Easter in Valnerina
Mysticism has deep roots in Valnerina and its strong signs can be found in many ritual events occurring particularly during the Holy Week. The whole Valnerina also celebrates Easter with liturgical celebrations and ancient traditions, starting from the Good Friday’s Procession, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages, that re-enacts the Passion of Christ.
All the most significant processions of the Good Friday are going to take place during the night in Cascia, Norcia and Monteleone di Spoleto.
In Cascia, for almost four kilometres, a very long procession, lit by torches, will fall silent by revoking the Passion of Christ: the whiny cry of women and men singing together the ‘Miserere’ and the merciless noise of the dragging chains tied to the naked feet by the Confessors are the only bursts of sound in a totally mysterious night.
The Stations of the Cross, painted on banners, are going to be dramatized by men and women who, like in a holy performance, are going to replicate the mysteries of an event that has 2000 years of history.
The coffin of the Dead Christ, transported to shoulder, is going to precede the Confessors, the anonymous scapegoats hiding their body and face under black clothes, as if they wanted to blend with the darkness of night.
In Norcia the Procession is going to parade along the city walls where the Stations of the Cross’ scenes will be represented through living pictures (tableaux vivants): the performance is getting more and more coarse as it approaches the crucifixion.
Tradition is going to relive in Monteleone di Spoleto too. Here the procession will start from the church of St. John, at the village’s door: the characteristic parade, winding its way through the historical centre until reaching the pinewood of the Cross, focuses on the Golgotha’s way with the pious women interpreted by three girls dressed in black and with the covered face, who follow the statue of the Dead Christ.
On Easter Sunday the Holy Mass will be celebrated in all Valnerina’s churches. During the day other events celebrating our Lord’s Resurrection are going to take place. The Easter Monday is traditionally devoted to country trips, walks, and picnics in the fascinating natural territory of the valley.
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