This photo essay documents the famous processions during the week before Easter, Holy Week, in Taranto. Since 1605, the devoted perform a traditional "pilgrimage" between the old and new city, visiting all the ancient curches in the city along the route. The two brotherhoods organizing the processions called: "le Perdune", "l'Addolorata," and "i Misteri".
The priors of the brotherood of the grieving Madonna before the "alzata" of the statue.
The statue of grieving Madonna during the pilgrimage in the Isola (old city). The exit of Madonna from Church of Saint Domenico is considered from the Tarantinians the main event of the Holy Week.
The pilgrimage of the statue of Grieving Madonna, the main event of the Holy week and the church of Saint Domenico, where the statue stands for the rest of the year.
One of the three "crociferi" who bring the cross on the shoulder during the pilgrimage of Madonna.
The statue of fallen Christ during the procession of "Misteri" the holy Friday.
People bringing the statue of veiled Christ during the procession of "Misteri" the holy Friday.
People bringing the statue of veiled Christ during the procession of "Misteri" the holy Friday, it's the last statue in procession during the holy week.
"le Perdune", devoted people who ask the forgiveness to Jesus, near the curch of Carmine, in Borgo (new city) where they start their penance. They walk with barefoot using the traditional walking called "nazzecate", swinging slowly.
"le Perdune", devoted people who ask the forgiveness to Jesus, in Borgo (new city). They walk with barefoot using the traditional walking called "nazzecate", swinging slowly.
"le Perdune", devoted people who ask the forgiveness to Jesus, in Borgo (new city). They walk with barefoot using the traditional walking called "nazzecate", swinging slowly.
The famous processions of the Holy Week in Taranto.
Since the 1605 the devoted doing the traditional "pilgrimage" in the old and new city, visiting all the ancient curches in the city.
Two brotherhoods organizing the processions called: "le Perdune", "l'Addolorata" and "i Misteri".
In photo: "le Perdune", devoted people who ask the forgiveness to Jesus, all'Isola (old city). They walk with barefoot using the traditional walking called "nazzecate", swinging slowly.
"le Perdune", devoted people who ask the forgiveness to Jesus, going to the church of Duomo (main church) in the Isola (old city). They walk with barefoot using the traditional walking called "nazzecate", swinging slowly.
"Le Perdune", devoted people who ask the forgiveness to Jesus, in the church of Duomo (main church) in the Isola (old city). They walk with barefoot using the traditional walking called "nazzecate", swinging slowly.
"Le Perdune", devoted people who ask the forgiveness to Jesus, in the church of Duomo (main church) in the Isola (old city). A couple of "perdune" is called "posta", at every altar a posta give the change to the previous for the prayer, the change of the "posta" is a rite with secret words whispered to the fellow of brotherhood.
The brotherhood of Saint Mary of Constantinople (born in 1580) in the old city during the march from Duomo (main church) to the Saint Josef church.
Praying and chanting in procession for Holy Week 2013 - Paraty, Brazil.
Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Holy Week, Semana Santa in Portuguese, is observed throughout the country with processions and rituals similar to those of other Catholic countries, yet made unique by their specific context.
Praying and chanting in procession for Holy Week 2013 - Paraty, Brazil.
Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Holy Week, Semana Santa in Portuguese, is observed throughout the country with processions and rituals similar to those of other Catholic countries, yet made unique by their specific context.
Guatemalan women carry an Anda during Semana Santa (Holy Week) procession in Antigua, Guatemala.
Father of San Pedro Church looks on as Anda leaves the church for procession during Semana Santa in Antigua Guatemala.
Procession participants in costume celebrate the last day of Semana Santa.
A procession leaves San Pedro Church on the last day of Semana Santa in Antigua, Guatemala.
Antigua, Guatemala is known for its vibrant religious festival during Semana Santa (Holy Week), one of the most popular religious celebrations in Latin America. Semana Santa consists of costumed processions, reenactments of the crucifixion, and other events.
Procession participants in a cloud of vanishing smoke.
Antigua, Guatemala is known for its vibrant religious festival during Semana Santa (Holy Week) religious celebrations among Latin America. Semana Santa consists of costumed processions, reenactments of crucifixion and other events.
Women in veils prepare for the procession during Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua, Guatemala.
Guatemalan women carry an Anda during Semana Santa (Holy Week) procession in Antigua, Guatemala.
Guatemalan women carry an Anda during Semana Santa (Holy Week) procession in Antigua, Guatemala.
Alfombura (Carpet made with flower and sawdust) during Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua, Guatemala.
Praying and chanting in procession for Holy Week 2013 - Paraty, Brazil.
Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Holy Week, Semana Santa in Portuguese, is observed throughout the country with processions and rituals similar to those of other Catholic countries, yet made unique by their specific context.
Praying and chanting in procession for Holy Week 2013 - Paraty, Brazil.
Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Holy Week, Semana Santa in Portuguese, is observed throughout the country with processions and rituals similar to those of other Catholic countries, yet made unique by their specific context.
Praying and chanting in procession for Holy Week 2013 - Paraty, Brazil.
Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Holy Week, Semana Santa in Portuguese, is observed throughout the country with processions and rituals similar to those of other Catholic countries, yet made unique by their specific context.
A man carries a sacred object while praying and chanting in the procession for Holy Week 2013 - Paraty, Brazil.
Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Holy Week, Semana Santa in Portuguese, is observed throughout the country with processions and rituals similar to those of other Catholic countries, yet made unique by their specific context.
Praying and chanting in procession for Holy Week 2013 - Paraty, Brazil.
Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Holy Week, Semana Santa in Portuguese, is observed throughout the country with processions and rituals similar to those of other Catholic countries, yet made unique by their specific context.
Praying and chanting in procession for Holy Week 2013 - Paraty, Brazil.
Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Holy Week, Semana Santa in Portuguese, is observed throughout the country with processions and rituals similar to those of other Catholic countries, yet made unique by their specific context.
Angel Children
Praying and chanting in procession for Holy Week 2013 - Paraty, Brazil.
Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Holy Week, Semana Santa in Portuguese, is observed throughout the country with processions and rituals similar to those of other Catholic countries, yet made unique by their specific context.
Praying and chanting in procession for Holy Week 2013 - Paraty, Brazil.
Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Holy Week, Semana Santa in Portuguese, is observed throughout the country with processions and rituals similar to those of other Catholic countries, yet made unique by their specific context.
Praying and chanting in procession for Holy Week 2013 - Paraty, Brazil.
Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Holy Week, Semana Santa in Portuguese, is observed throughout the country with processions and rituals similar to those of other Catholic countries, yet made unique by their specific context.
Praying and chanting in procession for Holy Week 2013 - Paraty, Brazil.
Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Holy Week, Semana Santa in Portuguese, is observed throughout the country with processions and rituals similar to those of other Catholic countries, yet made unique by their specific context.
Praying and chanting in procession for Holy Week 2013 - Paraty, Brazil.
Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world. Holy Week, Semana Santa in Portuguese, is observed throughout the country with processions and rituals similar to those of other Catholic countries, yet made unique by their specific context.