03 April 2013

corner view


corner view :: Easter

We spent Easter weekend as guests of friends in the hill town of Introdacqua in the Abruzzo region of Italy, where we were able to participate in some of the religious festivities of Holy Week, most notably a tradition that began in the 1800's:  La Madonna Che Vèle (che Vola).

Following mass on Sunday, a statue of the resurrected Christ is first led up the street full of the faithful, until he reaches the piazza where he awaits patiently. (Ironically, he's poised just near one of the only bars in town. I'm not convinced it's completely by chance. Caffe' anyone?)  Soon afterwards, La Madonna appears at the bottom of the same street, dressed in black (missed that picture) and soon begins to make her way up the street.

When she sees Christ, her black robe of mourning is quickly shed and she is joyfully hurried up the street on the backs of four chosen men amid the cheers of the crowd until she reaches the piazza where she is united with Him.  She is so quick that she appears to be flying, hence the name "The Madonna Who Flies."

The emotion was tangible.

Afterwards a (much slower) procession of both statues, led by the parish priest, along with the gathered faithful winds through the streets of the village, complete with recitation of prayers together.

...............

And then it was time for Easter lunch! Oh, the lamb!



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16 comments:

  1. I love the traditons! Happy you had a wonderful Easter!

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  2. I love these processions! But, do I spy gray sky? What, in Italy?! :)

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    1. People won't believe it...I know :)

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  3. I have never seen a procession... This is beautiful!!!

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  4. Nice to hear your Easter was wonderful. Time with friends are always wonderful.

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  5. you guys really ARE in giro all the time.... Braaaaaviii!!!!!

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  6. What an incredible celebration---nothing like that around here! Wonderful!:>)

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  7. What a great tradition! And I love how they prop Jesus up by the bar.

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    1. LOL...It's likely purely coincidence :)

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  8. Your pictures allow us to discover interesting traditions. Thanks :)

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  9. I would love to experience this, thanks for sharing.

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    1. It was a pretty neat experience for all of us!

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  10. Dana, this event looks a lot like those in Sicily on Easter day--but we don't have those guys in the fancy dress uniforms with the plumes (and our skies were bluer.) Mary is just gorgeous!

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