Holy Week – Procession of the Sacred Mysteries

The most anticipated rite in Ionian Puglia

In the historic center of Mottola, in the province of Taranto, Holy Week is the defining event for the entire community. Organized by the historic Confraternita del Carmine e Purgatorio, it culminates at dawn on Holy Saturday with the Procession of the Sacred Mysteries: one of the most intense and recognizable Easter rites in Puglia, drawing devotees and visitors from across the region.

While the city is still shrouded in darkness, a slow-moving procession departs from the Chiesa del Carmine, winding through the town's streets until noon, punctuated by the unmistakable funeral marches played by local bands. The atmosphere, defined by silence, flickering lights, and rhythmic music, possesses an extraordinary evocative and emotional power.

The twelve Sacred Mysteries

The heart of the procession consists of twelve sculptural groups depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. They were commissioned around 1857 by Prior Nicola Laino and carried in procession for the first time on April 6, 1860. Each 'Mistero' is carried on the shoulders by four bearers who alternate with others along the route:

• Jesus in the Garden of Olives
• Jesus at the Column
• Ecce Homo (the Crowning with Thorns)
• The Fall under the Cross
• Veronica
• Serafina
• Jesus on the Cross
• The Deposition
• The Pietà
• Calvary, with the Cross of the Mysteries
• The Bier of the Dead Christ
• Our Lady of Sorrows

The 'paranze' and the 'Tric Trac'

One of the most characteristic elements is the paranze: pairs of brothers who, in the Mottola dialect, walk side-by-side, many barefoot as an act of penance, carrying lù prdon, the crown of thorns. Their passage is announced by the Tric Trac, a brother dressed in dark clothing who precedes the procession with his wooden rattle. The Pilgrimage of the Paranze on Holy Thursday, visiting the 'sepulchres' of the city's churches, is a moment of great solemnity.

From Lent to Easter

Preparation begins on Ash Wednesday and continues throughout Lent, with Sunday Stations of the Cross and the traditional Passion Concert. During Holy Week, events follow one another: Palm Sunday, the In Coena Domini Mass on Holy Thursday, the Liturgical Action on Good Friday, and finally, the Procession of the Sacred Mysteries on Holy Saturday, before the joy of Easter.

A tradition passed down from father to son

Since 1956, the procession has taken place at dawn on Holy Saturday, whereas it was originally held on the morning of Good Friday. Today, the rite involves hundreds of brothers and sisters of the Carmine and represents a living cultural and spiritual heritage for Mottola, guarded and passed down from generation to generation. The statues of the Mysteries are also showcased outside of the Easter period thanks to the city's dedicated museum route.