the entire program of festivities
In 2024, Easter festivities begin on March 24 with Palm Sunday mass, which marks the start of Holy Week. They will end on March 31, Easter Day, after the celebration of the office and the “urbi et orbi” blessing given by Pope Francis.
- Sunday March 24 – Palm Sunday
10 hours: Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday mass will be celebrated in Saint Peter’s Square. This feast commemorates the solemn entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, six days before the feast of Easter. The Gospel of the Passion of Christ according to Saint Mark will be read during the service, followed by the Angelus pronounced by Pope Francis, as every Sunday.
- Thursday March 28 – Holy Thursday and start of the Easter Triduum
9:30 a.m.: On Maundy Thursday, Pope Francis will preside over Chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. Bishop of Rome, he will be surrounded by priests of the Roman diocese. He will bless the holy oils before consecrating the holy chrism. The oil will be used from Easter baptisms, then throughout the year, for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and for the rite of anointing the hands during ordination.
4 p.m.: Vatican News will broadcast live on its YouTube channel (as for all Vatican Easter celebrations) the Mass of the Lord’s Supper said by the Pope. Not open to the public, it will be held at the Rebibbia women’s prison in Rome.
- Friday March 29 – Good Friday
5 p.m.: The service of the Passion will take place at Saint Peter’s Basilica with the presence of Pope Francis.
9:15 p.m.: The Pope will lead a Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum. During this highlight, the faithful are invited to participate in a torchlight procession reenacting the fourteen stages of the last hours of Christ’s life.
- Saturday March 30 – Holy Saturday and Easter Vigil
7:30 p.m.: The Easter Vigil will be celebrated at Saint Peter’s Basilica. It closes the Easter Triduum and marks the beginning of the Easter season which extends until Pentecost.
- Sunday March 31 – Easter Sunday
10am: The Pope will preside over Easter Sunday mass in St. Peter’s Square.
12 p.m.: After the service, Francis will give the “urbi et orbi” blessing from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Monday April 1 – Easter Monday
In Rome, Easter Monday also bears the name Pasquetta (little Easter). On this day, it is customary for Romans to picnic with friends or family in city parks. If you are in Rome for Easter, this is the opportunity to share a tradition with the locals! As for the tourist aspect, remember to find out about the opening hours of places like Saint Peter’s Basilica or the Colosseum which may close earlier due to the celebrations.
