Italians have been enjoying the
Easter long weekend with family, eating at home rather than
spending on restaurants and travel, leading to a significant
drop in holiday spending, says farm organization Coldiretti.
Almost eight in 10 people chose to dine at home, with the
traditional Easter lamb presiding over the table at about 40% of
households, although a rising number are opting for vegetarian
dishes, according to a survey by Ixe research, conducted for the
farm organization.
"With the vast majority opting for the homemade lunch at
home with relatives and friends, but without leaving their city,
the result is that this year the total expenditure of Italian
families for the Easter menu has dropped," said the
organization.
Consumers have been hit hard by the deepest recession in
Italy since the Second World War, and although the economy has
since emerged from recession, unemployment remains at a record
high 13% and Italians have been reluctant to spend.
As a result, inexpensive eggs remain a popular dish, said
Coldiretti, along with cheese and regional Easter cakes and
other treats.
Meanwhile, Monday dawned wet and cold in parts of Italy
including the Lombardy region where intense rainfall caused
traffic problems for holiday drivers.
Near Milan, flooding blocked a highway underpass causing an
early-morning accident and slowing rescue vehicles.
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