Hey everyone, I have the wonderful oppurtunity to be in Italy next spring during easter. I am a college student on a budget and I think it would be awesome to see the pope speak and the giant crowds at the vatican during easter. I would like to know if the special events on easter are worth the crowds and extra expenses of traveling during a holiday? I will be traveling for a month and I could rearrange my trip to avoid italy/rome during easter if it would be too expensive or not worth the hassle. Any personal experiences or information would be greatly appreciated thanks! Maybe also cool information about easter celebrations around europe that might be worth my time :D
Posted by
Lawrenceville, Georgia
693 posts
Re seeing the pope speak: German friends of mine were there this past Easter. They said they were only able to see the pope on huge TV screens set up around the square. As you said: giant crowds. You might want to check into Good Friday processions, I know in Sevilla, Spain, they are big, moving (crowded) productions.
Posted by
OP
Madison, USA
37 posts
Anyone have info on specific price increases or Easter events?
Posted by
Poulsbo, WA, US
223 posts
Hi Isaac, We went during Easter in 2009. Though we are not Catholic, we were curious if we could see the Pope speak beyond the address from the Papal Apartment. The solution that worked for us was attending the Holy Thursday Mass at St Peters. Wow! It was amazing. You simply need to plan in advance and follow their instructions on getting tickets very carefully. Showing up early for good seats is not a bad idea. We got in around an hour before the service and it was about 2/3 full. Rome is busy at this time but then again so is most of Italy. Sulmona Italy has a neat Easter celebration also. Its a neat small town a couple hours from Rome in the mountains that does not see massive tourist flow but does during Easter so if you head that way, be certain to reserve rooms and allow for busy trains etc. (I have only taken the bus to Sulmona from Rome) If Easter is the time that works for you, go for it! Just be aware that Easter in Italy can get even a bit more "Italian" than other times. Be flexible, roll with the issues and have fun. If you need any suggestions on budget places, let us know.