Holy Week in Ragusa Ibla
Solemn Easter rites in the Baroque district of Ragusa Ibla
About Holy Week Ibla
A centuries-old tradition in the heart of Sicily's Baroque
The Holy Week in Ragusa Ibla is one of the oldest and most evocative Easter rituals in south-eastern Sicily. Celebrated in the Baroque district of Ragusa Ibla, in the municipality of Ragusa, it traces its roots back to a procession documented as early as 1713: over three centuries of uninterrupted devotion that make this the oldest attested event in the city. Due to its cultural significance, it is inscribed in the Register of Intangible Heritage of Sicily.
The confraternity processions
The solemn rites begin on Palm Sunday, when the historic Confraternities of Ibla start the evocative processions that accompany their statues to the Mother Church of San Giorgio during the traditional "Forty Hours of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament." In the following days, processions carry the statues of the Pietà , Veronica, and Christ in the Garden of Olives to the Cathedral, animated by the members of the district's various churches.
Good Friday and the Procession of the Dead Christ
The highlight occurs on the evening of Good Friday: following the celebration of the Lord's Passion in the afternoon, the Solemn Procession of the Dead Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows departs from the Mother Church of San Giorgio at 8:00 PM. The procession slowly traverses the streets and squares of Ibla—from Piazza Duomo to Corso XXV Aprile, and on to Piazza Pola and back—illuminated by thousands of votive candles that transform the stone streets into a setting of intense spirituality.
Faith, history, and identity
More than just a religious event, the Holy Week of Ragusa Ibla is a heritage that belongs to faith, but also to the history, culture, and identity of an entire community. Popular devotion merges with the extraordinary backdrop of the Sicilian Baroque, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering believers and visitors an experience of profound reflection.
When it takes place
- Where: Ragusa Ibla, Municipality of Ragusa (Province of Ragusa, Sicily)
- When: From Palm Sunday to Easter
- Heart of the rites: The Mother Church of San Giorgio and the streets of the Baroque district
- Admission: Free
Holy Week Ibla — edition 2026
Holy Week 2026 in Ragusa Ibla
The 2026 rites followed the customary sequence: from Palm Sunday, March 29, with the blessing of palms and olive branches, to the confraternity processions toward the Mother Church of San Giorgio during the Forty Hours of Adoration. On Good Friday, April 3, after the celebration of the Lord's Passion at 5:00 PM, the Solemn Procession of the Dead Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows took place at 8:00 PM, led by the parish priest and accompanied by the San Giorgio Musical Association. Thousands of votive candles illuminated the Baroque district in a moment of intense spirituality, attended by numerous faithful despite the uncertain weather. Holy Week concluded with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday and the celebrations of Easter Sunday, April 5.
Programme Holy Week Ibla 2026
2026 Program
- Palm Sunday (March 29): Blessing of palms and olive branches, procession, and start of the confraternity rites
- Holy Thursday (April 2): Mass of the Lord's Supper with the washing of the feet and Eucharistic adoration
- Good Friday (April 3): 5:00 PM celebration of the Lord's Passion; 8:00 PM Solemn Procession of the Dead Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows from the Mother Church of San Giorgio
- Holy Saturday (April 4): Easter Vigil
- Easter Sunday (April 5): Solemn celebrations
Highlights Holy Week Ibla 2026
Prices Holy Week Ibla 2026
Practical information — Holy Week Ibla
How to get there
Ragusa Ibla can be reached by car via the SS115; those arriving by train should get off at Ragusa station and continue by local bus or on foot (about 1.5 km downhill towards Ibla). The nearest airport is Comiso (CIY), about 25 km away; Catania-Fontanarossa (CTA) is approximately 100 km away.
Practical tips
The streets of the Baroque district are steep and paved with stone: wear comfortable shoes. The Good Friday Procession of the Dead Christ departs at 8:00 PM from the Mother Church of San Giorgio; it is advisable to arrive early to find a spot along the route. Access to the rites is free.
Information
Municipality of Ragusa, tel. +39 0932 646400. Full program available on the website of the Diocese of Ragusa.
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Where does it take place — Holy Week Ibla
Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio
Piazza Duomo, Ragusa Ibla, 97100 Ragusa