Easter in Casalvecchio Siculo
Holy Week in Casalvecchio Siculo is full of rites that take place in compliance with ancient traditions.
Among the Easter rites, A Cerca deserves great attention, that is the search for Jesus Christ by every man of the people, who represents Judas, to free himself from sins and invoke divine forgiveness. This traditional rite takes place on the night between Good Thursday and Good Friday, it is a penitential procession curated by the two brotherhoods of the town. During the procession the brothers wear the traditional dress, called cappa, and have their faces covered by a white hood which represents the shame of their sin. The procession stops at the various stations, pre-established places where laments in Latin and songs in the Sicilian vernacular are sung which describe the various moments of the Passion of Christ.
Dates and Scheduling
16 Apr 2025
19:00 Gathering of the faithful at the Church of San Nicolò and ascent of “Jesus in the Garden” to the Mother Church.
19:30 Holy Mass.
17 Apr 2025
19:30 Solemn Holy Mass “In Coena Domini” and Washing of the Feet.
Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration until midnight.
21:30 Opening of the Churches of SS. Annunziata and San Nicolò for the visit of the traditional Sepulchres.
24:00 From the Church of San Teodoro beginning of the centuries-old “Cerca”.
At the end, silent ascent of the Urn of the Dead Christ into the Mother Church.
18 Apr 2025
16:30 Solemn Liturgical Action “in Passione Domini”.
Following, Secular Procession of the Varette.
19 Apr 2025
12:00 Silent return of the Dead Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows to their respective churches.
23:00 Solemn Easter Vigil.
20 Apr 2025
10:30 Solemn Holy Mass “In Resurrectione Domini”.
Followed by Singing of the Regina Coeli in Piazza Sant'Onofrio and Meeting between the Risen Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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References
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