Holy Week in Messina: full program of processions, exhibitions and the

Holy Week in Messina: schedule and practical information

From Monday 30 March to Sunday 5 April the city celebrates Holy Week with religious ceremonies and cultural visits held in local churches and the Cathedral. All events are free of charge. Main venues include the Church of the Barette, the Cathedral Basilica and the Church of the Mercede.

Main events

• Monday 30 March, 8:30 PM – Church of the Barette: "A Via Dulurusa", a musical dramatization of the Stations of the Cross in the Sicilian dialect, featuring narrator Antonio Previti and the "Luca Marenzio" polyphonic choir.
• Wednesday 1 April, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM – Church of the Barette: inauguration of the Procession Museum and guided tours of the barette (small processional floats).
• Maundy Thursday, 2 April – Cathedral Basilica: "In Coena Domini" mass presided over by Archbishop Accolla at 6:30 PM; Eucharistic adoration from 8:00 PM to midnight. The New Oratory of Peace will also be open for viewing the barette from 8:00 PM to midnight.
• Good Friday, 3 April – Church of the Mercede, 3:30 PM: the ancient ritual of dressing the Madonna, open to female participants only. At 5:30 PM the Cathedral will host the solemn liturgy "In Passione Domini" presided by the Archbishop. From 6:00 PM the traditional procession departs from the Church of the Barette, following Via XXIV Maggio to reach Piazza Duomo for a blessing and then return to the church.
• Easter Sunday, 5 April – Church of the Mercede: Resurrection celebration and the traditional Spampanati festival. Program highlights: 7:30 AM Mass and exit of the simulacra of Jesus and Mary; procession through the city and return to the church; 10:30 AM public meeting of Mary and the Risen Christ in Piazza Duomo; 11:00 AM entrance of the simulacra into the parish church; 6:30 PM Mass presided by rector Don Gianfranco Centorrino. Evening entertainment in the pedestrian area of Via Tommaso Cannizzaro with children's activities (from 7:30 PM) and a musical show (8:30 PM).

Visitor information

Admission: all events are free. Timetables may change: arrive early for major ceremonies and processions, which can attract large crowds.

Participation: the Madonna dressing ritual (Good Friday) is reserved for women. For guided tours or groups, check for scheduled time slots at the Procession Museum and for visits to the barette.

Practical tips: respect sacred spaces and liturgical proceedings; follow pedestrian routes in the historic center to safely attend processions; consider public transport to ease movement during peak times.