Passiùn di Gesù Cristo
The sacred representation of Maundy Thursday in the historic center of Castagnole Monferrato
About Passiùn di Gesù Cristo
The Passiùn di Gesù Cristo in Castagnole Monferrato
In the heart of the Monferrato area near Asti, every Maundy Thursday, the small town of Castagnole Monferrato (Province of Asti, Piedmont) becomes an open-air stage for the Passiùn di Gesù Cristo, a popular sacred performance that weaves together theater, song, and procession. At dusk, starting from Piazza del Municipio, actors and residents lead the audience along the streets of the historic center in a processional path, illuminated by torches and marked by traditional songs and the sounds of the night.
A peasant tradition brought back to life
The Passiùn has its roots in an ancient custom: during Holy Week, the village youth would sing the Passion of Christ, going from house to house to collect offerings while carrying reed crosses. This popular memory was brought back to the stage in 2003 thanks to playwright Luciano Nattino and anthropologist Piercarlo Grimaldi, giving life to what is now one of the most heartfelt Holy Week events in the Monferrato region. It is not a religious procession in the strict sense, but a secular rhapsody, open to believers and non-believers alike, where the community acts as the guardian and narrator of its own memory.
Popular theater and shared ritual
The artistic direction is entrusted to Patrizia Camatel, who works alongside professional actors and the community theater workshop of Castagnole. Each year, the Passiùn takes on a different title and theme, offering a fresh perspective on the Gospel narrative. The performance benefits from high-level anthropological and scenographic expertise, using traditional instruments like the tarabacole (wooden rattles) and wooden sculptures that become ritual objects along the route.
The village of Ruchè
Castagnole Monferrato is also famous as the home of Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG, a rare indigenous red wine from Piedmont. It is no coincidence that, at the end of the Passiùn, the Pro Loco traditionally offers everyone present a glass of Ruchè and a slice of chestnut cake, sealing the ritual with a moment of conviviality that is itself part of the local culture.
Why it is worth attending
- One of the most authentic and well-attended sacred performances of Holy Week in Piedmont.
- An evocative processional path in the historic center, featuring torches, songs, and community theater.
- Completely free admission, with a final tasting of Ruchè and chestnut cake.
- The perfect opportunity to discover a village in the Monferrato area, a UNESCO World Heritage wine landscape.
Passiùn di Gesù Cristo — edition 2026
The twenty-fourth edition of the Passiùn di Gesù Cristo took place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 9:00 PM, starting from Piazza del Municipio in Castagnole Monferrato and following a processional path through the historic center to the Courtyard.
The year's title, "The Gospel of the Seamstresses", highlighted women as guardians of memory: groups of seamstresses recounted and re-stitched the story of the Passion, with needles and thread as symbols of care and testimony. A key element of the edition was a large cloth collectively sewn and embroidered, a work created on March 22 under the guidance of artist Barbara Mugnai from the Polytechnic University of Milan.
The artistic direction was entrusted to Patrizia Camatel, with anthropological consulting by Piercarlo Grimaldi and scenographic design by Agnese Falcarin. The event was organized by the Municipality of Castagnole Monferrato and Casa degli Alfieri, with the support of the Piedmont Region, Fondazione CRAsti, and Fondazione CRT.
Programme Passiùn di Gesù Cristo 2026
Thursday, April 2, 2026 — 9:00 PM
- 9:00 PM — Departure from Piazza del Municipio and processional path through the historic center to the Courtyard.
Theme of the edition: "The Gospel of the Seamstresses" — women as guardians of memory, featuring a large cloth collectively sewn and embroidered (created on March 22 under the guidance of artist Barbara Mugnai, Polytechnic University of Milan).
Artistic direction: Patrizia Camatel.
Actors: Fabio Fassio, Elena Formantici, Jane Plumbini, with participants from the theater workshop "Close your eyes and start looking" (Roberta Arato, Luisella De Candia, Anna Del Console, Viola Coppo, Mara Masenga, Matteo Pavese, Claudio Possenti, Ylenia Sileo, Monica Viarengo, Alba Nicoletti Nattino).
Music: traditional songs performed by the groups J'Arliquato (Castiglione d'Asti) and Pjitevarda (Cossano Belbo).
Consulting: anthropological by Piercarlo Grimaldi, scenographic by Agnese Falcarin.
At the end, Ruchè and chestnut cake offered by the Pro Loco.
Highlights Passiùn di Gesù Cristo 2026
Prices Passiùn di Gesù Cristo 2026
Practical information — Passiùn di Gesù Cristo
When
Maundy Thursday, in the evening (9:00 PM). The date varies each year according to the Easter calendar.
Where
Historic center of Castagnole Monferrato (Province of Asti). Departure from Piazza del Municipio, with a processional path leading to the Courtyard.
How to get there
By car: Castagnole Monferrato can be reached from Asti (about 15 km) via the Monferrato roads; reference highway exits on the A21 Turin-Piacenza. By train: the nearest station is Asti, well-connected to Turin, from where you can continue by car or bus.
Admission
Free. At the end, Ruchè and chestnut cake are offered by the Pro Loco.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets of the historic center and clothing suitable for cool early spring evenings.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Passiùn di Gesù Cristo
Centro storico di Castagnole Monferrato
Piazza del Municipio, 14030 Castagnole Monferrato