San Giustino is where it all starts…

Everywhere in Italy, there are religious events and different kinds of parades to celebrate Good Friday, but the one that takes place in Chieti is one of the oldest and most spectacular since 824. The day before the event they do a practice run in the San Giustino Cathedral with more than 100 musicians and a choir of 160. This image already makes you feel a part of the powerful procession, but it’s when you get in the street, where people silently await and the only sound you hear is the choir singing and the musicians playing is when you realize how unique this event is.

The costumes with hoods that the confraternities wear first appear a little ominous, but they portray old traditions and mourning habits. The procession is truly an enthralling and moving event.

-Alessandra