Watch the live broadcast again – The eight Contrada Captains pay homage to the Intimiano Cross in prayer
Legnano – A special and emotional evening on Friday 17 May in the Basilica of San Magno which welcomed the solemn ceremony of Vigil of the Crossin the presence of the eight city Contrade and the Magistrates of the Palio di Legnano.
It is one of the most evocative ritual ceremonies. Originally celebrated in the Basilica of San Simpliciano in Milan since the thirteenth century, the religious function recalls the memory of the prayer vigil which knights in the Middle Ages were required to celebrate on the night before their investiture.
Thanks to the agreement with the Palio Foundation and the Provost Parish of San Magno the religious rite officiated by Monsignor Angelo Cairati, provost and dean of Legnano was also broadcast in live streaming with commentary by Federica Tacchi and coordination and direction by Luca Mondellini, technical support and filming by Mattia Ascione.
In the year of the Centenary of the City of Legnano it had an even more solemn connotation with the presence of the Contrada regencies in medieval parade clothes and with an evocative scenography curated by Roberto Clerici.
The candlelit ceremony, recalling a perfect return to the Middle Ages, saw the tributes of the Contrada Regencies to the Cross with theoffering of wax and flowers, while the Captains of the Palio placed their cloaks and swords on the altar. In a semicircle they arranged themselves around the Crocione lying in the center of the main nave of the Basilica, making homage to the Cross of Bishop Ariberto d’Intimiano, symbol of Victory at the Palio. Contested during the horse race at the Giovanni Mari Stadium on Palio Sunday, it is then kept in the Contrada church throughout the year. The Christ depicted on the Crocione is the copy made by local artists in 1937 of the Crucifix represented on the occasion of the Battle of Legnano in 1176. The original is preserved in the Cathedral Museum in Milan.
Also evocative is the presence of the Basilica Choir, composed of only male voices, which accompanied the various moments of the Vigil with ancient songs.
The Vigil of the Cross: an ancient religious rite
The ritual evoked a solemn atmosphere. For the occasion, the Basilica of San Magno shone in its splendor, with the sound of clarions and drums that opened the procession composed of the Regencies of Contrada, Grand Prior, Capitano and Castellana, followed by the precious hand-embroidered banners. Every detail is an added value in its uniqueness.
The Supreme Magistrate and Mayor of Legnano, Lorenzo Radice, the Grand Master Raffaele Bonito, the President of the Legnanese Family, Gianfranco Bononi, the Knight of the Carroccio, Andrea Monaci, the Grand Dame of Magistral GraceGaia Sansottera and the Councilor for Culture with responsibility for the Palio, Guido Bragato, all together surrounding the cross in a symbolic embrace.
A Basilica packed in every row of seats, which gathered in a solemn prayer rite listening to the words of Monsignor Angelo Cairati who in the Homily underlined the importance “to be hungry and thirsty for justice, goodness and values“, of being respectful citizens, citizens who do their utmost to repudiate all forms of violence, citizens who do good, observing the spirit of inclusion and welcome.
A religious rite that also sealed the beginning of a wait full of dreams for the eight Contrade, walking together towards next Sunday, the most beautiful one of the year for all the Contrada people.
Michela Manzotti
Photo gallery edited by Sergio Banfi
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Michela Manzotti
Legnanese, a degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures. He loves to write, read, observe, listen, understand what happens and witness it. A journalist, by collaborating with Sempione News he can give expression to his passion for reporting with an eye always behind the curtain.
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