In the silence of the Easter nights, when the stars seem to hold their breath and the scent of citrus blossoms fills the air, the Sorrento Peninsula becomes the stage for one of the most moving and symbolic events of the year. The Holy Week processions are not just religious rituals – they are ancient stories brought to life, intense emotional journeys that bridge past and present, faith and folklore.

A Legacy Passed Down Through Generations

Easter in the Sorrento Peninsula is more than a celebration: it is a deep-rooted cultural identity, shared across generations. Families gather, neighbors prepare altars and lanterns, and the air is filled with anticipation. The towns and villages from Sorrento to Massa Lubrense are transformed into open-air theatres of devotion.

Confraternities – ancient brotherhoods dating back centuries – lead the way. Dressed in long white or black cloaks and hoods, they walk in solemn silence or to the beat of muffled drums, bearing statues of the Virgin Mary and Christ through narrow alleys and candlelit streets. Each element has a symbolic meaning, from the torches that pierce the night to the laments sung by voices that seem to echo from another time.

A Unique Atmosphere in Every Town

Each town in the Peninsula has its own version of the procession. Though they share the same spirit of devotion, no two are alike.  

– Sorrento becomes a stage of great emotional intensity, especially during the processions that unfold between dusk and dawn. The contrast between light and shadow, silence and music, creates a truly mystical experience.  

– Meta, Piano di Sorrento, and Sant’Agnello offer deeply rooted traditions, where every local participates with heartfelt emotion. The processions here are immersive and moving, surrounded by historical churches and flower-decorated altars.  

– Vico Equense and Massa Lubrense host more intimate events, ideal for those looking for a quieter, more authentic moment. The smaller scale does not diminish the intensity – on the contrary, it allows for a deeper connection with local customs.

These processions are powerful not just for their visual beauty, but for the silence that surrounds them – a silence that speaks volumes.

2025 full calendar of processions on the sorrentine peninsula

Why Visit the Sorrento Peninsula at Easter?

Spring is a magical season in this corner of Italy, and Holy Week adds a layer of spiritual beauty to the already breathtaking landscape.

🌿 Nature is in full bloom: the hills are dotted with wildflowers, and the famous lemon groves release their unmistakable fragrance into the warm spring air.  

🍋 Taste the season: from traditional Easter cakes like *pastiera napoletana* to local cheeses and cured meats sold in the village markets, this is a time when culinary traditions shine.  

🎶 Feel the music: sacred chants and somber melodies accompany the processions, creating an atmosphere that lingers in the heart.  

📸 Capture the moment: the contrast between the hooded figures, the glowing lanterns, and the centuries-old stone buildings is a dream for photographers and storytellers.

And beyond the processions, spring offers the perfect balance between exploring the coast and enjoying a quieter, more local side of the destination – without the summer crowds.

A Journey Into the Soul of the Coast

Whether you are drawn by spirituality, tradition, cultural curiosity or simply the desire to witness something truly different, the Easter processions of the Sorrento Peninsula will leave an indelible mark. You won’t just be a spectator – you’ll be part of a story that has been unfolding for centuries.

Plan your spring trip now, and discover a side of the Amalfi Coast that many travelers miss: one made of devotion, silence, light… and the thunder of ancient footsteps echoing in the night.