Orte: 5th National Holy Week Day and ongoing UNESCO recognition process

On Saturday 23 May 2026, Orte will host the 5th National Holy Week Day, organised by the association Europassione. All sessions will take place at the Episcopal Palace of Orte.

Europassione for Italy, founded in 2004, promotes and safeguards sacred Passion plays and the Holy Week processional rites linked to Easter. The association connects over 40 local groups across most Italian regions and is part of the wider European Passio Domini network.

The programme will address the protection of intangible heritage, featuring institutional meetings, themed discussions and an afternoon conference on historical aspects of local religious practices.

For Orte, the Procession of the Dead Christ is undergoing the UNESCO nomination process as an intangible cultural heritage element, involving local confraternities and reflecting a deep-rooted ritual tradition.

• Speakers and participants: Patrizia Nardi (UNESCO heritage specialist), Leonardo Ventura (Central Institute for Cultural Heritage, Ministry), Margherita Eichberg (Superintendence for Southern Etruria), Luisa Vietri (anthropologist).
• Hosts and attendees: mayor Dino Primieri and president Roberto Rodelli will host the event; numerous national brotherhoods are expected to attend.

Practical information: the 5th National Holy Week Day takes place on 23 May 2026 at the Episcopal Palace in Orte. For precise schedules and participation details, consult the organisers' official channels.