The Processione dei Misteri di Trapani is a day-long passion procession featuring twenty platforms of lifelike wood, canvas and glue sculptures of individual scenes of the events of the Passion of Christ. The Misteri are amongst the oldest continuously running religious events in Europe, having been performed every Good Friday since before the Easter of 1612, and running for at least 16 continuous hours. In Trapani, the procession runs 24 hours.
We were fortunate to view the procession from our balcony.
Every group in the procession is represented by a local tradesmen/craftsmen, e.g., fishermen, tailors, carpenters. Each carries a scene with statues and is usually accompanied by a marching band as well was flag bearers, candle holders, etc.
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There can be as many as 12 men in front and another 12 in back, and they link arms with each other to maintain balance.
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Our position was about one hour into the procession, with 23 more hours to go.
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Truly, there was a cast of thousands involved.
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The movement of the statues requires incredible coordination and stamina, and it was evident it was quite an honor among the carriers.
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Each team is responsible for its own decorations and costumes and raises funds well in advance.
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The bands come from the various provinces around Trapani.
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As the lit urn passed, the mood was quite solemn.
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If you look carefully, you can see the body of Christ in the urn.
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A candle lit procession preceded Our Lady of Sorrows.
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Here are two short videos I took with music that really represents the tone and mood of the procession. The swaying is part of the pageantry, and the clapper you hear is what is used to stop and start the movement of the platforms, which happens about every 30 to 50 feet.
The day before the procession, we were able to see all of the life-size statues as the final preparations were made at the Church of the Purgatorio.
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As you can imagine, it was quite a spectacle to behold.
Best wishes and Happy Easter. Auguri e Buona Pasqua!
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Buona pasqua Judy and Len!! We miss you- beautiful photos!! 💝💝
Sent from my iPhone
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You too!!!xoxo
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Beautiful in your lovely photos…it must be breathtaking in person! Happy Easter!
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Yes, and same to you! xo
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Hi!!
We had dinner last night with two of the most beautiful women in Chicago!
I thought of you both at mass this morning, the homily was about one of the most burning questions in Christianity… ‘when does Easter end?’
I remember discussing this last year at your place, (according to Fr Hurley, it’s when the sun sets Thursday evening).
Hope you both are well,
Xxxoooxxxx
Chuck and Sue
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Thanks Chuck. xoxox to all of you as well!
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OMG! How beautiful. It must have been breathtaking to witness this event in person. Simply stunning! Great job on the video’s. They tell the story like no photo’s ever could. Buona Pasqua Judy a te e tua famiglia.
Giovanni.
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You are exactly right – one needs to hear the music and see the movement to truly appreciate this – Buona Pasqua to you and yours too!
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WOW! Simply amazing. How fortunate you were to witness this. Your pictures are phenomenal. Just booked 3 wks in Cortona in Sept….looking forward to seeing you there♡
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Please keep on your list
Thank you
Happy Easter!
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will do! Same to you.
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Really spectacular Judy!
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A TWENTY FOUR HOUR PARADE! Amazing! Did you get any sleep? Now you probably want to go back every Easter to compare pageants in other towns. As usual, your photos are fabulous, Judy!
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I think one is enough for us!
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Once again the pictorials and the video were informative and interesting
Your room was positioned strategically for you and your viewers
Thanks for taking the time
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My pleasure and so happy to share!
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Wow! This is really something special – thanks for sharing it! 24 hours is a long time to maintain a procession, but there looked to be so many interesting statues, musical groups, the faithful, and the swaying – another wow!
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Fortunately, we were able to see the entire procession in the first several hours, and then sleep and see more the next morning!
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Grazie for the photos of the Procession. I was not aware of such an expression of faith in Trapani. Thanks for sharing. I returned yesterday from 10 days in Italy with a family of seven, including three teenagers. We visited Venice, Florence, Assisi, Rome. As we drove by Cortona, I waved a blessing to you. We could see Cortona clearly on the slope of the mountain. May your days continue to be graced and blessed. Tante belle cose! Pace e bene!
Fr Chuck Faso OFM
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Thanks and loved all of your photos too. We were so close; wish we could have shared a pranzo…forse la prossima.
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