Misteri-The holy procession

Sicily is well known for its religious celebrations, one of the most famous is called "I Misteri”, it happens in Trapani during the Easter holy week and it represents “The passion of Christ”.

Sicily is well known for its religious celebrations, one of the most famous is called "I Misteri”, it happens in Trapani during the Easter holy week and it represents “The passion of Christ”.

Trapani oversees the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, its strategic port was the entrance of different dominations: Arabs, Spanish, Normans, Aragoneses, French, Spanish and finally the Bourbons.

It’s known that the Spanish domination and the frequent relations with others Italian port cities brought in Sicily this traditional ceremony, which in the Iberian land was named "teatro de los misterios".

The first ceremony in Trapani dated back to the XVI century and was firstly named “Casazze”, actors and religious personalities originally represented the first ceremonies, although after many centuries, inanimate statues replaced them.

The Misteri symbolize the "Via Crucis" and are the creation of masters craftsmen from Trapani who built initially 18 sculptures with cypress wood, canvas and glue. In the XIX century were added others two representations "Jesus died in the urn" and "Lady of sorrows".

These astonishing sculptures are preserved in the Church of Purgatory in the centre of Trapani and they are constantly restructured and managed by many groups that represent different working class like, fishermen, goldsmiths, barbers, butchers, painters, shoemakers etc...

At 2.00 pm of each Good Friday’s, "I Misteri" leave the Church of Purgatory and starts the procession that will lasts for 24 hours. The members of the groups carry on their shoulders the heavy weight of "I Misteri", followed by the suggestive rhythm of funeral march played by the local folkloristic bands, passing through the narrow streets of the old town center crossing the obscurity of the night and the first lights of the sunrise.

Despite many changes happened during 500 years of history, The “Processione dei Misteri" hasn't lost the spiritual power and the deep attachment to the city, but it is carefully hand down from generations to generations.

© Antonio Sansica - Image from the Misteri-The holy procession photography project
i

A group of men are laying down the heavy "Mistere" for a short break. A small wood made instrument is played in order to call the break.

© Antonio Sansica - Image from the Misteri-The holy procession photography project
i

Boys are rehearsing during the first rays of sun. The local marching bands are a fundamental part of the procession, they come from many different towns and are assembled by people of very different ages.

© Antonio Sansica - Image from the Misteri-The holy procession photography project
i

Men set down the “Mistere” for a short rest. During the procession the "Misteri" are regularly laid down as they are extremely heavy.

© Antonio Sansica - Image from the Misteri-The holy procession photography project
i

Peppe “The drummer” is having a nap in a bar in the old town centre, he is a legendary member of the town’s local band.

© Antonio Sansica - A component of the procession has stopped for a short break during the evening, still many hours ahead.
i

A component of the procession has stopped for a short break during the evening, still many hours ahead.

© Antonio Sansica - In the very early morning, men rest in the heart of the old town centre, this is the most suggestive part of the procession.
i

In the very early morning, men rest in the heart of the old town centre, this is the most suggestive part of the procession.

© Antonio Sansica - Children joke between the running procession, they are a big part of the event, also playing in the marching bands.
i

Children joke between the running procession, they are a big part of the event, also playing in the marching bands.

© Antonio Sansica - Image from the Misteri-The holy procession photography project
i

Ladies follow one of the most important “Mistere” of the all procession, the “Madonna Addolorata”(Lady of Sorrow). It’s actually the last of the 20 sculptures and is followed by a large number of women.

© Antonio Sansica - The procession runs trough the old town Centre.
i

The procession runs trough the old town Centre.

© Antonio Sansica - A bunch of boys are lighting up their candles before starting the procession, after a night break.
i

A bunch of boys are lighting up their candles before starting the procession, after a night break.

© Antonio Sansica - A woman, alongside the “Lady of Sorrow”, check her phone during the procession.
i

A woman, alongside the “Lady of Sorrow”, check her phone during the procession.

© Antonio Sansica - A component of the procession walks along the procession in the streets of Trapani.
i

A component of the procession walks along the procession in the streets of Trapani.

© Antonio Sansica - Two ladies march along the “Lady of Sorrow” holding candles and postcards of the Virgin Mary
i

Two ladies march along the “Lady of Sorrow” holding candles and postcards of the Virgin Mary

Latest Projects

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Stay in the loop


We will send you weekly news on contemporary photography. You can change your mind at any time. We will treat your data with respect. For more information please visit our privacy policy. By ticking here, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with them. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.