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From: 05/04/2026 - To: 12/04/2026
Place: trapani
Among the most heartfelt events of Easter in Trapani, the Procession of the Risen Christ marks the joyful moment that follows the solemn rites of Holy Week. Although in its current form it is a relatively recent tradition, this celebration recalls ancient Easter rituals that for centuries characterized Easter Sunday in the city.
In the past, the day was marked by very distinctive ceremonies, such as the Calata da tila, the ritual in which the image of Christ was unveiled at midday amid flowers, colors, and the festive ringing of church bells. On the same day there was also the ancient Meeting between Mary and Jesus, with the statues crossing the city and meeting in the historic center.
The current procession of the Risen Christ can be seen as a revival of that ancient tradition, which for a long time remained in the background compared with the better-known Procession of the Mysteries. Its symbolic meaning is clear: after the sorrow of Good Friday, the city celebrates the Resurrection of Christ with a joyful rite proclaiming victory over death.
The statue of the Risen Christ dates back to the late eighteenth century and the early nineteenth century and was made of wood, canvas, and glue, according to the same artistic tradition used for the Mysteries. Originally, it represented the Sacred Heart of Jesus, but it was later adapted to the traditional iconography of the Risen Christ with a white robe and the banner of the Resurrection.
One of the most distinctive features of the procession is the traditional annacata, the rhythmic swaying movement with which the statue is carried on the shoulders, accompanied by the joyful sound of the marching band. This movement makes the festive spirit of Trapani’s Easter rite even more evident.
On Easter Sunday, at 9:30 am, the traditional meeting between the Sorrowful Virgin and the Risen Christ takes place in the Church of the Collegio. At 10:15 am, the procession begins and heads toward the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, where the solemn Easter Pontifical Mass is celebrated at 11:00 am.
In the afternoon, at 5:30 pm, the Risen Christ goes out once again in procession through the streets of Trapani’s historic center, before returning to the Church of the Collegio. It is an event that brings the city’s Easter celebrations to a close with a deeply shared moment of faith, tradition, and popular participation.
