Holy Week of Delia
The sacred representation of the Passion that has brought the streets of Delia to life since 1755
About Holy Week of Delia
A tradition alive since 1755
The Holy Week of Delia, a small town in the province of Caltanissetta, Sicily, is one of the island's most ancient and fascinating sacred representations. Its origins are documented as far back as 1755, the year mentioned in the will of Melchiorre Gulizia, who funded the statue of the Most Holy Savior. In 1960, the "Pro Mortorio and Holy Week Committee" was established, and since 2011, the organization has been managed by the Associazione Settimana Santa Delia, which involves hundreds of people every year, including actors, extras, singers, and musicians.
The sacred representation
For an entire week, from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday, the streets and squares of Delia's historic center transform into a vast open-air theater. The script, inspired by the work Il riscatto di Adamo (The Redemption of Adam), retraces the key episodes of Jesus' life, Passion, and death through acted and sung living tableaux, accompanied by traditional lamentatori (lament singers) and the notes of the Banda Petiliana.
- Palm Sunday: blessing of the palms, procession to the Mother Church, and, in the evening, the Sermon on the Mount, the miracles, and the entry into Jerusalem.
- Holy Thursday: the Last Supper, the Garden of Olives, the capture, and Peter's denial, with Jesus led in chains through the town streets.
- Good Friday: the most dramatic day, featuring the flagellation, Pilate's condemnation, the spectacular "falls" along the climb to Calvary, the Crucifixion (the so-called "Scinnenza"), and the deposition.
- Holy Saturday: the final scenes with Peter's repentance and Judas' despair.
The Easter Meeting
The most anticipated and moving moment is the Incontro (Meeting) on Easter Sunday: the statues of the Risen Christ (the Santu Sarbaturi) and the Madonna meet in the town squares and exchange the kiss of the Resurrection three times, each followed by the famous uphill run of the Christ statue. A ritual that fills the entire Delia community with joy.
An identity heritage
More than just a religious event, Holy Week is the beating heart of Delia's identity: the attention to every detail, the complexity of the texts, and the choral participation make it one of the most followed theatrical representations in Southern Italy, capable of attracting visitors from all over Sicily and beyond.
Holy Week of Delia — edition 2026
The Holy Week of Delia 2026 took place from March 29 to April 5, marked by the customary days of sacred performances. After a three-year absence, Filippo Giordano returned to play the role of Christ, with artistic direction by Diego Giordano and organization managed by the Associazione Settimana Santa Delia, led by president Orazio Rumeo.
The key days were Holy Thursday (April 2), with the capture and trial, and Good Friday (April 3), with the flagellation, the falls along Calvary, and the Crucifixion. On Easter morning (April 5), the emotional Meeting between the Risen Christ and the Madonna was renewed. The Holy Thursday and Good Friday performances were broadcast live by ViU News.
Programme Holy Week of Delia 2026
Palm Sunday (March 29): blessing of the palms, procession to the Mother Church, and, in the evening, prologue, Sermon on the Mount, miracles, and entry into Jerusalem.
Holy Thursday (April 2): Last Supper, Garden of Olives, capture of Jesus, and Peter's denial; Christ is led in chains through the town streets.
Good Friday (April 3): morning procession of the urn and the Addolorata; in the afternoon, flagellation, Pilate's condemnation, the spectacular falls along the climb to Calvary, and in the evening, the Crucifixion ("Scinnenza") and the deposition.
Holy Saturday (April 4): final scenes with Peter's repentance and Judas' despair.
Easter (April 5): Meeting between the Risen Christ and the Madonna at 11:30 AM in Piazza Matrice and at 8:00 PM at the Corso Umberto intersection, with the triple kiss of the Resurrection.
Highlights Holy Week of Delia 2026
Prices Holy Week of Delia 2026
Practical information — Holy Week of Delia
How to get there
Delia is located in the province of Caltanissetta, in the heart of central Sicily. By car, it can be reached via the SS 626 and the provincial roads connecting Canicattì and Caltanissetta. The nearest train station is in Canicattì, just a few kilometers away. The reference airports are Palermo and Catania.
Admission and hours
All performances and processions take place in the historic center (Mother Church, Piazza Matrice, Corso Umberto) and are free to attend. Evening performances generally begin around 8:30 PM. It is recommended to arrive early to witness the most crowded moments, such as Good Friday and the Easter Meeting.
Tips
For the updated program with precise dates and times, we recommend consulting the official website of the Associazione Settimana Santa Delia and its social media channels.
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Where does it take place — Holy Week of Delia
Centro storico, Chiesa Madre e Piazza Matrice