Easter in Bologna: traditions and curiosities between sacred and everyday life
Bologna is a city that knows how to surprise in every season. During the Easter holidays, its deep connection with tradition becomes even more evident: in religious rituals and in walks through the hills. As Luca Carboni sings, Bologna is “a rule”: you pass through it, fall in love, and decide to stay.
Bolognese Easter traditions: from Holy Thursday to Easter Monday
Until the 1960s, Easter was one of the most important celebrations of the year. The city came alive with religious rituals, superstitious gestures and culinary preparations passed down from generation to generation.
Today, many of those customs have been lost, but knowing them means understanding a piece of Bologna’s soul.
Holy Thursday: the silent bells and the “sepulchres”
Holy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper and precedes the death of Christ, was rich in symbolic meaning. The bells were “silenced,” and in every church the so-called “sepulchres” were set up: a chapel prepared to hold consecrated objects and hosts, which would only be distributed again on Easter night. To receive good luck, the number of sepulchres to visit had to be strictly odd. This practice, promoted by Cardinal Gabriele Paleotti and fully developed in the 18th century, gave rise to solemn liturgies and emotionally powerful settings.
Holy Saturday: the bells ring again, blessed eggs and the “scuzzatt” game
Holy Saturday was the day of rebirth. During the Gloria in excelsis, the bells finally rang again, and children celebrated by setting off small firecrackers called “bussi.” Afterward, adults would take them to fountains or household taps to wet their eyes: tradition held that this gesture would protect their eyesight for the entire year. Another important ritual was that of blessed eggs: women decorated them with olive branches and brought them to church in baskets or large cloths. These eggs were later eaten hard-boiled, often on an empty stomach, or used in Sunday meals, soups, rice dishes or served with salami.
In working-class neighborhoods and in the countryside, children used hard-boiled eggs to play “scuzzatt”: they knocked their eggs against each other, and the one whose egg remained unbroken was the winner.
A simple game, yet capable of turning even an egg into a moment of celebration.
Easter Sunday lunch: the flavors of tradition
Sunday lunch was the most anticipated moment. After all, food in Bologna is an essential part of local culture. On the table, there was always broth with tortellini or passatelli, boiled meats with sauces and, for those who could afford it, lamb. Among the desserts: ring-shaped cake (ciambella) and trifle (zuppa inglese). For the luckiest children, sugar lambs were displayed in dairy shop windows — you can still find them today in some specialty stores in the historic center. If you’re visiting Bologna with children, it’s a must-see 🙂
Easter Monday in Bologna: the picnic at San Luca
The true highlight of Bolognese Easter came on Easter Monday, called Lonedé ed Pascua in dialect. According to tradition, locals would walk up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca for a picnic: first on foot along the famous porticoes of Via Saragozza and the Meloncello, or through the Bregoli Trail from Casalecchio (perfect for trekking lovers and very close to Antico Podere San Luca). Later, with modernity, people began using the cable car (now no longer in operation).
After paying homage to the Virgin, everyone would gather on the grass to enjoy a packed lunch and seasonal treats. This tradition is still alive today and remains one of the most beautiful ways to experience Easter in Bologna: not just as a religious celebration, but as a festival of spring, community and the land.
Easter itinerary in the Bologna hills: from the Two Towers to Parco della Chiusa
If you want to experience Bolognese Easter following tradition, here is an itinerary that combines history, nature and scenic beauty, to be explored on foot or by bike in one day.
First stop: walk under the UNESCO portico to San Luca
Start from Porta Saragozza and follow the longest UNESCO portico in the world: 3.5 km and 666 arches leading to the Arco del Meloncello. From here, the road climbs toward the Sanctuary of San Luca on Colle della Guardia, with a path that rewards every step — sometimes breathtaking both for the view and the effort!
The stretch known as “Salita delle Orfanelle” is the most challenging. Once at the top, visit the Sanctuary, refill your water bottle at the fountain and take a panoramic break: the view over the hills and the city is stunning. Antico Podere San Luca is very close by — perfect if you’re planning to stay overnight.
Second stop: the Bregoli Trail
From the Basilica, walk along Via di Monte Albano and take the Bregoli Trail (CAI path 112): a historic route connecting San Luca to Casalecchio di Reno.
In the past, it was used by pilgrims heading to the Sanctuary and, in medieval times, it was the fastest way to reach the Flaminia Militare road. Halfway along the route is the perfect spot for a picnic — the true Easter Monday lunch, just like a local.
Third stop: Parco della Chiusa (Parco Talon)
Once you reach Parco della Chiusa in Casalecchio di Reno — known locally as Parco Talon — you’ll find yourself in one of the most beloved green areas around Bologna. The “Chiusa” on the Reno River is a historic hydraulic structure: since the 14th century, it regulated water flow and helped Bologna become a major silk production center. Along the river, you’ll also find signs for the Via degli Dei, the famous hiking route connecting Bologna to Florence.
Fourth stop: Certosa Monumental Cemetery
The final stop leads to the Monumental Cemetery of Certosa, set within Parco Nicholas Green. From Parco Talon, follow the cycling and walking path back toward Bologna, passing through the riverside park of Ghisello. The Certosa is a place of great beauty, history and art: from the Church of San Girolamo to the ossuary monument dedicated to fallen partisans, it offers a peaceful and solemn atmosphere enriched by remarkable sculptures. To finish, walk through Parco Nicholas Green and enjoy a beautiful view of the Basilica of San Luca from below.
Where to stay in Bologna to experience Easter in the hills
If you want to experience Easter in Bologna away from the busy city center, Antico Podere San Luca is the perfect base. Set in a historic villa surrounded by woodland on the Bologna hills, just 5 minutes from the Sanctuary of San Luca, it’s the ideal starting point for the Easter itinerary described in this article and for all springtime excursions. You can choose between B&B rooms for short stays or self-catering apartments for families and groups who prefer flexibility.
Free parking and greenery all around.
A true home away from home.