Good Friday is the Friday preceding the Christian Easter. On this day Christians commemorate the Passion and the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This year Good Friday will be March 29. Among the different events dedicated to Easter in Abruzzo, the commemoration of the Passion of Christ in Chieti is Very interesting and possibly the most important in Italy... just to think that it has taken place almost non-stop since the year 842! The oldest tradition of its type in Italy.
The solemn procession, With original and unique music, perfomed by many musicians, who sings the poignant Miserere composed around 1740 by Saverio Selecchy (Chieti, 1708 - 1788), choirmaster of the Cathedral. The procession also features precious statues and seven “trophies” (wooden sculptures made in mid-19th century representing the most significant moments of the Passion), takes place on the evening of Good Friday among the torch lit streets of the historic town center. Chieti was an old Historic Roman center originally founded by the Arcadians.
Only men and children participate in the procession, All the “brothers” of the twelve town congregations participate in the procession, and they can be recognized from their cloaks of different colors and from their hoods: they carry the symbols of the Passion, while dozens of singers and musicians (100 violins) accompany with the moving notes of the Miserere the slow Procession. This event is much felt among the population, and every year a crowd of inhabitants and believers from all over the region participate.
I am glad I had Adele with me, she explained all the different aspects of Catholic tradition of which I was un aware, as well as the traditions that were unique to this event in Chieti that made it a one of a kind.
enjoy the video and pictures, the lighting was not the greatest but you get the idea.
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