Living Via Crucis and Procession of the Dead Christ (Sacred Passion Play)
On Good Friday, the Passion of Christ comes to life in the village of Cittaducale, blending faith, theatre, and local tradition.
About Living Via Crucis Cittaducale
Good Friday in Cittaducale
In the heart of the Reatina Sabina, Cittaducale celebrates one of the most poignant moments of its Holy Week every Good Friday: the Living Via Crucis and the Procession of the Dead Christ, also known as the Sacred Passion Play. For one evening, this ancient Angevin-founded village in the province of Rieti transforms into a vast open-air stage where the community collectively reenacts the final moments of Jesus' life.
A travelling sacred play
The event combines the rigour of popular devotion with the power of street theatre. Dozens of performers in period costumes bring the Stations of the Cross to life along a route that winds through the most picturesque corners of the historic centre. The scenes, performed and narrated, guide the spectator from the entry into Jerusalem to the crucifixion, culminating in the final procession of the Dead Christ and the Our Lady of Sorrows, accompanied by a marching band that marks the cortege with funeral marches.
A rediscovered tradition
In Cittaducale, the Good Friday representation is rooted in an ancient custom, revived over the years in various forms and organizational structures. In its current guise, the event is promoted by the Associazione Tradizioni Civitesi, which has relaunched the initiative annually since 2024 with the support of the Parish, the Municipality of Cittaducale, and the Lazio Region. For the organizers, the rediscovery of traditions is the true soul of the town: a journey of sharing that strengthens the bond between local identity and collective memory.
An atmosphere of reflection
What makes the Civitese Via Crucis special is the participation: citizens wait along the route, the lights dim, silence accompanies the living tableaux, and the notes of the band envelop the village stones. This is not a show for tourists, but an authentic rite in which the entire community of Cittaducale recognizes itself, passing on a heritage of faith and popular culture to new generations.
The village of Cittaducale
Founded in 1309 by the will of Robert of Anjou, Cittaducale preserves a regular medieval urban layout, with its central square, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Popolo, and narrow alleys that serve as a natural backdrop for the performance. Visiting the village on Good Friday allows you to fully grasp its charm, amidst historic architecture and a religious tradition deeply rooted in the Rieti territory and the Lazio region.
Living Via Crucis Cittaducale — edition 2026
2026 Edition
On Friday, April 3, 2026, the day of Good Friday, the village of Cittaducale hosted for the third consecutive year the Via Crucis in period costumes and the solemn Procession of the Dead Christ. The initiative, promoted by the Associazione Tradizioni Civitesi, saw heartfelt participation from the community, confirming the strong bond between Civitese identity and tradition.
The performers animated the Stations of the Cross with dedication along the streets of the historic centre, while citizens awaited the passage of the procession along the route. The marching band added a unique touch to the evening, making the performance even more intense and moving. The event took place under the patronage of the Lazio Region and the Municipality of Cittaducale, with the support of the Parish led by Father Sante.
Programme Living Via Crucis Cittaducale 2026
Travelling sacred representation of the Passion along the streets of the historic centre of Cittaducale: living tableaux with performers in period costumes, from the scenes of the Passion to the crucifixion. Followed by the solemn procession of the Dead Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows, accompanied by the marching band. Starts in the evening.
Highlights Living Via Crucis Cittaducale 2026
- Third consecutive edition of the event
- Living Via Crucis with performers in period costumes
- Procession of the Dead Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows
- Accompaniment by the marching band
- Patronage of the Lazio Region and the Municipality of Cittaducale
Prices Living Via Crucis Cittaducale 2026
Practical information — Living Via Crucis Cittaducale
How to get there
By car: Cittaducale can be reached via the SS4 Salaria, a few kilometres from Rieti; it is approximately 80 km from Rome. By train, the Cittaducale station is on the Terni-Rieti-L'Aquila-Sulmona line.
When
The event is held every year on Good Friday, in the evening. The procession starts from the historic centre; it is advisable to arrive early to find a spot along the route.
Admission
Participation is free and open-air. We recommend wearing clothing suitable for the season and evening temperatures, as well as maintaining a respectful attitude as this is a religious event.
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Where does it take place — Living Via Crucis Cittaducale
Centro storico di Cittaducale