The religious events of April in Western Sicily between Trapani, Marsala, Erice and Buseto
Western Sicily, with its rooted religious traditions, is preparing to welcome a series of sacred events in April 2025 representing moments of profound spirituality and culture. Among these, the celebrations of Holy Week occupy a prominent place, with the suggestive processions of the mysteries that take place in various locations, including Trapani, Buseto Palizzolo, Marsala and Erice.
Procession of the Mysteries of Trapani
The procession of the mysteries of Trapani is one of the oldest and most engaging religious manifestations in Sicily, with a story that has its roots in the 16th century. This year, the event will take place from the afternoon of Friday 18 April until Saturday 19 April 2025. The procession will begin at 14:00 from the church of the Sante souls of Purgatory, located in the heart of the historic center of Trapani, and will wind through the city streets for about 24 hours. On the way, the 18 sculptural groups, representatives of the passion of Christ, will be brought to the shoulder, accompanied by musical bands that will perform marches, creating an atmosphere of intense emotional and spiritual participation.
Procession of the mysteries of Buseto Palizzolo
In Buseto Palizzolo, Palm Sunday, which this year falls on April 13, 2025, the traditional procession of living mysteries is renewed. Organized by the Confraternity of the Crucifix, this unique event presents sixteen living paintings depicting the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The procession starts at 17:00 from the Badia village, near the church of Santa Teresa, and crosses the streets of the town until it ended in the late evening in the matrix square. The participants, in vintage costumes, create representations of great visual and emotional impact, deeply involving the local community and visitors.
Sacred representation of Holy Thursday in Marsala
A ** Marsala **, the ** Sacred representation of Holy Thursday **, also known as "living mysteries", will take place on April 17, 2025. This year, for the first time in its history, the procession will start from the church of Carmine, recently reopened to the public after 80 years, rather than by the traditional church of Sant'Anna. The event involves numerous figures who, through living paintings, represent the salient scenes of the Passion of Christ, along the main streets of the city in a procession that combines faith, tradition and community.
Procession of the mysteries of Erice
In the medieval village of Erice, the procession of the mysteries is held on the afternoon of Good Friday, on April 18, 2025. The procession starts from the church of Sant'Orsola, also known as the church of the Addolorata, and unfolds along the suggestive paved streets of the country. The statue groups of the eighteenth century, depicting passion scenes, are brought to the shoulder by the faithful, accompanied by the members of the Congregation of Purgatory in traditional clothes. The mystical atmosphere and the historical context of Erice make this procession particularly touching and suggestive.
These events represent not only moments of profound religious devotion, but also opportunities to immerse themselves in the cultural traditions of western Sicily. Participating in these processions means living a unique experience, where faith, art and community intertwine in a collective story that is renewed from year to year.
