The Easter Mass at the Vatican is a major Catholic event, attracting many tourists and pilgrims each year.
The heart of Catholicism is the Vatican City, a place of sacred spiritual significance for believers. Easter at the Vatican is considered a "special experience" when celebrated with the utmost solemnity and dignity, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
This year, Easter falls on March 31. Before that day, there are three days of the Paschal Triduum commemorating the events of Jesus' suffering for the salvation of humanity. Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, Good Friday commemorates Jesus' passion, and Good Saturday commemorates Jesus' burial in the tomb.
Pope Francis performs the foot washing ritual for female prisoners in Rome during Passover, March 28. Photo: AP
On Good Friday, a solemn procession takes place at the Vatican. The Pope leads the procession, carrying the Cross along the Via Crucis (Ways of the Cross). The reenactment of the Passion (from his condemnation to his crucifixion and final burial in the catacombs) to Calvary is an experience that has been described as “powerful” for participants and onlookers.
Traditionally, during Easter week, the Pope holds a special audience at the Vatican. From St. Peter's Basilica, the head of the Catholic Church gives the Urbi et Orbi blessing, and believers and visitors gather in St. Peter's Square below to receive the blessing. Urbi et Orbi is the Pope's gesture of blessing the city of Rome and the whole world on important occasions, conveying a message of hope and peace during Easter.
The eve of Easter is the highlight of the Vatican ceremony, which takes place on the evening of Holy Saturday (March 30 this year), including the lighting of the Easter candle, the reading of scriptures and the celebration of the Eucharist. The ceremony marks the anticipation of Easter Sunday or the resurrection of Jesus. Easter Mass usually takes place in the morning. This year, the mass begins at 9:30 a.m.
St Peter's Square is always packed with tourists every Easter. Photo: Blue sky traveller
During Easter, Vatican City remains open to the public, except for the museums and the Sistine Chapel, which are closed on March 31. The most important thing for visitors is to plan ahead for accommodation and transportation, as crowds are high during this time. Get to St. Peter's Square early to get a good spot on event days. Visitors should dress formally and politely when attending religious ceremonies. Bring binoculars if you have them to get a better view of the Pope when he appears.
For a more in-depth experience of the Vatican, visitors can book guided tours. A tour of the Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica costs 79 euros per person. A tour of just the museum and chapel costs 53.90 euros. An entrance ticket without a guide costs 31 euros.
Anh Minh (According to Vatican tickets )
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