Living Passion of Pofi
The Passion of Christ in the "little Jerusalem" of Ciociaria
About Passion of Pofi
One of the oldest Passions in central Italy
In Pofi, a town in the province of Frosinone in the heart of Ciociaria, Lazio, the Living Passion of Christ is more than just a show: it is a collective ritual that has accompanied the town for generations. Local records trace the first Good Friday processions back to the 13th century, while the first documented theatrical performance dates to 1923. Since then, the event has been held almost uninterruptedly, reaching its 104th edition in 2026.
The village that becomes a "little Jerusalem"
During the days of the performance, Pofi's medieval historic center changes its face. Squares become stages, narrow alleys and stone staircases naturally lend themselves to the procession, while low lighting and the evening darkness create a suspended atmosphere. It is no coincidence that the local press calls the town the "little Jerusalem" of the Frosinone province: the scenery is not built from scratch; it is the village itself.
Two distinct moments
The event is divided into two separate evenings, both starting at 9:00 PM:
- The theatrical performance, set up in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, structured in four acts that retrace evangelical episodes from the Wedding at Cana to the Deposition, passing through the betrayal of Judas, the Last Supper, the Flagellation, and the Crucifixion.
- The Good Friday historical pageant, which winds through the streets and squares of the historic center with over two hundred costumed participants in a solemn and deeply felt procession.
A local organizational machine
Behind these two evenings lies months of work. The Venerdì Santo "Peppino Fiorini" Association, chaired by Ivan Corneli, mobilizes around three hundred people: actors and extras, as well as set designers, costume makers, tailors, carpenters, electricians, stagehands, curtain operators, and audio-lighting technicians. It is a commitment that spans the town's families and generations, explaining why the Passion in Pofi is perceived more as a shared heritage than a mere calendar event.
The context: Ciociaria and Holy Week
Southern Lazio preserves a dense tradition of Easter rites, including processions, confraternities, and sacred representations. Pofi fits into this fabric with one of the longest-running events: its century-old continuity and the number of participants make it a reference point for the entire province of Frosinone, capable of attracting audiences from neighboring towns and beyond the region.
What to expect
Those arriving in Pofi for the Passion will find a quiet, intimate town, very different from the festive atmosphere of a food festival. It is advisable to arrive early to find a spot in the square or along the procession route, dress appropriately—late March and early April evenings in the hills are cool—and maintain a respectful attitude: for the community, this is first and foremost a religious moment.
Passion of Pofi — edition 2026
Living Passion of Pofi 2026 — 104th edition
For 2026, the Venerdì Santo "Peppino Fiorini" Association confirmed the double-event format, which allows for a clear distinction between the theatrical and processional parts. Saturday, March 28 at 9:00 PM, in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the four-act theatrical performance was staged, covering episodes from the Wedding at Cana to the Deposition. Friday, April 3, Good Friday, also at 9:00 PM, the historic center hosted the traditional historical pageant with over two hundred costumed participants.
The organizational machine involved around three hundred people: actors and extras, set designers, costume makers, tailors, carpenters, electricians, stagehands, curtain operators, and audio-lighting technicians. The association's president, Ivan Corneli, spoke of a "source of pride and honor for our entire community." In 2026, Pofi once again confirmed itself, for one evening, as the "little Jerusalem" of the Frosinone province.
Programme Passion of Pofi 2026
Saturday, March 28, 2026 — 9:00 PM, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
Theatrical performance of the Passion of Christ, in four acts. The episodes staged range from the Wedding at Cana to the Deposition, through the betrayal of Judas, the Last Supper, the Flagellation, and the Crucifixion.
Friday, April 3, 2026 (Good Friday) — 9:00 PM, historic center
Historical pageant along the streets and squares of Pofi's historic center, with over two hundred costumed participants, in a solemn procession winding through the alleys of the medieval village.
Highlights Passion of Pofi 2026
- 104th edition of one of the oldest historical-religious re-enactments in central Italy
- Theatrical performance in four acts, from the Wedding at Cana to the Deposition
- Good Friday historical pageant with over 200 costumed participants
- Around 300 people involved in the organization, all from the town
- The medieval village of Pofi as a natural backdrop, the "little Jerusalem" of Ciociaria
Prices Passion of Pofi 2026
Practical information — Passion of Pofi
How to get there
Pofi is located in the province of Frosinone, Lazio. By car: take the Ceprano or Frosinone exit on the A1 Rome-Naples motorway, then follow provincial roads to the town. By train: the nearest station is Ceprano-Falvaterra on the Rome-Cassino-Naples line, then continue by car or local bus connections.
Times and locations
Both evenings begin at 9:00 PM. The theatrical performance takes place in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele; the historical pageant travels through the streets and squares of the historic center.
Tips
- Arrive well in advance: the historic center is small and space fills up quickly.
- Park in areas outside the village and walk up: the alleys are narrow and partially closed to traffic.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the stairs and warm clothing for the evening.
- As this is a religious re-enactment, respectful behavior is requested during the procession.
Information
Updates on dates and the program are available on the Facebook page of the Venerdì Santo "Peppino Fiorini" Association.
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Where does it take place — Passion of Pofi
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele e centro storico di Pofi
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, 03026 Pofi