Easter is one of the most charming periods to visit Western Sicily. Big cities and small villages become the stage for ancient traditions, in which the sacred and the profane have been combining for centuries.

During Lent and Holy Week, infact, the Christian world celebrates the events linked to the last days of Jesus’ life, in particular his Passion and Resurrection. During this time, some of the most evocative collective events in Italy take place in the Trapani area.

From 24 February to 31 March 2022, ‘I Scinnute (‘the descents’) begin.
After being held in the chapels for a whole year, every Friday a set of sculptures from the Church of the Anime Sante del Purgatorio (Holy Souls of Purgatory) is decorated with candles and flowers and displayed on the altar.

But the most exciting moment is represented by the “Misteri di Trapani” (Mysteries of Trapani), a procession that has taken place on Good Friday (07 April) since 1600 and in which thousands of people participate. It is one of the longest and oldest rites in Italy, lasting 24 hours, during which 20 statues depicting the Passion of Christ are carried on the shoulders of the faithful through the streets of the city.

In the same period, the medieval town of Erice also becomes the setting for the Misteri. Starting from the Church of San Giuliano, the sets of sculptures are paraded through the streets of Erice.

In Marsala, as well as on the island of Favignana, the Easter ceremonies keep alive the theatrical tradition, with groups of faithful performing the Passion.

But Easter in Sicily is also a gastronomic experience!
Each family has its own traditions, but lamb is generally the main dish and desserts are the great stars of the tables.

Among the most popular are Easter lambs made of almond paste (pasta reale or martorana) and the Cannatuna (Cuddure cu l’ova / Pupi cu l’ova / Campanari): a large shortcrust pastry biscuit with a hard-boiled egg in the middle, decorated with coloured sugar sprinkles. There are also the cassatelle with ricotta in broth, fried cassatelle and, of course, cassata.

After spirituality and good food, Easter Monday (Pasquetta) is the perfect opportunity to enjoy cultural and natural itineraries! Spring in Sicily is the ideal time to experience the rebirth of nature in a mild climate with plenty of sunshine. And there is no shortage of wonders to discover in this part of the island!

Comune di Trapani
www.comune.trapani.it

Comune di Erice
www.comune.erice.tp.it

Unione Maestranze Trapani
www.unionemaestranze.it
www.facebook.com/unionemaestranzetp

Processione dei Misteri di Trapani
www.facebook.com/processionedeimisteriditrapani

Misteri di Trapani – Ph. Giuseppe Sanalitro