Processions of Holy Week in Mendrisio

Description

The Holy Week processions, documented since the second half of the 17th century, take place on the evening of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday through the old town of Mendrisio. During this event, the street lighting is turned off and the gentle light of the «Trasparenti» spreads in the alleys: These are large illuminated images painted on translucent screens, mounted on wooden frames, and lit from inside. They come in various shapes and sizes and are stretched along the procession route through the alleys. Maundy Thursday procession During the Maundy Thursday procession, called fünziun di Giüdée in the local dialect, about 270 people walk through the village streets reenacting the drama of Jesus Christ by staging the Passion. The presence of around forty horses, footmen with torches, trumpeters, and drummers helps create an atmosphere of great charm. Good Friday procession The Good Friday procession, known as Entierro (from the Spanish word "entierro", burial), is strict and solemn, and more imbued with spirituality. Over seven hundred people in costumes participate, divided into members of two brotherhoods and religious associations. The audience can choose the location where they want to follow the processions, but we point out that it is possible to reserve a seat on the stands at Piazza del Ponte. On 12.12.2019, UNESCO included the Mendrisio Holy Week processions in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Buy your seat on the stand CHF 15