Passione Vivente

A sacred re-enactment in the heart of Foggia

The Passione Vivente is a grand itinerant sacred performance that brings the Lenten season to life in the centre of Foggia, the capital of the Capitanata region and the main city of the Tavoliere delle Puglie. Promoted by the Gesù e Maria Parish, the event stages the final moments of Christ's life, retracing the twelve stations of the Passio Christi along a scenic route that stretches from Via Lanza to Piazza Umberto Giordano.

A journey through the stations of the Passion

The performance begins with the scene in the Garden of Olives, set up near the arcades of Via Lanza, and continues with the scourging and the ascent to Calvary along the street, ending at the large final stage where the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Christ take place. The Gospel narrative comes to life thanks to over a hundred performers, including actors, extras, choirs, and dancers, in a production meticulously curated in its costumes, music, and choreography.

Theatre, faith, and folk tradition

Conceived and directed by actor Gaetano Fania, who also plays the role of Jesus, the Passione Vivente combines the spiritual dimension of Holy Week with a theatrical and popular language capable of engaging thousands of spectators. The initiative was born with the intent of recovering an ancient Foggia tradition that once traversed the streets of the historic centre—from the Iconavetere to the church of San Francesco Saverio and on to the Cathedral—which had been progressively lost over the years.

An event for the city and Puglia

Free and open to all, the event attracts audiences from Foggia and the entire province, helping to renew the bond between the community and its religious roots. Thanks to a live stream provided by local media, the Passione Vivente also reaches those who cannot be present in the square, confirming its status as one of the most attended Holy Week events in Puglia.