by Roberto di Diodato and Mary Poliafico
In the southernmost part of the Canton Ticino and not far from the banks of Lake Lugano, Mendrisio is a “magnificent” and picturesque town stretched between Monte San Giorgio and Mount Generoso. Around sweet hills of vineyards. Every year, in the days preceding Easter, it turns into a stage that gives life to religious representations of great charm and ancient historical suggestions. Two processions, an intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO, which date back more than four centuries ago, wind through the inhabited center to celebrate the mysteries of the passion and death of the Lord with the strength and originality of the popular popular traditions.
On April 17, this year Holy Thursday, Mendrisio relives the Via Crucis, called the “Funziun di Giüdee” in dialect. 270 “improvised actors”, wearing historical costumes made by local craftsmen, on the evening, and to the lumen of the torches, interpret the main characters of the evangelical narrative, such as Jesus crowned with thorns that brings the cross, Ponzio Pilate, Herod, the three Marie, the Veronica, the Jews, the high priest, the dice players, the two thiefs in chains … on horseback. The procession, to the sound of breath and drum instruments, ideally retraces the drama of the ascent to Calvary. The whole route is decorated by the inhabitants with banners painted with scenes from the Gospel and backlit, called “transparent”. They are true night paintings of great communicative effectiveness that adorn and mark the itinerary towards the cross. Unique in the world.
On the other hand, over 700 participants in the solemn Holy Friday procession, this year on April 18, for the most suggestive and ancient corners of Mendrisio, which frame and recreate an atmosphere of profound devotion and spirituality. The sacred representation of Friday, which celebrates the burial of Christ, is the most rooted tradition in the social fabric of the city and has been handed down from father to son. And it is expressed, even with more intensity, through the art of creation and conservation of lampposts and illuminated canvases, made with an ancient artisan technique of centuries. In the slightest light of the evening, accompanied by music and the transport of instruments of the painful passion, such as nails, stairs, hammers and flagelli, the path inside the historic center is illuminated by the soft colors of the “transparent” and the lanterns brought by the youngest. The citizens of Mendrisio of all ages participate as figures, but the membership is open to everyone. The center and fulcrum of this popular religiosity, which brings together mysticism, theatricality and art, are the statues of Mary Mother Addolorata, in black dress and the heart pierced by seven swords, and the body of the dead Christ lying on a bed of black velvet, transported by the affiliates of the confraternities and religious of Mendrisio. The two simulacra, more representative symbols of the day of mourning that lives all Christianity, are offered along the path to contemplation and the religious silence of the crowd that is taken on the right and left of the streets.
Also this year the two Easter processions will be preceded by a concert performed by Benedict Choir Marcello Thursday 13 April at 17.00, at the covered market in Mendrisio. The same Choir will propose on this occasion it Stabat Mater by Karl Jenkins. The traditional concert of the Civic philharmonic of Mendrisio of Holy Friday, April 14, the covered market demonstrations will be held at 16.30. The two Easter processions will begin at 20.30. They begin and end at the same Church of San Giovanni, in via Vecchio Ginnasio.
All information relating to processions can be consulted on the website: www.processaSassassio.ch
