Easter in Ravenna

La Easter in Ravenna it is a moment deeply felt by the local population but it is certainly the event of Scinnence which attracts the majority of the public, who do not want to miss such an important occasion for celebration and faith.

What is it and how can you participate? Here's everything you need to know on the subject.

Description of Easter in Ravanusa

Easter in Ravanusa translates into a series of events that mix folklore and faith, attracting thousands of participants every year. Certainly, however, one of the most heartfelt rituals is that of Scinnence, A kind of theatrical representation staged by all the inhabitants of the country that retraces the moments of Calvary of Jesus Christ, from the trial that condemns him to martyrdom with the cross on his shoulder and finally to his death by crucifixion. The organization of this event is impressive, so much so that it requires the presence of a director and almost one hundred people between extras and organizers. Precisely for this reason, the Scinnenza is an event that is staged every two years and is particularly loved not only by the local population but also by the many visitors.

The story linked to the Scinnenza in Ravanusa

Some historical testimonies tell that the rite of Scinnenza has a tradition spanning several centuries. Obviously only in recent years has the event reached the size and complex organization it can boast today. The Scinnenza is part of a series of other events that have always characterized Easter in Ravanusa, such as the Giunta, which is held precisely on Easter day, and which is a holy procession during which the statues of the Madonna, of Christ and of the saints are carried in procession, to simulate the rebirth of Jesus.

When the Scinnenza takes place in Ravanusa

The Scinnenza event is part of the calendar of appointments scheduled for Easter in Ravanusa. In particular, this rite is held on the day of Good Friday, every two years.

Where Easter takes place in Ravanusa

The Scinnenza event for Easter in Ravanusa starts from the churchyard of the Mother Church, then it involves the whole village because from 17,30 pm until midnight the town takes a dive into the past and transforms itself into the scene of the Calvary of Christ. The event ends in front of the Church of the Holy Cross where the crucifixion of Jesus is staged.

What to do during the Scinnenza in Ravanusa

The Scinnenza simulates in all respects the Passion of Christ. Some extras impersonate Pontius Pilate and the high priests of the temple who manage to condemn Jesus, then the scene then shifts to the procession accompanying Christ, with the cross on his shoulder, who is flogged as he ascends to Calvary and around the crowd cheers the liberation of Barabbas and the killing of Jesus. Along the way, as the story tells, Jesus meets some characters such as the Madonna, Veronica, the Cyrenean and so on. The procession ends in front of the Church of Santa Croce, where the Calvary of Christ is set up and the Scinnenza takes place. Here too the extras, with clothes that reproduce those of the time, impersonate the various characters who alternated under the Cross. The episodes of Judas' repentance and the Deposition are very touching, with John who works to safeguard the body of Christ.

The numerous spectators who come to Ravanusa every year to take part in the Scinnenza obviously cannot be an active part of the representation but are on the side of the roads and assist in the reconstruction.

How to get to Ravenna

Those who wish to go to the village to take part in Easter in Ravanusa can cover the distance that separates the town from Palermo with theauto, first driving along the A19 motorway and then the E932. Even easier for those who, on the other hand, come from Catania, who will only have to take the A19 until they reach their destination. Finally, from Agrigento you only have to take the SS640.

Ravanusa can also be reached with the train: the village is served by the Caltanissetta Xirbi-Gela-Syracuse local railway line. Finally, from the main Sicilian towns it is possible to reach Ravanusa also through the bus service which is provided by the ATS company.