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THE RITES
On Tuesday, the so called “Mistery” procession takes place. Seven Simulacra, representing the passion of Christ, are carried along the streets of the city.
The procession is led by men carrying a litter which is adorned with flowers and olive branches. This litter represents the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was captured while he was absorbed in prayer. The procession is followed by images of Jesus. In these images Jesus is imprisoned, whipped, crowned with thorns, on the road to Calvary and then crucified. The last image is that of Our Lady of Sorrows showing her heart run through by three swords.
On Thursday, after the sunset, the procession of Our Lady of Sorrows takes place. This is the symbolic representation of Our Lady searching for her Son. The image of Our Lady is carried into seven of the city’s churches, where the Holy Sepulchres have been prepared.
Early on Friday morning, the procession of Jesus carrying the cross to Calvary winds its way through the city, followed at a short distance by Our Lady of Sorrows
The most evocative procession is on Friday evening. This represents the funeral of Jesus, where a figure of the dead body of Jesus is laid in a beautiful simulacrum dating from the seventeenth century.