With the ritual of the Scinnute started on Friday, February 16, the city of Trapani is preparing for the procession of the Mysteries. The ritual of the Scinnute dates back to around 1600, and despite the passing of centuries, it has maintained a certain charm among the faithful who see their anticipation grow towards the rites of Holy Week culminating in the procession of the Sacred Groups. The Scinnute take place on the six Fridays of Lent in the church of Purgatory. The term Scinnuta comes from “descending” the group. The last three Scinnute are scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, March 18: Madre Pietà dei Massari – Eredi Facchini di Piano San Rocco, Wednesday, March 20: Madre Pietà del Popolo – Ceto dei fruttivendoli and Friday, March 22: Gesù nell’urna – Ceto dei Pastai, Maria Santissima Addolorata – Ceto degli Autisti, Albergatori, Baristi Camerieri, Cuochi, Dolcieri, Tassisti.
One of the truly exciting moments that precede the procession of the Mysteries is definitely the dressing of the sacred groups. It consists of dressing the float with a black velvet bearing the coat of arms of one’s trade, which covers the wooden structure on which it rests. This is the so-called “manta” that has been introduced to set up the Mysteries since 1950. The sculptural groups representing scenes of the Passion of Christ are then adorned with flowers. And here comes the pride of each Ceto to make their Mystery even more splendid. Each group has different compositions, but all equal in beauty and magnificence. It is certainly the act that precedes the actual procession and while this happens, the church of Purgatory, which houses the sacred groups all year round, comes alive with faithful, curious onlookers, tourists who stop to pray, admire or photograph the Mysteries and representatives of the Ceti. In these moments, you can perceive the profound devotion of every Trapanese present.