Pasquetta is the Italian name commonly used for Easter Monday, a day often associated with picnics and outdoor outings.
The word means “little Easter” and is an affectionate form related to Pasqua, the Italian word for Easter. While Easter Sunday is more strongly connected with religious observance and family meals, Pasquetta is widely treated as a day for informal gatherings, trips, walks, and meals outdoors.
The exact way people celebrate varies across Italy. Some spend the day in the countryside, at the seaside, or with friends, while others attend local events or simply enjoy a holiday from work and school. The outdoor picnic association is cultural rather than a single mandatory ritual.
Pasquetta should not be confused with Ferragosto, Italy’s major summer holiday on 15 August. Both can involve travel and leisure, but Pasquetta belongs specifically to Easter Monday.