‘Pasqua’ time in Calabria. Did you know….
💛 A Celebration of Heart and Heritage
Easter in Calabria is a deeply spiritual and community-centred celebration, woven with ancient traditions, vibrant processions, and delicious sweets that have been passed down through generations. It's a time when faith, folklore, and food come together in a truly heartfelt way. There's a deep sense of connection to the past and hope for the future. Let’s take a closer look at the magic of Calabrian Easter!
🌿 Holy Week Traditions
Easter in Calabria begins with Holy Week (Settimana Santa), and each town and village has its own unique processions and rituals, often steeped in centuries-old customs:
Palm Sunday (Domenica delle Palme): People bring intricately braided palm fronds and olive branches to church to be blessed—symbols of peace and renewal.
Giovedì Santo (Holy Thursday): the ritual of re-enactment of the Last Supper at Mass when Jesus (priest) washed the feet of his disciples (parishioners).
Venerdì Santo (Good Friday): This is the most somber and powerful day. Towns stage evocative processions, such as the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross), where statues of the Madonna and Jesus are carried through narrow cobblestone streets. In some villages, like Nocera Terinese, you'll even see the ancient and intense tradition of the "Vattienti"—penitents who self-flagellate in a ritual of devotion and sacrifice.
Pasqua (Easter Sunday): The sorrow of Good Friday turns into joy with re-enactments of the "Affrontata"—a dramatic encounter between statues of the Risen Christ, the Virgin Mary, and St. John, symbolizing the resurrection and reunion. It’s emotional, moving, and often accompanied by fireworks, music, and celebration. A truly form of community theatre where catharsis still happens.
Pasquetta (Easter Monday): A more relaxed day where families pack a picnic and head to the countryside or seaside to enjoy spring, often feasting on leftovers and seasonal delights.
🍬 Traditional Calabrian Easter Sweets
One of the most common sweets during this celebrative time is Cuzzupe: They are simple, rustic, and full of meaning. These are ring- or braid-shaped sweet breads with hard-boiled eggs nestled in the dough (symbolizing rebirth). Often decorated with colourful sprinkles or sugar icing.
Though the Cuzzupe are very popular, the most significative sweets are the Pitte Pie.
🍊 Le PITTE PIE: Not just a dessert
A culinary symbol of both
religious devotion and feminine expression of faith.
A pie with two openings that represent two eyes. While baking, the filling comes out from the openings like tears do from human eyes.
Pitte pie= Weeping pies or Nepitelle from NEPITEDUM (palpebra in Latin, eyelid in English). Probably influenced by the Arabs, they have been absorbed by the Christian culture.
They are traditional Calabrian sweet pies deeply rooted in both religious devotion and feminine expression of faith, around Holy Week and Easter.
The pasta dough is made from flour and local virgin olive oil in the shape of a pie with two openings that represent two eyes. While baking the filling comes out from the openings like tears from human eyes. The filling reflects Calabria’s ancient connection to the land - figs from sun-drenched trees, local honey, homegrown nuts and local mosto from wine. Every bite tells a story of rural life, generosity, and celebration.
🙏 A Sweet Symbol of Mourning and Faith
The origin of this dessert is often tied to the image of religious women (le pie donne) who wept and prayed over Jesus after his crucifixion, mourning his death before the joy of the Resurrection.
They were often prepared by groups of women together, turning baking into a moment of shared spiritual reflection and community.
This makes the Pitta not just a dessert—but a culinary symbol of empathy, devotion, and the emotional depth of Easter. In today’s recipes the following ingredients are included in the filling:
Dried figs
Raisins
Chopped almonds and walnuts
Cinnamon, cloves
Orange or lemon zest and some juice
Honey or vincotto (cooked wine must)
Chocolate
Sometimes a splash of liqueur or vermouth is added for aroma.
Enjoy!
