The Procession of the Mysteries of Trapani is one of the oldest and longest-running religious rites in Italy: it takes place from Good Friday until noon on Saturday.

The Mysteries represent the conclusion of a week full of events. There is a very special atmosphere in the air: the streets are filled with people, of all ages and walks of life, admiring the Sacred Groups that parade along the streets of the center.

There are currently eighteen very competitive Maestrances, plus the two simulacra of the Dead Jesus and Mary of Sorrows. Made of wood, by craftsmen from Trapani in the 17th and 18th centuries, these very heavy groups represent the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ. More than ten men, called “massari,” are employed for each simulacrum.

Each is set up with different floral decorations and precious ornaments and has a singular beauty.

As they proceed, the massari perform several characteristic movements, such as “l’annacata,” or rhythmic rocking, “a vutata,” or turning, which are determined by the vivid sound of the bands accompanying the “Mystery” groups.

An even more extraordinary spectacle is during the night when the simulacra standing in Vittorio Square are surrounded by large crowds. The atmosphere, the lights and the smell of flowers emanating from each group make it so that not even tiredness and sleep can shift the attention.

The Mysteries are kept at the 18th-century Baroque church of the “Anime Sante del Purgatorio,” where this priceless heritage that makes Trapanese citizens proud begins.

The other rites of Holy Week in the City of Trapani

Holy Week in Trapani opens on Holy Tuesday with the Procession of “Maria Addolorata,” popularly known as “dei Massari” because it is invoked as “Maria Madre di Pietà dei Massari. The “vara,” containing the painting of the Most Holy Mary of Sorrows, is carried on the shoulders through the streets of the historic center to Lucatelli Square, where it is made to pause inside a chapel and watched over by the faithful all night until the evening of Wednesday, after the meeting with the Procession of Our Lady of Pity of the People and the exchange of candles.

On Holy Wednesday, again through the streets of the center, the “Madonna of the People’s Pieta,” curated by the fruit vendor class, is paraded. The simulacrum consists of two interlocking and opposing paintings, one depicting the face of the Madonna, the other that of Christ. People enthusiastically participate in this event.

On Holy Thursday, in all churches, it is possible to visit the “Blessed Sacrament,” popularly called the “Sepulcher.” Altars are set up with white flowers, ears of corn, and candles to venerate the Eucharist. Both the faithful and the curious flock in large numbers to visit the different sepulchres. According to tradition, the churches to be visited must be odd numbered and the last one must be the “Church of Purgatory.” On Thursday, preparations begin for the following day’s procession.

On Good Friday, the ancient function of the “Descent of the Cross” takes place in the church of “St. Mary of Jesus” in the early afternoon. The statue of Christ, detached from the Cross and placed on a white sheet, is carried around the church and displayed for the veneration of the faithful throughout the afternoon.

On this same day, the impressive Procession of the Mysteries also takes place through the city streets.