Holy Week in Taranto between faith and tradition

What is the Holy Week of Taranto?

The Holy Week of Taranto is one of the oldest and most evocative religious events in Puglia. It consists of rites and processions that take place between Holy Thursday and Good Friday, creating a unique atmosphere that involves the entire city. It is not just a religious appointment, but also a cultural experience that allows one to get to know the most authentic soul of Taranto closely.

Where does the Holy Week take place in Taranto?

The main locations are the Old Town of Taranto and the New Borough. The narrow streets of the ancient island, illuminated by torches and enveloped in silence, become the perfect backdrop for the processions. The central points are the Church of San Domenico in the Old Town and the Church of Carmine in the Borough.

When does the Holy Week take place in Taranto?

The celebrations are held every year during the week of Easter. The most anticipated moment is the night between Holy Thursday and Good Friday with the procession of the Addolorata, followed by the grand event of Good Friday with the procession of the Mysteries. The celebrations begin already in the afternoon of Thursday with the rite of the postes.

What is the rite of the postes?

The rite of the postes takes place on the evening of Holy Thursday. The brothers of the two historic Taranto confraternities (Carmine and San Domenico) travel through the churches of the city to visit the "sepulchres," that is, the altars of repose. They move in pairs with the very slow step called nazzicata, which sways back and forth. It is a very evocative moment because it allows one to enter the decorated churches and observe closely the spirituality of Taranto.

What happens during the procession of the Addolorata in Taranto?

The procession of the Addolorata begins at midnight from the Church of San Domenico in the Old Town. The statue of the Madonna Addolorata, dressed in black and with a pierced heart, travels the streets accompanied by hooded brothers. The atmosphere is very intense: the silence is broken only by the funeral marches played by local bands. Following this procession is like taking a journey back in time, as traditions have been passed down unchanged for centuries.

What is the procession of the Mysteries of Taranto?

It is the most famous event of the Holy Week in Taranto. It starts on Good Friday from the Church of Carmine and lasts all night until the morning of Holy Saturday. The statues depict moments of the Passion of Christ: Jesus with the cross, the Crucifixion, the dead Christ, the Madonna Addolorata. The brothers carry them on their shoulders with the slow step of the nazzicata, creating a rhythm that captivates the gaze of those who watch.

How long does the procession of the Mysteries last in Taranto?

The procession of the Mysteries lasts about 14 hours. It begins in the afternoon of Good Friday and ends the following morning. It is a long and intense event, but its duration makes it so special: anyone can attend at different points and at different moments of the night.

What is the atmosphere of the Holy Week in Taranto?

The atmosphere is unique. The streets fill with people, but everything happens in silence and respect. The soft lights, the scent of incense, the funeral marches, and the slow step of the brothers create an exciting experience that is hard to forget. It is not a tourist show, but a rite lived with faith and tradition.

Who are the protagonists of the processions in Taranto?

The protagonists are the brothers of the two historic confraternities: that of the Madonna Addolorata and that of Carmine. They wear white robes with their faces covered by hoods and carry statues or crosses. Some walk barefoot as a sign of penance. Every gesture has a precise meaning, passed down through generations.

What are the funeral marches of the Holy Week in Taranto?

The funeral marches are slow and solemn music played by bands during the processions. They are an integral part of the rite and make the atmosphere even more touching. Some of these melodies were composed specifically for Taranto and have become symbols of the city.

How can tourists experience the Holy Week in Taranto?

A tourist can freely attend the processions along the streets of the city. It is advisable to arrive early at the main points, such as the Church of San Domenico and the Church of Carmine, to observe the departure. A good tip is also to stroll through the alleys of the Old Town while the procession passes through the streets. It is a way to feel part of the rite and breathe in the authentic atmosphere.

What are the best spots to see the processions in Taranto?

The most picturesque locations are the Swing Bridge, which connects the Old Town to the New Borough, the squares in front of the main churches, and the narrow alleys of the historic center. Watching the statues slowly advance between the ancient houses, with the light of the lamps, is one of the most powerful images of the Holy Week in Taranto.

Is silence necessary during the Holy Week in Taranto?

Yes, silence is essential. Despite the presence of many visitors, respect is paramount. The noise of the crowd gives way only to the sound of the funeral marches and the slow rhythm of the brothers. This makes the experience intense and spiritual even for those who are not believers.

Why is the Holy Week of Taranto so famous?

It is famous because it combines faith, tradition, and spectacularity. The slowness of the rites, the antiquity of the confraternities, the precious statues, and the atmosphere of the Old Town create a unique event in the Mediterranean. It is not just a religious festival, but a cultural heritage that attracts tourists, photographers, and scholars from all over the world.