Holy Week Processions in Mendrisio

The Holy Week processions in Mendrisio inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The Holy Week processions, attested since the second half of the 17th century, take place inside the Borgo di Mendrisio on Thursday and Friday evenings. For this occasion the street lighting is switched off and the soft light of the transparent, translucent canvas paintings is diffused in the streets.

The Holy Thursday procession
The mysterious light perfectly fits the atmosphere of the procession. The fünziun di Giüdée is a veritable theatre play with around 270 characters, among them 40 riders on horses. The performance shows the tragedy that most touched mankind: the passion and crucifixion of Christ.

Good Friday procession
The procession of Holy Friday, also known as Entierro (from the Spanish word "entierro", burial) is austere and solemn and is more imbued with spirituality. Over seven hundred people in costume take part, divided into members of two confraternities and religious associations.

The public can freely choose the place where to attend the Processions, but we point out that it is possible to book a place on the stands in Piazza del Ponte.

On 12.12.2019, UNESCO entered the Holy Week processions in Mendrisio on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.