The rites of Easter week in Iglesias

During Holy Week, solemn processions are held in Iglesias commemorating the Passion and Death of Christ. An ancient religious event that dates back to the 17th century. The event begins on Holy Tuesday with the procession of the Mysteries, during which seven wooden sculptures parade and represent the Passion of Christ. The next day in St. Michael's Church, olive branches are blessed, which are then distributed to the faithful in attendance. On the evening of Maundy Thursday the second procession is held, in which the young "Bambolotti" parade wearing penitential garb, while the brethren of the Holy Mount dress as "Germano" in a white, foot-length gown, wearing a hood with two holes for the eyes, reminiscent of that of the ancient flagellants of the 13th century. The procession escorts the simulacrum of Our Lady of Sorrows and is accompanied by the sound of drums and "Matraccas." The evening of Good Friday is the most evocative and moving, when the Descenso procession is held, depicting the funeral of Jesus. The procession is opened by two banners - "Is Vexillas" preceding the statues of St. John and Magdalene and "Is Varionis," representing Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, flanked by two servants. The procession is closed by a large wooden cross carried by penitents. Closing Holy Week is the meeting between the statues of the Madonna and the Risen Christ in Sella Square on Easter Day.