Living Via Crucis

The Living Via Crucis of Mosciano Sant'Angelo

The Living Via Crucis is a grand theatrical performance of the Passion of Christ that, during the Lenten period, brings the historic center of Mosciano Sant'Angelo to life. Located in the province of Teramo, overlooking the hills of the Val Vibrata in Abruzzo, the town provides a stunning backdrop. Promoted by the Pro Loco Musiano in collaboration with the Parish of San Michele Arcangelo and supported by the Municipality, the event was established in 2023 and has quickly become one of the most cherished spring traditions in the area.

The medieval village as a stage

What makes this Via Crucis unique is the natural scenery offered by the village: ancient towers, churches, and narrow alleys serve as the perfect backdrop for the scenes of the Passion. The streets and squares are divided into large thematic spaces, each dedicated to a moment of the Gospel narrative, creating an itinerant path that guides the audience from one station to the next under the night sky.

A choral performance

The absolute protagonists are the residents of Mosciano: over one hundred actors and extras, supported by numerous volunteers, bring this choral performance to life with meticulous attention to detail. The theatrical coordination is entrusted to Rolando Macrini, with direction by Roberto Filipponi and costumes designed by Alessandro Pischedda. The atmosphere is completed by the narrators' voices and live musical accompaniment, making every scene even more engaging.

The scenes of the Passion

• The festive entry of Christ into Jerusalem and the scenes of the miracles;
• The Last Supper and the prayer in the Garden of Olives;
• The trials before the Sanhedrin, Herod, and Pontius Pilate;
• The Via Dolorosa along the village streets;
• The Crucifixion and the deposition, the grand finale of the performance.

A tradition of the Abruzzo Holy Week

The Living Via Crucis is part of the rich tradition of Easter sacred plays in Abruzzo, where numerous villages reenact the Passion through faith, popular theater, and community identity. In Mosciano Sant'Angelo, the event has become a gathering point capable of attracting spectators from across the Teramo region, highlighting the town's historical heritage and the work of local associations. It is an intense experience, suitable for the whole family, that blends spirituality, culture, and a sense of community.