Holy Week in Ispica

One of the most heartfelt Holy Weeks in Sicily

The Holy Week in Ispica, a town in the Province of Ragusa in the heart of the Baroque Val di Noto, is one of the oldest and most attended Easter rites in south-eastern Sicily. For over a week, from the end of Lent until Easter Sunday, the entire Ispica community experiences a succession of processions, re-enactments, and celebrations that weave together popular faith, theatricality, and civic identity.

The Cavari and the Nunziatari: two cities in one

The heart of the tradition is the devotional rivalry between the two historic archconfraternities that have divided the city for centuries: the Cavari, linked to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and recognizable by their red capes, and the Nunziatari, linked to the Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata and dressed in blue. The two confraternities guard and carry the simulacra of the Passion in procession, fueling an ancient rivalry made of faith, pride, and belonging that colors all of Ispica in red and blue.

Main rites

• U venniri ra' Santa Cascia (last Friday of Lent): celebrations open with the procession of the silver reliquary urn, the "Santa Cascia", which traditionally houses a fragment of Christ's crown of thorns.
• Palm Sunday: the re-enactment of Christ's entry into Jerusalem passes through the town center.
• Maundy Thursday: at night, a long living Stations of the Cross departs from the rock church of Santa Maria della Cava, in the evocative Cava d'Ispica, to reach the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore; the Crucifixion and the deposition of Christ are staged.
• Good Friday: this is the highlight. The statue of Christ with the Cross leaves the church, greeted by Roman knights in parade, and travels through the town streets, accompanied by the confraternities and the marching band, until the emotionally charged encounter with Our Lady of Sorrows.
• Easter Sunday: the festival concludes with the "'Ncuontru", the joyful meeting between the Risen Christ ("'U Risuscitatu") and Mary, amidst fireworks, ringing bells, and the exultation of the faithful.

History and recognition

The tradition has ancient roots: it is said that a wooden crucifix was already venerated in the early centuries of Christianity in the small rock church of Santa Maria della Cava. Today, the Holy Week rites in Ispica are recognized as intangible heritage among the identity-defining events of the Sicilian Region and represent one of the highest expressions of Iblean popular religiosity. For visitors, witnessing the "'Ncuontru" or the Good Friday procession of the knights means stepping into the heart of a people's identity that renews itself year after year.