Enjoy Colomba this year also in Japan, the Italian sweet shaped as a dove shared by families in Easter time.

What is the Colomba Pasquale? – Origins and Meaning

In Italy, the colomba pasquale is a traditional sweet that families eat during Easter.
“Colomba” means “dove” (the female of the pigeon species), and it is white, symbolizing purity and peace.
Meanwhile, “Pasquale” is an adjective meaning “of Easter.”

Easter is celebrated on a different date every year, but it always falls near the beginning of spring. It is the holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Christ three days after his execution on the cross. In 2025, Easter will be on April 20.

The exact origins of this dessert are unclear, and as often happens, it is surrounded by various legends. However, it became widely known to the public in the 1930s thanks to the Milanese panettone company Motta.

The Taste of the Colomba

The dough is similar to that of the Christmas panettone: made with flour, eggs, sugar, yeast, and butter. However, instead of raisins, it usually contains candied orange peel. The cake is then glazed and decorated with pearl sugar and almonds. Unlike panettone, which is round, colomba is has a dove shape, a bird with open wings.

In recent years, modern variations have emerged, including versions without candied peel and flavors like chocolate, pistachio, and limoncello.

Where to Buy Colomba in Japan

Here are some places where you can find colomba pasquale in Japan:

⚠️ Note that the product might be available only for a short time. Moreover, some bakeries might need a reservation or will have limited availability ⚠️

• Donq (April 9 – April 22)
• Eataly (various locations)
• Pane e Olio (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
• Panetteria Ottimo Massimo (Reservation by April 13)
• Less Tokyo (March 20 – April 30 online )
• Princi (From April 1 at Nakameguro, Daikanyama, Ginza, Yokohama, Marunouchi, Futakotamagawa, Azabudai)
• Gelateria Il Brigante (Kamakura, Kanagawa and online)
• Dough ドウ (Nakagyo, Kyoto)
• Piatti (online)
• Fresh Italy Deli – (online)
• Tokyo468 (online)
• Amazon (online)

What About Easter Eggs?

In Italy, children receive large chocolate eggs with a surprise inside, which they open on Easter Sunday. Easter eggs have recently become popular among adults too, similar to how Advent calendars are now enjoyed beyond just children at Christmas.

Easter eggs are not yet widespread in Japan, and their prices are significantly higher than in Italy. However, gourmet Easter eggs are available in select stores, such as:

• Venchi (ヴェンキ) ( website )
• Perugina (online dark chocolate or milk chocolate)