Easter in San Cataldo: Scinnenza

La Easter in San Cataldo, large municipality of the Free Municipal Consortium of Caltanissetta, is celebrated in a very particular way, as tradition dictates: the Scinnence is the most important moment of the Holy Week, an ancient rite attended by the whole community.

It causes strong emotions, Scinnence. For the occasion, precious historical clothes are made, rich in details and capable of transporting those who assist to another dimension, the spiritual and historical one where it is possible to observe Jesus.

During Easter in San Cataldo takes place the historical reenactment of Jesus who is taken down from the cross. In the evocative setting of the sunset, the Scinnenza precedes the Procession of the faithful along the main streets of the town.

The history of Scinnenza linked to the Easter of San Cataldo

Science is aancient tradition that has characterized the Easter celebrations in San Cataldo for about 150 years: the Church, the faithful, local artisans take part in this great Feast, participating as storytellers, actors, tailors or spectators in the re-enactment of such a touching moment for the community Christian, such as the one in which Jesus was taken down from the Cross.

Il Rite of Scinnence always accompanies the Sampaulunaa parade very particular, where to move through the streets of San Cataldo are giant papier-mâché statues depicting the Apostles and the Risen Christ, at their meeting during the Easter celebrations.

When the Scinnenza takes place for Easter in San Cataldo

The Scinnenza is one of the most engaging moments of Holy Week in San Cataldo and takes place on Good Friday.

Where the Scinnenza takes place for Easter in San Cataldo

The Scinnenza has its climax in front of the Sagrato della Mother Church of San Cataldo, where the Procession departed from arrives Calvary.

What to do during the Scinnenza for Easter in San Cataldo

Those who have never seen the Scinnenza in San Cataldo will be moved by the spectacle of Christ placed in the urn, a strong feeling that will bring you closer to all the brothers gathered in prayer in the community, making you even more aware of your faith on the occasion of Easter .

Participating in such an engaging popular experience is also an opportunity to get closer to the community and really get to know it, starting from its historical and religious symbols: the Mother Church of San Cataldo it is located in Piazza Matrice and was built in the first half of the XNUMXth century; other religious buildings in the center are the Church of SS. Rosary (famous for the marvelous Civic Tower that flanks it), the modern one Church of Christ the King, also equipped with a beautiful bell tower and the Churches of Santo Stefano e San Giuseppe. Very interesting from an architectural point of view is the Mercede Church, which combines ancient and modern in an original way.

Il Monument to the Sailors andAltar to the Fallen they are two places of memory, where you can go to pay homage to the protagonists of local history, still addressing them today; the history, that of the town, then lives on every day in its many buildings, such as the Palace of the Galletti Princes, with the beautiful loggia or in the Civic Towers in the centre.

In San Cataldo you will also visit the Monumental complex of the Calvary, built in 1854 and theater and starting point of the Scinnenza.

After exploring all the Old Town, tasted the typical local products and having witnessed the Scinnenza, from San Cataldo you can head towards the surroundings, to discover beauties such as the Archaeological site of Vassallaggi, Bosco Gabbara Nature Reserve and Cows Town route, site for walking in the open air.
Moving away a few kilometers, you will reach the beautiful Enna, which is less than an hour's drive from the centre. In Enna and its surroundings, in addition to the Cathedral, you can admire the Tower of Federico II, the Church of Santa Chiara and the Ethno-Anthropological Museum of Rural Culture.

How to get to San Cataldo for the Easter Scinnenza

San Cataldo, in the Free Municipal Consortium of Caltanissetta, is easily reached by car, from the A19 Palermo-Catania, via the exit for Caltanissetta about 15 km from the centre, or on the train, getting off at Caltanissetta Central Station and continuing the journey by bus or shuttle.