The
Easter
Maintained
over the centuries or recently revived, the commemorations which take
place periodically in many towns throughout Le Marche are always an
emotional event providing a link to the regions’ religious and
historical past. The Sacred Representation that takes place over the
Easter period communicates a further very important aspect, that of an
intensely experienced faith.
The
most important events attached to the Easter celebrations are those
organised annually on Good Friday: in the province of Pesaro/Urbino, the
most intense celebrations are those which take place in Turba,
representation of the Passion of Jesus also takes place in Cantiano,
based on a tradition born around the end of 1200 and which involves
everybody from the town. Commemoration also takes place amongst the
splendid scenery of the San Silvestro Park in Pietrarubbia, during which
the significant moments of the walk of Jesus towards Golgotha are
portrayed. On the same day the atmosphere swells with emotion as the
processions of the dead Christ take place in Cagli, Saltara and
Fermignano. In Mercatello sul Metauro important religious ceremonies go
on throughout Easter week, commencing with the Via Crucis Missionaria
and continuing with ceremonies and religious events until the procession
of Good Friday which accompanies the image of Christ made from a special
paper dating from the XV century.
The
Passion and the death of Jesus are also the subjects of the Sacred
Representation in the Ancona province. In Loreto the Good Friday
procession has recent origins from 1978 and at the will of the parish of
Villa Musone. Over the years it has taken on a great importance and
today its course of Via Crucis finishes near the Basilica of Santa Casa.
The Passion and Death of Jesus are also the themes of the Sacred
Representation which takes place on Good Friday (every two years) in
Sassoferratto. With particular attention to the scenery, costumes and
environment, it portrays the most intense and important moments of
Christianity, initiating reflection and religious involvement.
In
the Macerata province, the spectacular image of the torch lit castle of
Caldarola, provides the background to the Via Crucis represented by live
pictures. Intense and participative historical commemoration of the
Passion of Christ also takes place in Mogliano Marche and in Pioraco,
whilst in Montelupone, the nightly procession is the mere epilogue to a
day which starts with the solemn celebrations in the Collegiate Church.
Porto Recanati is unique in its commemorations which are made up of the
sea and of fish and coffins, uniting in the celebrations of Good Friday
with the solemn “Night Coffin” procession.
Finally,
the province of Ascoli Piceno celebrates the Easter period with secular
processions, such as those which take place in Monsampolo del Tronto –
where torches and giochi pirici
surround the mystery which takes place in Via Crucis. In Monteprandone,
an old and artistically crafted coffin specially created in 1846 is
carried on the participants’ shoulders. Easter is also celebrated in
Monterubbiano and in Monte San Pietrangeli (where around a hundred
people dress up in the costumes from the scene of “Jesus of
Nazareth” of Zeffirelli).
Therefore in the reconstruction of past events which the people of Le
Marche participate in every year in order to celebrate Easter, a link is
created between local tradition and the great mystery surrounding the
passion, the death and the Resurrection of Christ, symbolising a human
journey common to all; the search for truth and justice.