Holy Week in Iglesias

The origins of the Holy Week rites in Iglesias date back to the end of the 17th century. The set of events related to this particular moment of the calendar year begins on Tuesday with the procession of the Mysteries, when seven wooden simulacra, which recall the crucial phases of the Passion of the Christ, are carried in procession through the city streets. On a small table, covered with plant fronds, an olive tree is hoisted, under which there is a wooden statue depicting Jesus. This first Mystery intends to recall the scene of Christ gathered in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, before being arrested following the betrayal of Judas. Next are the statues depicting the imprisoned Jesus, the scourged Christ, crowned with thorns, on his way to Calvary, crucified, and finally the simulacrum of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Immediately after sunset on Thursday, the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows is transported to seven churches where Tombs have been set up. The streets are crowded with young people and children wearing the penitential dress of Baballottis, that of the ancient Disciplinants. The sound background of this ritual phase is given by the percussion of the drums and the sound produced by the matraccas (crepitacles).

On Friday evening, the solemn procession of the Descent takes place, which stages the burial of Christ. The suggestion of the atmosphere is increased by the light of the torches and the incessant sound of the matraccas, aimed at removing evil from the world that was stunned by the death of Jesus. Of great visual impact is the presence of the Germans, the members of the Archconfraternity, whose name derives from the Spanish term Hermanos (brothers), who wear the historic starched white dress adorned with black bows, while on their heads they wear a hood (a visor) that hides their faces as a sign of humility and respect. The procession is opened by two large banners (is Vexillas), guarded by the Archconfraternity of the Holy Mount and depicting symbols and characters related to the Passion. Two children follow in the guise of Magdalene and Saint John, covered with gold in accordance with Spanish tradition. Next, the Workers of the Descent and Giuseppe D'Arimatea and Nicodemo (is Varonis), who hold pliers and hammers between their fingers. Behind them proceeds the littiga (sa lettèra) where the simulacrum of Christ was placed at 15 at the Oratory of Saint Michael, after being deposed from the cross. Finally, the simulacrum of Our Lady of Sorrows carrying in her hands the Son's crown of thorns, escorted by the people. The participation in this last procession is choral: it is certainly the most awaited one and in which all the people try to collaborate, including the youngest children dressed as little angels

During Saturday night, at the song of Gloria, the Risen Christ enters the cathedral.

On the morning of Easter Sunday, by the Brotherhood of Saint Joseph, two processions take place: one part from the church of Saint Joseph with the simulacrum of Our Lady, the other from the Cathedral with that of the Risen Jesus.

On the evening of the Tuesday after Easter, after the Chapter Mass in the city's cathedral, the S'inserru procession takes place, which doubles with three bows and three greetings as the simulacra of the Risen Jesus and the Madonna move away to be accompanied respectively to the church of Saint Francis and the church of Joseph.

History of the event

The influence of Iberian culture on Iglesias's Holy Week is evident, both in the details and in the atmospheres that animate the various ritual moments. In particular, the Archconfraternity of Santo Monte — founded in the 16th century and in 1616, by bull of Pope Paul V, is elevated to an Archconfraternity — is governed by

ancient customs that have mostly remained unchanged over the centuries.

Update

24/3/2024 - 20:09