Holy Week rites: the cruciferi

This year, on Good Friday, thanks also to a friend who lives in the central part of the town, we were in Noicattaro, a town in the inland area of Bari a few kilometres from the provincial capital, famous for its grapes and for the celebrated procession of the cruciferi, one of the most famous of the Apulian Holy Week: these are hooded men, anonymous even to their relatives, who carry a heavy cross and proceed slowly on foot, weighed down by a heavy chain and barefoot. The silent procession, marked by the sinister clanking of the chains, is followed by two very long rows of women dressed in black who precede the illuminated statue of the dead Christ, followed by the band playing funeral marches. A very ancient rite, in no way disturbed by the intense cold and the wind of Good Friday 2008, followed by everyone with attention and respect.