Italy marks Easter with public holidays.

Italy celebrates Easter Sunday and Easter Monday - Pasqua and Pasquetta - with national public holidays on Sunday 20 and Monday 21 April.

All public offices and schools will be closed on 21 April for Pasquetta, a day traditionally marked in Italy with a picnic or a day trip out of town.

Most museums and archaeological sites in Italy will stay open for Easter Sunday and Easter Monday however the Vatican Museums will be closed on both days.

A 'dove-shaped' cake called the Colomba di Pasqua is a popular treat in Italy over the Easter holidays while Easter Sunday brunch usually involves hard-boiled eggs (often brightly painted), salami and cheese, accompanied by the classic pizza al formaggio.

Easter in Italy is a time to celebrate with friends, as highlighted by the expression: "Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi", meaning Christmas with your family, Easter with whoever you want.

This year the Easter holidays are followed closely by the Festa della Liberazione, or Liberation Day, on Friday 25 April, prompting many Italians to take a "ponte" (bridge) holiday.