The city is ready for the Good Friday procession: the rite that par excellence characterizes Holy Week. L’Aquila knows well the meaning of the word rebirth which perfectly encapsulates and summarizes this Catholic tradition linked to Easter. An even more important meaning for the community this year, especially after the recent nomination as Capital of Culture for 2025.
The Good Friday Procession it is a rite that has been renewed in L’Aquila since 1954, revived at the request of the aspirant brother Nicola Roccioletti which revived the ancient cult which had been dormant, for reasons of public order, for almost two centuries. Over time the procession has merged inextricably with the social fabric of the city. A tradition that only the earthquake and the health emergency had managed to interrupt; in fact this should have been the 70th edition. Due to the stop in 2009, 2020 and 2021, the round “birthday” should, at this point, coincide with the year in which the city will be Italian Capital of Culture. For the people of L’Aquila it is not just a religious momentbut of great identity union, especially after the events of 6 April 2009 which have disrupted that sense of belonging which has always been very strong in the community. To follow the procession, people dress well, gather in prayer, families go out and, especially after the earthquake, it is also an opportunity to rediscover something new in the historic heart of the city, brought back to life after the destructive fury of the earthquake.
Free Porta Leoni parking for the Good Friday Procession: how to request a disabled pass
To keep the appointment alive i Knights of Good Fridaythe lay association that has been collaborating with the friars for the organization since 2000. This edition is the one of news and returns: for the first time since 1954 the Penitentiary Police Corps will escort the simulacrum of the dead Christ through the streets of the city centre; Furthermore, the passage in front of the Municipality headquarters has been restored Margherita Palacerecently returned to the city after reconstruction work, and has been reduced to Piazza Duomo affected by the repaving and restyling site.
Below is the interview with the L’Aquila journalist Federica Farda, member of the Knights of Good Friday Association, carried out in the 2022 edition, the first after two years of stoppage caused by the health emergency.
The Friday procession in the capital of Abruzzo is made even more precious by the simulacra, created by the artist Remo Brindisi – or in any case based on his design – already on display for days in the Basilica of San Bernardino. Each has an intimate and particular meaning for every L’Aquila native. This year there will be the return of the 22 torch holders, located along the route of the procession, created in 2001 by the Bontempo company based on the architect’s design Giuseppe Chiarizia.
The simulacra born from the artistic dialogue of Remo Brindisi and Fra Roccioletti
The tradition of the Procession with its precious and ancient simulacra was born from the union between two singular figures: Fra Salvatore Roccioletti and the painter from L’Aquila Remo Brindisi. The experience of an artist and the humility of a Franciscan gave life to the simulacra in 1954, symbols of intense emotion and religious solemnity, which are renewed at each edition. The works were conceived by Remo Brindisi, Saverio Mazzeschibanners of the L’Aquila districts, Alfredo Cortellistreet lamps of Christ’s coffin, Lucio FontanaSorrowful heart and made by Faithful Brindisisculptures and graffiti, Josephine Sistersembroidery, Remo Brindisipaintings, Caudio Papolaceramics, Gino Eliseoinlays, Emilio Quartapellestreet lamps, Arduini brothers, street lamps, Marielda Boschijewels, Giò Pomodoroevangelists banner frieze,Alfredo Di Addariodecorations, Amedeo Cicchitti gilding, Armando di Rienzohalos, Chiaretti and Boncompagnowood symbols.
Good Friday procession, the procession returns to cross Piazza Palazzo
