Trapani – the Mysteries
The procession of the Mysteries of Trapani is, rightly, one of the most famous Sicilian Easter ceremonies because of the symbols and rituals that characterize it: the imposing statuary groups, their modes of transport, the intensity of the performances of bands, long journey times are only some of the elements that contribute to donate to the procession of Holy Friday in Trapani that particular charm that anyone, faithful or tourist who is, can not fail to grasp.
The ceremonies of Holy Week can not be reduced only to the procession of the Mysteries but they provide for a wider and more interesting articulation. The Holy Tuesday takes place the procession of the painting of Our Lady of Mercy.
During the procession, the Our Lady of Mercy crosses the procession of Our Lady of Mercy of the People, belonging to the class of greengrocers, coming from the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, thus resulting in an encounter characterized by the ritual exchange of candles.
On Friday is the time of the Mysteries, the precious statuary groups (some of the first half of the seventeenth century) carried in procession by the 18 Maestranze, each with specific clothing.
The long procession of the Mysteries, each accompanied by a musical band, to which are added the statues of the dead Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows, cross the city until Saturday morning.