On the occasion of Holy Week in Enna, there are some important traditions that still live on in the city's folklore today.
Among the many, one of the most suggestive is linked to Brotherhoods of Enna, conceived during the advent of the Spaniards in Sicily, who were able to sweep away the religious influences of the Arab culture, infusing the people of Enna with the foundations of Christianity. It was precisely the Spaniards themselves, who with the help of Viceroy of Sicily Annibale Maffei, was established College of Rectors, composed of the highest representatives of the local brotherhoods, which became increasingly numerous, so much so that they reached the maximum number of 34 groups during the eighteenth century.
Of those confraternities, today only 16 remain, united by numerous common aspects, including the adorations they carry out in Churches of Enna during the Easter celebrations in the city.
Holy Week in Enna
La Holy Week for the city of Enna and its inhabitants it is one of the most awaited religious events ever, on a par with the heartfelt Feast of Holy Mary of the Visitation, Patron saint of Enna.
During Holy Week, throughout the city of Enna there is a particular festive atmosphere that mixes with city folklore, in which the members of the brotherhoods stand out as they show themselves with their traditional clothes and the typical pointed hood that covers their face. The Confraternities of Enna play an important role both in the organization and management of the events linked to Holy Week, in which they also perform with fascinating I cut which recall the main moments of this anniversary.
Brotherhood of the Most Holy Savior
Founded in the 1261, the Brotherhood of the Most Holy Savior it is the oldest in the city of Enna, born with the aim of helping those who found themselves with health problems. The first members of this brotherhood were i Basilian Friars and the peasants who lived in the Enna countryside.
Donna la Nuova Confraternity
La Donna la Nuova Confraternity she is identifiable as one of the heirs of the order of Templars, originally composed of some of them and the bakers and millers of the area, who were committed to offering their contribution to those suffering from the plague.
Brotherhood of the Holy Passion
La Brotherhood of the Holy Passion was founded in 1660 at the behest of Viceroy of Sicily, whose primary objective was to assist the poorest inhabitants of Enna, often also taking care of the expenses for their swelling.
Brotherhood of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
La Brotherhood of the Sacred Heart of Jesus it was founded by the miners who worked the ancient ones sulfur mines scattered in the territory of Enna, which represented a large portion of the Sicilian economy, many of which can still be visited today, being able to admire the signs left from the ancient work sessions.
Brotherhood of Sant'Anna
La Brotherhood of Sant'Anna it is the youngest ever, given its recent establishment dated back to 2011. As the name suggests, the Confraternity of Sant'Anna was founded in the parish of the same name in Enna, aimed at spreading the faith towards Sant'Anna and helping the most needy by offering them support of all kinds.
© Image by Konstantin Malanchev, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
