Historical Re-enactment of the Passion of Christ in Grassina

A centuries-old tradition at the gates of Florence

The Historical Re-enactment of the Passion of Christ in Grassina is one of the most heartfelt and evocative events of Holy Week in Tuscany. It takes place in the village of Grassina, in the Municipality of Bagno a Ripoli (Province of Florence), just a few kilometres from the regional capital, along the streets of the town centre and on the hill overlooking the village. According to some historical sources, the origins of the event date back to the 17th century; in its modern form, the re-enactment was revived in 1979 by a group of local volunteers as a series of living tableaux with original text and musical arrangements, and it has been renewed continuously every year since.

Five hundred performers and the entire community on stage

The heart of the re-enactment is the extraordinary popular participation: nearly five hundred performers in period costumes, of all ages, bring the environment and characters of the Jerusalem of two thousand years ago to life. The entire community mobilises, with shops and workshops decorating their windows to match the theme. The event is divided into two distinct moments that unfold over approximately five hours of performance.

The procession and the scenes on Calvary

On Good Friday evening, a solemn procession passes through the streets of Grassina and Piazza Umberto I, animated by acted scenes such as the trial of Pilate, the denial of Peter, and Mary helping Jesus carry the cross. Subsequently, the focus shifts to the Calvary hill in the Bubè area, where the culminating scenes of the Passion are performed, illuminated in the evening darkness for a highly emotional effect. Over the years, the direction has offered tributes to art, such as the tableau vivant inspired by the frescoes of Giotto.

New features of the 2026 edition

The 2026 edition, the 43rd, enriched the programme with a highly popular afternoon section: from 2:00 PM, a Roman historical market in Via Tegolaia and a re-enactment of ancient gladiator fights in Piazza Umberto I. The evening also saw the first edition of the Nano Campeggi Award – Ambassador of Bagno a Ripoli, dedicated to the memory of the famous film poster artist linked to the local area.

An identity-defining event for the territory

Organised by the Grassina Tourist Activity Centre (CAT OdV) with the support of the Municipality of Bagno a Ripoli, the re-enactment represents a cultural and religious heritage that unites faith, popular theatre, and tradition. For the visitor, it is an opportunity to experience a unique atmosphere in the heart of the Florentine hills, just a stone's throw from Chianti.