On Monday, April 21, 2025, the picturesque Monte Quarin in Cormons will host its traditional Pasquetta (Easter Monday) celebration, marking a day of festivity and community spirit. This year’s event is particularly special, as it commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Alpine Easter Monday gathering and the 50th anniversary of friendship with the Austrian group from Hermagor.
The festivities will kick off at 9:30 AM with the opening of food and wine stands, offering visitors a taste of local culinary delights. At 10:00 AM, a flag-raising ceremony will be held, featuring the Alpini group of Cormons and the participation of the 'black feathers' from Hermagor, creating a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.
As the day progresses, attendees can look forward to a mass at the church of the Beata Vergine del Soccorso at 10:30 AM, followed by traditional Friulian music performed by the group 'Cence Nom Folk' at noon. This musical interlude will add to the festive ambiance, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.
For families, the afternoon promises fun with a magic show by the magician Leo at 3:00 PM, ensuring that the younger attendees are entertained. The day will culminate with live music from 'Sound Check Band' at 4:00 PM, providing an opportunity for everyone to dance and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Notably, in response to the growing number of visitors, the organizers have doubled the shuttle bus service, which will now run every half hour from Piazza Libertà, starting at 9:00 AM. This enhancement aims to ensure that all attendees can comfortably access the beautiful surroundings of Monte Quarin.
In addition to the celebrations on Monte Quarin, another event, 'Pasquetta in piazza XXIV Maggio', will take place concurrently. This event, promoted by the Center for the Promotion and Valorization of Collio and Oste in piazza, will feature live music from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, performed by the musical group 'I Tamaroz', alongside activities for children, including face painting.
As Pasquetta, also known as the Monday of the Angel, unfolds, it brings with it a significant cultural and historical context. The day is rooted in the biblical story where, according to the Gospel, Mary Magdalene and Salome visited Jesus' tomb with aromatic oils to embalm his body. Upon arrival, they discovered that the stone sealing the tomb had been rolled away. An angel appeared to them, proclaiming, "Do not be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus the crucified. He is not here! He is risen as he said. Now go and announce this news to the Apostles." This profound moment is celebrated every year, symbolizing hope and resurrection.
In Italy, the Monday of the Angel has evolved into a public holiday established in the post-war period. It is a day when families and friends gather to enjoy picnics and outings, reflecting the spirit of togetherness and joy that characterizes Easter celebrations. Many Italians take to the outdoors, reminiscent of the journey taken by the disciples to Emmaus, where Jesus appeared to them after his resurrection.
Interestingly, in some regions like Nicosia, Castrovillari, and Venafro, Pasquetta is celebrated on the Tuesday following Easter, which this year would fall on April 22, 2025. This variation adds to the diverse ways in which the holiday is honored across the country.
The festivities in Cormons will continue into Tuesday with the Festa di San Quirino at the Feresin farm, starting at 11:00 AM. This event will feature local wines, grilled specialties, and music from DJ Max in the evening, ensuring that the celebratory spirit of Easter lingers just a little longer.
As Pasquetta approaches, many are looking forward to the day filled with laughter, music, and good food. It’s a time to reconnect with loved ones and embrace the beauty of spring, as well as the joy that comes with celebrating life and community. The anticipation for the events at Monte Quarin is palpable, promising a memorable day for all who attend.
With the combination of cultural significance, community engagement, and festive activities, the Pasquetta celebration at Monte Quarin stands as a testament to the enduring traditions that define Italian Easter celebrations. As families prepare for their outings, the echoes of laughter and music will surely fill the air, creating lasting memories for years to come.
