La Turba of Cantiano
The Holy Week representation that transforms the village into an open-air theatre
About La Turba
La Turba of Cantiano, the Good Friday that becomes theatre
La Turba di Cantiano is one of the most important and oldest Good Friday sacred representations in Italy. Every year, in the heart of Holy Week, the historic centre of the Municipality of Cantiano, in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino, at the foot of Monte Catria, transforms into a large open-air theatre where the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ are staged. The urban layout of the village, with its alleys, churchyards, and squares, lends itself to hosting the various scenes of the re-enactment, experienced by the entire community.
A tradition between faith and memory
The origins of La Turba date back to the penitential movements of Franciscan inspiration that, starting from Umbria, spread through the Marche around the mid-13th century. In Cantiano, the devotion was carried on for centuries by the Compagnia dei Disciplinati di Santa Croce. The turning point came in 1938, when, with the establishment of the Società Turba, theatrical elements, dialogues, and acted scenes were added to the traditional procession, giving life to the choral performance that still attracts visitors from all over the region and beyond.
Over 250 costumed participants
The strength of La Turba lies in popular participation: over 250 costumed participants interpret biblical and historical characters, supported by local artisans who create the large wooden sets, by directors, costume designers, and the entire community of Cantiano. The performance takes place in all weather conditions and maintains a strong link with the liturgical calendar of Good Friday.
Awards and UNESCO candidacy
La Turba has received numerous awards, including a letter from the President of the Republic, and is now part of the candidacy project for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, along with the network of the Passions of Christ. In 2019, a dedicated museum was also established to preserve archival materials and the community's memory.
An entire day of devotion
The event is not limited to the evening of Good Friday: the day begins at dawn with the awakening of the village and the traditional visit to the Seven Churches, continues with the afternoon liturgical services, and culminates, after sunset, in the grand evening performance through the village streets, ending with the singing of the Te Deum and the raising of the three empty crosses. An event that makes Cantiano a key destination for those who wish to experience Holy Week in the Marche.
La Turba — edition 2026
La Turba of Cantiano 2026
On April 3, 2026, Good Friday, a new edition of La Turba, the sacred representation of the Passion of Christ, was staged in Cantiano. The entire village transformed into an open-air theatre with the participation of over 250 participants.
The day's program
- 5:00 AM - 5:30 AM – Awakening of the village and traditional visit to the Seven Churches, starting from the parvis of the Collegiate Church.
- 3:30 PM – Liturgical action of the Passion of the Lord at the Church, followed by the procession of the Dead Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows.
- 8:00 PM – Start of the sacred representation through the village streets, with chants, choral hymns, and the drums of the Roman soldiers.
- 8:45 PM - 9:00 PM – Scene of Judas' betrayal and representation of the Last Supper.
- 9:45 PM – Trial, condemnation, and scourging of Christ.
- 10:30 PM - 11:00 PM – Ascent to Calvary with torches, singing of the Te Deum, and raising of the three crosses.
The performance took place in the main squares and streets of the historic centre, including Piazza Luceoli and the Parco della Rimembranza.
Programme La Turba 2026
Good Friday Program, April 3, 2026
- 5:00 AM – Historic centre: awakening to the sound of the battistrangole (whips)
- 5:30 AM – Collegiate Church: visit of the Seven Churches
- 3:30 PM – Liturgical action of the Passion of the Lord
- 4:00 PM – The 33 tolls from the bell towers of the historic centre
- 4:30 PM – Procession of the Dead Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows
- 8:00 PM – Start of the sacred representation through the village streets
- 8:45 PM – Piazza Luceoli: the betrayal of Judas
- 9:00 PM – The Last Supper
- 9:45 PM – Trial, condemnation, and scourging
- 10:30 PM – Ascent to Calvary with torches
- 11:00 PM – Te Deum and raising of the three crosses
Highlights La Turba 2026
- Over 250 costumed participants
- The visit to the Seven Churches at dawn
- The raising of the three crosses with the singing of the Te Deum
- Preparatory Historical Procession on Saturday, March 28, 2026
Prices La Turba 2026
Practical information — La Turba
How to get there
Cantiano is located along the Strada Statale 3 Flaminia, in the hinterland of the Province of Pesaro and Urbino. By car, take the Cantiano exit from the SS3 Flaminia (connections from Fano, Pesaro, and Gubbio). The nearest train station is Fossato di Vico-Gualdo Tadino; to reach the village, local buses or a car are recommended.
When
La Turba takes place on Good Friday, with the Historical Procession preceding it on the Saturday of the previous week. The evening performance is held in the historic centre starting in the evening; the morning and afternoon liturgical events are spread throughout the day.
Admission
The event takes place in the streets and squares of the historic centre and is free. It is advisable to arrive early to find a spot along the routes of the scenes and to wear clothing suitable for cool spring evenings.
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Where does it take place — La Turba
Centro storico di Cantiano