Holy Week Processions of Assisi
Rites, processions, and age-old traditions in the city of Saint Francis
About Holy Week of Assisi
Holy Week in the City of Saint Francis
In Assisi (province of Perugia), Holy Week is an event of deep tradition, intertwining liturgy, popular faith, and historical-artistic heritage. The celebrations unfold between the Cathedral of San Rufino, the Chiesa Nuova, the Sanctuary of San Damiano, and the Basilica of Saint Francis, involving the city's confraternities and the community.
The Most Evocative Rites
On Maundy Thursday, the Easter Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord's Supper and, in the evening, the Deposition of the Cross: the "Scavigliazione", a 14th-century laude that re-enacts the taking down of Christ's body from the cross. Good Friday is the day of the two most heartfelt processions: in the morning, the procession of the Dead Christ from the Cathedral of San Rufino, and in the evening, the procession of Our Lady of Sorrows towards the Basilica of Saint Francis, with hooded confraternities and candles.
A Tradition Spanning Centuries
The confraternities of Assisi have preserved these rites for centuries, making them among the oldest in Umbria. The medieval setting of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, makes the processions a moment of strong spiritual and aesthetic impact, capable of attracting faithful and visitors from all over the region.
Holy Week of Assisi — edition 2026
Holy Week 2026
For 2026, the Holy Week in Assisi celebrations followed the liturgical calendar, from Palm Sunday to Easter. The edition, which fell in the year of the Franciscan Centenary, was particularly heartfelt. The city's confraternities animated the traditional rites, from the Deposition of the Cross on Maundy Thursday to the two Good Friday processions.
Programme Holy Week of Assisi 2026
Sunday, March 29 — Palm Sunday
- Blessing of olive branches at Santa Maria sopra Minerva and procession to the Cathedral of San Rufino, presided over by Bishop Felice Accrocca
Wednesday, April 1
- 4:00 PM — Chrism Mass in the Cathedral of San Rufino, with musical accompaniment by the Choir of San Rufino
Thursday, April 2 — Maundy Thursday
- 5:30 PM — Mass of the Lord's Supper with the washing of the feet (opening of the Easter Triduum)
- 7:00 PM — Deposition of the Cross: the "Scavigliazione", a 14th-century laude
Friday, April 3 — Good Friday
- 6:45 AM — Morning readings and prayers
- 7:30 AM — Procession of the Dead Christ from the Cathedral of San Rufino
- 5:00 PM — Celebration of the Passion with adoration of the Cross
- 8:30 PM — Procession of Our Lady of Sorrows towards the Basilica of Saint Francis
Saturday, April 4 — Holy Saturday
- 10:00 PM — Easter Vigil in the Cathedral of San Rufino
Sunday, April 5 — Easter
- Solemn Easter Mass
Highlights Holy Week of Assisi 2026
Prices Holy Week of Assisi 2026
Practical information — Holy Week of Assisi
How to Get There
Assisi is reachable by train (Santa Maria degli Angeli station, connected to the historic center by shuttle bus) and by car (Ospedalicchio exit of the SS75). During the processions, traffic modifications are planned in the historic center.
When
The rites take place from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Dates vary each year according to the liturgical calendar.
Admission
The celebrations and processions are free to attend. Detailed program on the website of the Diocese of Assisi.
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Where does it take place — Holy Week of Assisi
Centro storico di Assisi (Cattedrale di San Rufino, Basilica di San Francesco)
Cattedrale di San Rufino, Piazza San Rufino, 06081 Assisi