'A Scinnenza – Good Friday

The Scinnenza of San Cataldo, in the province of Caltanissetta, is a moving religious performance that takes place on the evening of Good Friday and commemorates the descent of Jesus Christ from the cross. The name itself, taken from the Sicilian dialect, means "descent.".

This tradition dates back to the 19th century, thanks to the initiative of lawyer Francesco Medico, who wrote a play entitled The Descent from the Cross. Since then, the Scinnenza has become a regular event for the San Cataldese community, involving numerous citizens and associations in a collective work of great emotional and spiritual impact.

The performance takes place at "Calvary," a permanent scenic space adorned with artistic majolica tiles illustrating the stages of Christ's Passion. During the event, after the crucifixion, Christ's body is taken down from the cross and placed in a historic funerary urn, which is then carried in procession to the Mother Church.

7:30 PM – Procession of the Sacred Urn

8:00 PM – A' Scinnenza
With:
Jesus: Stefano Mangione
Mary: Emanuela Palmeri
Magdalene: Lucia Calà
Veronica: Antonella Miserandino
John: Michele Scarlata
Misandro: Fabio Diliberto
Longino: Michele Graci
Malco: Vincenzo Naro
Giuseppe D'Arimatea: Giuseppe Manzella
Nicodemus: Gaetano Emma
Narrator: Vincenzo Giambra

– Audio and Lighting Service : “Behind the Scenes” by Aldo Miserandino
– Stages and scenography: Ivan Bruno Company
– Recording and Post Production: “REC Studio” by Aldo Giordano

– Pyrotechnics: F.lli D'Amplo
– Makeup and hair: Parrucchieria Selina, Giuseppe D'Angelo hairstyling

Photo by Carlo Falzone. Poster graphics by Skerma.