Holy Week in Assoro
Passion rites in the 'sulfur village', featuring the Angioletti and barefoot processions
About Holy Week
Holy Week in the 'sulfur village'
Among the most intense and authentic Holy Week celebrations in inland Sicily, the one in Assoro — a small town perched at over 800 meters above sea level in the province of Enna — turns the historic center into a grand open-air sacred theater for eight days. The rituals, deeply rooted in the identity of this "sulfur village," involve the entire community: confraternities, brass bands, choirs, and hundreds of faithful gather along the cobblestone streets, with the evocative Basilica of San Leone as the focal point.
Eight days of faith and tradition
The journey begins on Palm Sunday, when the procession featuring olive branches and woven palms departs from the Church of the Holy Spirit to reach the Basilica of San Leone. The following days include the Way of the Cross with the Wooden Cross on Holy Monday and, on Holy Tuesday, one of the most beloved moments: the Gathering of the Angioletti, children dressed as angels who carry the symbols of the Passion in procession — the Face of Christ, the Chalice, the Crown of Thorns, the Dice, and the Tunic — from the Church of the Holy Spirit to the Basilica.
On Holy Wednesday, the village confraternities lead a solemn procession toward the Calvary, while Holy Thursday is dedicated to the Washing of the Feet in the Basilica and, in the evening, to visiting the 'Sepolcri' (altars of repose) set up in the town's churches.
Good Friday: the heart of the Passion
The climax is Good Friday, with the grand procession of the Dead Christ accompanied by the Sorrowful Virgin: the village streets are illuminated by torches and candles, the "Nudi" — barefoot faithful — walk the streets in penance, and singers perform ancient Passion chants live. It is a nocturnal ritual that continues until the first light of dawn, uniting devotion, collective memory, and deep emotional intensity.
A cultural heritage
The Holy Week of Assoro is not just a religious event, but a pillar of the cultural identity of the town and all of inland Sicily. The numerous confraternities — of the Crucifix, the Sorrowful Virgin, the Sacred Heart, Mary Most Holy of the Angels, and Saint Joseph — guard and pass down the gestures, symbols, and melodies that make this event a unique experience for anyone visiting the province of Enna during the Easter period.
Holy Week — edition 2026
For the 2026 edition, the Municipality of Assoro renewed its commitment to promoting its Easter rites, entrusting television and social media coverage to the network composed of Bella Sicilia and Onda TV, with the goal of sharing one of the most deeply felt traditions of the Enna hinterland beyond local borders.
The calendar followed the traditional schedule: Palm Sunday on March 29, the Gathering of the Angioletti on Holy Tuesday, the confraternity procession on Wednesday, and the Washing of the Feet and visit to the 'Sepolcri' on Holy Thursday. The highlight was the Good Friday night procession on April 3, featuring the Dead Christ, the Sorrowful Virgin, and barefoot faithful walking through streets illuminated by torches, accompanied by traditional Passion chants.
Programme Holy Week 2026
The 2026 edition followed the traditional ritual schedule, marked by the liturgical calendar of Holy Week.
- Sunday, March 29 (Palm Sunday) — Blessing of the palms and procession from the Church of the Holy Spirit to the Basilica of San Leone.
- Holy Monday — Way of the Cross with the Wooden Cross through the village streets.
- Holy Tuesday — Gathering of the Angioletti: children carry the symbols of the Passion in procession.
- Holy Wednesday — Solemn procession of the confraternities toward the Calvary.
- Thursday, April 2 — Coena Domini Mass and Washing of the Feet in the Basilica of San Leone; evening visit to the 'Sepolcri'.
- Friday, April 3 (Good Friday) — Passion of the Lord in the afternoon; in the evening, the grand procession of the Dead Christ and the Sorrowful Virgin with barefoot faithful and Passion singers.
- Saturday, April 4 — Easter Vigil.
- Sunday, April 5 (Easter) — Solemn celebrations of the Resurrection.
The detailed schedule for the 2026 edition followed those established in previous years; for precise confirmation, please refer to parish and municipal notices.
Highlights Holy Week 2026
Prices Holy Week 2026
Practical information — Holy Week
Getting there
Assoro is located in the province of Enna, along the ridge of the Sicilian hinterland. By car, it can be reached from the A19 Palermo-Catania motorway (Mulinello or Enna exit), continuing along the SS117bis. The nearest train station is in Enna, which is connected by local bus lines.
When to go
The rites take place throughout Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. The most evocative moment is the Good Friday night procession.
Tips
Admission to the rites is free. We recommend comfortable clothing for walking along the steep streets of the historic center and a jacket for the evening hours, which are often cool given the village's altitude. For updated information, it is useful to consult the municipal tourist portal.
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Where does it take place — Holy Week
Basilica di San Leone e centro storico
Basilica di San Leone, 94010 Assoro