Living Via Crucis of Francofonte
The Passion of Christ comes to life on the streets of Francofonte during Holy Week
About Living Via Crucis
A sacred performance in the heart of the Sicilian Holy Week
The Living Via Crucis of Francofonte is one of the most heartfelt events of Holy Week in the municipality of Francofonte, in the province of Syracuse. It is a traveling sacred performance that stages the final days of Jesus' life through the streets and squares of the town: from his entry into Jerusalem to the Passion and the crucifixion. It is a ritual deeply rooted in the community, which now considers it a fixed appointment in the local religious calendar.
A tradition unique to Francofonte
What makes this Via Crucis special is the choral participation of the entire community: the protagonists are all citizens of Francofonte, who every year take on the roles of biblical characters. Dozens of participants—apostles, Roman soldiers, women, and townspeople—bring a grand living tableau to life, carefully coordinated. The event is promoted by the San Francesco Parish, led by Father Carmelo Scalia, with the patronage of the Municipality of Francofonte.
The route through the historic center
The performance is itinerant and follows a route that crosses the town's main public spaces. The procession moves from the church square and winds through the streets of the center, touching the most important squares:
- Piazza Matteotti — the scene of the Last Supper;
- Piazza Torino — the capture of Jesus;
- Piazza Garibaldi — the trial before Pontius Pilate;
- Contrada Canali — the crucifixion, the climactic moment of the performance.
A suggestive experience
In the darkness of the evening, illuminated by torches and lights, the Living Via Crucis offers moments of intense emotion and spirituality. For the inhabitants of Francofonte, it is an occasion for reflection and collective identity, while for visitors, it represents an authentic way to experience the Sicilian Easter, far from the most beaten tourist paths. The event confirms the vitality of Holy Week traditions in the Syracuse area and throughout Sicily.
Living Via Crucis — edition 2026
37th edition — April 4, 2026
The 2026 edition of the Living Via Crucis, initially scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed to April 4 due to bad weather. The performance, promoted by the San Francesco Parish and spiritually guided by Father Carmelo Scalia, involved 65 participants, all citizens of Francofonte. The evening began from the church square with the scene of the resurrection of Lazarus, then wound through the town's squares until the crucifixion in the Canali district.
Programme Living Via Crucis 2026
The route of the performance
The 2026 Living Via Crucis began at 6:30 PM from the church square with the scene of the resurrection of Lazarus, then continued as a procession through the streets of the town:
- Piazza Matteotti — the Last Supper;
- Piazza Torino — the capture of Jesus;
- Piazza Garibaldi — the trial before Pontius Pilate;
- Contrada Canali — the crucifixion, the final act of the performance.
The cast
The direction was handled by Carmelo Melilli, with artistic direction by Gaetano Caponetto and production management by Salvatore Serratore. Among the main performers:
- Jesus Christ — Giovanni Scifo;
- Mary, Mother of Jesus — Francesca Scollo;
- Pontius Pilate — Gianluca Romito;
- Mary Magdalene — Romina Interliggi;
- Veronica — Gioia Lo Terzo.
Completing the cast were the twelve apostles, Roman soldiers, women, and other biblical figures, for a total of 65 participants, all from Francofonte.
Highlights Living Via Crucis 2026
- Opening with the resurrection of Lazarus from the church square;
- The Last Supper in Piazza Matteotti;
- The trial before Pilate in Piazza Garibaldi;
- The crucifixion in the Canali district, the climactic moment.
Prices Living Via Crucis 2026
Practical information — Living Via Crucis
When
The Living Via Crucis is held during Holy Week, generally in the days leading up to Easter. In case of bad weather, the date may be postponed.
Where
It takes place in the historic center of Francofonte (province of Syracuse, Sicily). The departure is from the church square; the route touches Piazza Matteotti, Piazza Torino, Piazza Garibaldi and ends in the Canali district.
How to get there
Francofonte can be reached by car via the SS194 road connecting Catania to Ragusa. The nearest airports are Catania-Fontanarossa and Comiso. The reference railway station is in Lentini.
Admission
Participation is free and open to all.
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Where does it take place — Living Via Crucis
Centro storico di Francofonte