Caltanissetta – the Real Maestranza and the Mysteries
Among the most famous Sicilian Easter celebrations are those of Caltanissetta with the procession of Real Maestranza and that of the Mysteries of Holy Thursday.
The rituals begin on Palm Sunday with an afternoon procession of Jesus of Nazareth, whose boat-shaped “fercolo” is richly decorated with seasonal flowers. The procession runs through the streets of the old town to reach the church of Sant’Agata al Collegio. On Wednesday morning the various craft corporations (Plumbers, barbers, painters, masons, carpenters, shoemakers, blacksmiths, bakeries, etc.) called maestranze, go in the procession, to the sound of music, go to call at their homes the halberdiers and the flag-raising, and then to reach the houses of the major bishop and the esquire, to finally go to the residence of the Captain of Real Maestranza.
Guided by the Captain, wearing black socks, gloves and tie and carrying a large crucifix veiled in black, reach Town Hall Square, where Captain receives City keys from the Mayor. Then begins a sumptuous procession to the Jesuit College and then to the Duomo where the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is celebrated.
The Holy Friday, in the late afternoon, takes place the procession of the Black Christ, called the Lord of the City, a small crucifix that the legend tells has been found in a grotto around the town. The Crucifix is carried on the shoulders and feet barefoot by the figghiamara, men gathering wild vegetables that intonate the traditional lamintanza or lodata.
On the evening of Holy Saturday, at Piazza Garibaldi, the final part of the Orioles Return of Adam is staged. On Easter Sunday, after the morning Mass in the Cathedral, the Captain returns the keys of the city to the Mayor.