The Good Friday Procession in Grassina
Good Friday
The reenactment of the Passion of Christ is one of the most significant events in Bagno a Ripoli, not to mention one of the most beautiful and fascinating performances in all of Italy. It is a festival that fills the streets and piazzas with people to celebrate the sacred drama that is the Passion of Christ.
The Good Friday Procession in Grassina began in the 17th century and grew alongside the work of Leonard of Port Maurice, founder of the Convento dell’Incontro and promoter of processions of penance throughout Tuscany, in addition to being the creator of the “Via Crucis”. Over the years, and thanks to the evolution of the general religious sentiment, the event has undergone a transformation. From simple act of faith combined with a strong dose of superstition the Procession has become a spectacular example of religious theater in plein air (in 1933 the traditional procession was flanked by a stage performance of the Passion of Christ), where intense local participation is merged with the wild and rugged charm of the surrounding natural scenery.
Every Good Friday this moment of collective religion involves the entire city. It begins with a long procession of almost 500 people dressed as all of the representative characters of the Holy Week tradition; slender figures, mighty soldiers and centurions, majestic horses and wealthy Roman matrons accompany Christ in his journey towards Mount Calvary through the countryside. Once having arrived at the foot of the Golgota hill, the excellent directors of the reenactment recount the most important scenes from the life and Passion of Jesus. This moment represents the highlight of the entire event. A light show and music further enrich the drama, creating a magical and suspended atmosphere in which the actors and nature come together, turning a beautiful typical Tuscan hill, dotted with olive trees and old stone walls, into the rugged natural stage that witnessed the death of Christ.
Centro Attività Turistica di Grassina
Via Dante Alighieri, 11 – Grassina
tel +39 055 646051
This post is also available in: Italian
