the hotel for relax.
After breakfast we will have a debriefing together for a farewell.
