Passio Christi
The sacred representation of the Passion of Christ in the Ginosa ravine
About Passio Christi
The Passio Christi of Ginosa
The Passio Christi is one of the most evocative sacred representations in Puglia: every year, during Holy Week, the historic center of Ginosa (province of Taranto) transforms into ancient Jerusalem to re-enact the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Hundreds of costumed performers, accompanied by narrators, music, and light effects, bring the final days of Christ's life to life in an unparalleled natural setting.
Rione Casale and the ravine: a natural stage
The heart of the performance is the Rione Casale ravine, the deep limestone gorge carved by water that runs through Ginosa. Amidst caves, rock churches, and ancient troglodyte villages illuminated by the flames of tripods, the landscape becomes a true open-air theater. It is here, in this rock amphitheater, that the Passio Christi has found its ideal setting since 1975, attracting thousands of spectators from all over Italy and abroad.
Half a century of tradition
Born in the seventies as a simple Way of the Cross through the streets of the village, the event has evolved over time into a grand sacred representation that unites faith, tradition, and popular participation. Organized by the Pro Loco of Ginosa with the patronage of the Municipality, it reached the milestone of its 50th edition in 2026, which was also celebrated with the "Half a Century of Passio Christi" exhibition hosted at the MuPa.
How the performance unfolds
The evening opens with a parade of costumed performers through the streets and squares of the Casale, leading the spectator along the stages of Jesus' life: from the Last Supper to the arrest, from the trial to the Way of the Cross, up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection. The intensity of the scenes, the attention to costumes, and the natural scenery of the ravine make the experience deeply moving, suitable for both believers and fans of popular theater.
Ginosa and Holy Week in Puglia
Fully recognized among the great re-enactments of the Puglian Holy Week, the Passio Christi today represents an identity heritage for the community of Ginosa and a tourist attraction for the entire province of Taranto. An event that every spring intertwines spirituality, history, and culture in the evocative setting of the rock-hewn village.
Passio Christi — edition 2026
The 50th edition of the Passio Christi of Ginosa was scheduled for two evenings: Saturday, March 28 and Saturday, April 4, 2026, both starting at 8:30 PM in the Rione Casale ravine. The anniversary was accompanied by the "Half a Century of Passio Christi" exhibition set up at the MuPa. However, the performance on April 4, which coincided with Holy Saturday, was cancelled by the organizers for safety reasons: the Local Police had reported an orange weather alert, incompatible with holding the event in the ravine area due to hydrogeological risk. The organization reserved the right to communicate any updates regarding a new date.
Programme Passio Christi 2026
Saturday, March 28, 2026 — from 8:30 PM
First evening of the 50th edition in the Rione Casale ravine, with the parade of costumed performers and the re-enactment of the stages of the Passion of Christ among caves, lights, and tripods.
Saturday, April 4, 2026 (Holy Saturday) — cancelled
The second evening, also scheduled from 8:30 PM with access from Via Burrone, was cancelled for safety reasons due to an orange weather alert and hydrogeological risk in the ravine.
"Half a Century of Passio Christi" Exhibition
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary, the commemorative exhibition dedicated to the history of the event was set up at the MuPa (Via Giunchiglie 10).
Free admission, until maximum capacity is reached.
Highlights Passio Christi 2026
Prices Passio Christi 2026
Practical information — Passio Christi
Location
The performance takes place in the Rione Casale and the ravine of Ginosa (74013), in the province of Taranto. In the 2026 edition, access to the area was permitted exclusively from Via Burrone starting at 8:30 PM.
How to get there
By car: Ginosa can be reached via the SS 106 Jonica and the SS 580; the village is about 20 km from Matera and about forty from Taranto. By train: the nearest station is Ginosa (Taranto-Metaponto line), connected to the center by local shuttles.
Admission and tips
Admission is free, with access permitted until maximum capacity is reached. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes suitable for the dirt paths of the ravine and to arrive early.
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Where does it take place — Passio Christi
Gravina del Rione Casale
Rione Casale, 74013 Ginosa