For those who want to attend a very suggestive procession, on Good Friday, besides that of Trapani, you can learn about the procession of the Mysteries of Erice starting at 2.30 pm with the exit of the majestic Church of San Giuliano in the Balio gardens.
This procession has quite ancient origins and is smaller and less renowned than the procession of the Mysteries of Trapani, although in recent years the city administration and the various tour operators have made a big advertising campaign to make it known, because it is as charged with meaning; moreover the ericina procession is very particular thanks to the fact that it winds along the streets of the medieval village, which are more silent and allow the faithful a greater moment of meditation and prayer.
The statuary groups are seven and represent the Passion of Christ, that is Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Flagellation, the Crowning of Thorns, the Ascent to Calvary, the Crucifix and the Urn; finally the procession closes with the simulacrum of Our Lady of Sorrows wrapped in a long black coat.
In ancient times a characteristic of this procession was also the representation of the bodily rituals of the flogging of the flesh, but as it was considered a very violent scene, in 1851 the Church decided to abolish it.
Other differences with the procession of Trapani are the conclusion in the afternoon; in fact, the return is expected within 20 hours and the lack of bands, as the religious procession unfolds accompanied by the prayer of the faithful recited as well as in Italian also in English, French and German.
Finally, the dimensions of the statuary groups are smaller than those of Trapani and there is not the typical shattered because of the slopes that distinguish the ericine roads, which make transport much more difficult and tiring.
The seven groups are carried on the shoulder, but when they have to rest them on the ground, the bearers rest them on some forks, which help the wearers to move on the paving.
The itinerary as every year is quite short and includes the following route: Church of S. Giuliano, via Rome, via S. Francesco, via Vittorio Emanuele, Madrice square, via Vito Carvini, via Gervasi, Piazza Umberto, via Vittorio Emanuele, via Albertina, Piazza S. Martino, via Fontana, via Cordici, via Guarnotta, S. Giuliano square.
(texts Giuseppe Puglia)
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COMMENT "PROCESSION OF THE MYSTERIES OF ERICE 2019 - COMPLETE ITINERARY"
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