Easter in Bastia Umbra, the little town in the Umbria region in the foothills just below Assisi, is a celebration of faith, culture and community.
Easter is shared by residents and visitors
The Easter period is a deeply rooted community experience that is shared by the community and visitors. Bastia Umbra's Cultural and Territorial Promotional Councillor Paolo Ansideri explains that the Easter Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday when the faithful gather in different parts of the town, carrying olive branches that symbolize peace and renewal, as they make their way to church.
Reenacted Stations of the Cross
"Good Friday is the heart of the celebrations, with the liturgy of the Passion and a procession through the streets carrying the statue of the Dead Christ. In the little hamlet of Costano the Stations of the Cross are brought to life, with the residents reenacting scenes by torchlight. Then on Holy Saturday there is the traditional blessing of food, and in the evening, the Night of the Resurrection ends with the entrance of the Risen Christ into the church."
Easter traditions on the table
Easter Sunday in Bastia Umbra is a day of celebration with the traditional “Rinchinata” ceremony when the statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary are carried by members of the local confraternities into the town square where the two statues bow to each other. The weekend celebrations also include cultural events from concerts to exhibitions, and traditional foods like the Holy Friday "Baccalà e Fagioli" salt cod and beans and the “Torta di Pasqua” Easter cake are part of the festivities. 
"A more laid-back alternative to Assisi"
Bastia Umbra's Rocca Baglionesca medieval fortress is one of the main historical landmarks in the town, and visitors enjoy the cafés, small shops, and very local atmosphere. The town is neither crowded nor touristy, which makes it perfect for relaxed strolling and people-watching, and the surrounding countryside is ideal for easy walks and cycling. Councillor Ansideri says the town also "offers an excellent range of accommodation from small hotels to farm stays to holiday rentals, and is an interesting more laid-back alternative to Assisi which is very easy to visit from here." For information: www.comune.bastia.pg.itwww.comune.bastia.pg.it
