“Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!” This sound is heard repeatedly throughout the 24-hours of I Misteri, the procession in Trapani, Sicily on Good Friday known as The Mysteries, or what we call The Stations of the Cross. The sharp clapping sound that cuts through the crowd noise and marching bands, is made with a wooden…
Tag: good friday
Holy Week in Sicily
This week is Holy Week or “La settimana santa.” In Sicily, towns celebrate various sacred rites each day, the height of which are practiced on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. The region’s Spanish cultural roots are most apparent through these traditions. Renowned is the Processione dei Misteri, or Procession of the Mysteries in Trapani. On…
Trapani’s Procession of the Mysteries
Holy Week in Sicily is remarkable. Countless towns observe la Settimana Santa with solemn processions and rituals. The region’s Spanish cultural roots are most apparent during these passionate practices. Last year’s Good Friday, observed today in 2016, I was fortunate enough to be in Trapani, where I took this photo of the unforgettable Processione dei…
The Mysteries of Good Friday
Yesterday in Trapani I witnessed the Mysteries, or I Misteri. Local confraternities representing different professions carry these centuries-old statue-scenes depicting the stations of the cross. Marching bands accompany the scenes playing dirges and the confraternities and bands sway in sync. It is beautiful and sad and full of emotions! A beautiful scene!
A “Pietà” in Palermo
The baroque Chiesa di Sant’Anna la Misericordia (Church of St. Anne the Merciful) in Palermo was consecrated in 1639. Before Santa Rosalia became Palermo’s patron saint, Saint Anne was one of the four co-patrons of the city. The facade of church, shown here, has been restored several times due to damage by earthquakes over the…