Easter Celebrations in Rome 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Holy Week

Easter Sunday in Rome 2025 falls on April 20, with Holy Week kicking off on Palm Sunday, April 13, and concluding with Easter Monday on April 21. In this guide, we detail everything from the key spiritual events to the practical tips—including bag policies for security—and even compare costs for top events. Whether you’re looking to attend a moving Vatican Easter Mass, explore Rome during Easter, or simply want to know where to eat on Easter Sunday in Rome, our guide helps answer your questions and addresses common pain points.

Overview of Easter Celebrations in Rome 2025

Rome is the heartbeat of the Catholic Church, and during Easter 2025 the Eternal City will be transformed by centuries-old traditions intermingled with modern vibrancy. Expect immense devotion alongside contemporary solutions that help navigate the crowds. From the solemn procession of the Via Crucis at the Colosseum to the inspiring Papal Mass in Saint Peter’s Square, every event is steeped in spirituality and history.

The Jubilee Year accompanying Easter 2025 attracts millions of pilgrims along with curious tourists from around the globe. With special Holy Doors opening in Rome’s four major basilicas, the opportunity for spiritual renewal is palpable. Yet with heightened security measures, especially during crowded events, it is vital to plan ahead—this includes managing your belongings smartly.

Key Dates and Holy Week Schedule

The Holy Week schedule is designed for deep reflection and grand celebrations. Here’s a concise table summarizing the major events:

Date	Event	Location	Notes
April 13, 2025	Palm Sunday Processions	Across Rome, especially Vatican	Marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
April 17, 2025	Maundy Thursday / Chrism Mass	St. Peter’s Basilica	Holy oils blessed; priestly vows renewed.
April 18, 2025	Good Friday Services & Via Crucis	St. Peter’s Basilica & Colosseum	Evening procession at 9:15 PM; security checks intensive.
April 19, 2025	Holy Saturday – Easter Vigil	St. Peter’s Basilica	Candlelit vigil starting in the evening.
April 20, 2025	Easter Sunday Mass & Urbi et Orbi Blessing	St. Peter’s Square	Major open-air event with mass seating in the square.
April 21, 2025	Easter Monday (Pasquetta)	Various (city-wide celebrations)	Family picnics and leisure activities across Rome.

Source: Romewise, TripAdvisor

What to Do in Rome During Easter

Attend the Vatican Easter Mass and Papal Celebrations

Attending Easter Mass in Rome is a transformative experience. On Easter Sunday, the mass in Saint Peter’s Square provides a stadium-like atmosphere where the crowd gathers early to secure a spot before the Pope delivers the celebrated Urbi et Orbi blessing. For many, this is the spiritual highlight of the year. Note that tickets for Papal Masses are free but must be reserved in advance through the Prefecture of the Papal Household (Vatican.va).

Witness the Via Crucis at the Colosseum

On Good Friday evening, the Pope leads the Way of the Cross—a deeply moving procession marked by 14 stations recounting Christ’s Passion. This event, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Colosseum, is free to attend but will require you to pass through stringent security checks.

Explore Rome’s Heritage

While the main religious events are centered around the Vatican, don’t miss Rome’s historical and cultural attractions:

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: Explore the ancient ruins that offer a window into Rome’s past.
Baroque Churches: Visit Santa Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni in Laterano for more intimate and traditional Holy Week services.
Local Markets and Walking Tours: Experience the festive decorations and seasonal specialties in neighborhoods such as Trastevere and Monti.

Where to Eat on Easter Sunday in Rome

Easter Sunday isn’t just about spiritual renewal—it’s also a feast for your taste buds. While many restaurants are reserved well in advance, you can still find excellent options:

Trattoria Da Enzo in Trastevere offers classic Roman dishes like carbonara and amatriciana.
Ristorante La Tavernaccia Da Bruno in Testaccio serves hearty regional fare.
For a modern twist, try Seu Pizza Illuminati for innovative pizza options.

Tip: Make reservations months ahead to secure a table during this busy season.

Important Bag Policy and Security Guidelines

When attending Easter events, particularly at highly secured venues like St. Peter’s Basilica, avoid carrying large bags. Guidelines include:

No oversized backpacks or large suitcases: Most events enforce strict bag policies to minimize security delays.
Prepare for metal detectors: Plan to remove any prohibited items; carrying a small bag with essentials is advisable.
Be mindful of personal belongings: Use a secure, compact crossbody bag for valuables and documentation.

Source: Rome Hacks, Viator

Pricing and Options Comparison

Below is a sample table outlining approximate pricing and options for key Easter events and related services:

Experience	Cost	Tickets/Reservations	Notes
Vatican Easter Mass	Free	Reserve via Prefecture (advanced)	Must arrive early; security bag checks enforced.
Via Crucis Procession	Free	No tickets needed	Expect tight security and long queues.
Guided Rome Walking Tour	€20-€40 per person	Online booking required	Covers main sites; avoid peak hours for less crowds.
Easter Food Tour	€60-€100 per person	Book well in advance	Includes local restaurant tastings; limited spots.
Luggage Storage (Radical Storage)	From €6/day	Book online	Convenient locations near major transit hubs; fixed daily rates.

Note: Prices are approximate and subject to change. Always check the latest details on official websites.

Source: Viator, Daily Telegraph

FAQs About Easter Celebrations in Rome 2025

Q: When is Easter in Rome 2025?
A: Easter Sunday is on April 20, 2025, with Holy Week spanning from April 13 (Palm Sunday) to April 21 (Easter Monday).

Q: Do I need a ticket for the Vatican Easter Mass?
A: Yes; while the mass is free, tickets must be reserved in advance through the Prefecture of the Papal Household.

Q: What should I wear to attend religious services?
A: Wear modest clothing. Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees. A lightweight scarf can help adjust for indoor and outdoor settings.

Q: What are the bag policies during these events?
A: Avoid large backpacks and carry only essentials. Security screenings are stringent—ensure your bag meets the guidelines (generally, a compact bag is recommended).

Q: Are restaurants open on Easter Sunday?
A: Yes, but reservations are essential. Popular trattorias often book out months in advance.

Q: How can I avoid the crowd?
A: Book events and tours online in advance, choose early morning or late afternoon slots, and explore less well-known sites during peak times.

Simplify Your Trip with Radical Storage

Navigating the spiritual and cultural whirlwind of Easter in Rome 2025 requires not only careful planning but also practical solutions—especially when it comes to your luggage. Radical Storage is your ideal partner during this busy season, offering secure, convenient luggage storage at fixed daily rates and locations near major transportation hubs such as Termini Station, the Vatican, and Trastevere. By securely storing your bags, you can focus on enjoying the vivid processions, awe-inspiring architecture, and sumptuous culinary delights without the extra burden.

Plan ahead, reserve tickets early, and make Radical Storage part of your travel strategy so that your Easter celebrations in Rome 2025 are as smooth as they are unforgettable.