Holy Week in Taranto: the processions of the Mysteries and of the Addolorata, the perdoni, the nazzicata and the troccola. Rites three centuries old, and the feast of San Cataldo.
History
Holy Week is Taranto's defining event, among the oldest and most evocative rites in Italy. Its origins date back to 1703, when the Tarantine patrician don Diego Calò commissioned in Naples the statues of the Dead Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows, beginning a tradition that has lasted over three centuries.
In 1765 his descendant Francesco Antonio Calò donated the statues to the Confraternity of the Carmine, entrusting it with the honour and the duty of perpetuating the procession. Since then, every year, the city stops and gathers in a collective liturgy weaving together faith, art and popular identity.
What to see
The perdoni. The protagonists are the perdoni (or perdúne), the hooded confratelli who parade in pairs, called "poste". Their extremely slow, swaying gait is called the "nazzicata", a pace symbolising prayer and penance that has become the visual symbol of the Tarantine rites. When two poste cross paths, u salamelicche takes place: the perdoni doff their hats and greet each other by crossing their staffs.
The two processions. On Maundy Thursday the pilgrimages to the Sepulchres begin; at midnight, from the church of San Domenico, the Procession of the Addolorata sets out, greeted by the funeral march "A Gravame". On Good Friday afternoon, from the church of the Carmine, departs the Procession of the Mysteries, with the statues of the Passion, returning only at dawn on Holy Saturday: an extremely slow, hypnotic procession, marked by the sound of the troccola.
San Cataldo. The other great religious appointment is the patron saint's feast, on 10 May: the sea procession with the saint's effigy, escorted by boats, and the exceptional opening of the Swing Bridge, are moments of intense popular participation.
Did you know…
- The rites date back to 1703, when don Diego Calò had the statues brought from Naples.
- The 'nazzicata' is the perdoni's extremely slow, swaying gait: the symbol of the Tarantine rites.
- 'U salamelicche' is the ritual greeting between two pairs of confratelli crossing paths.
- The Procession of the Mysteries lasts all night, returning at dawn on Holy Saturday.
Practical information
| Hours | Moveable dates between March and April, following the liturgical calendar. San Cataldo: 10 May. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free: the rites take place in the city's streets and churches. |
| Accessibility | The processions are followed along the city streets; some areas can be very crowded. |
| Getting there | The rites take place in the city centre and the Old Town, between the church of the Carmine and San Domenico. |
Tips for your visit
- Book accommodation well in advance: Holy Week draws many visitors.
- For the most intense atmosphere, follow the Procession of the Mysteries through the night.
- Keep a respectful demeanour: these are rites of deep devotion, not shows.
- On 10 May, don't miss the sea procession for San Cataldo.