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Mea Culpa - Italy
The penitential rites of Holy Week in Puglia are among the most intense and evocative religious traditions in the region, deeply rooted in local culture and spirituality. During Holy Week, culminating in Easter, numerous cities and towns in Puglia transform into scenes of solemn processions where devotion and contemplation take center stage. These rites are characterized by night processions, where members of religious confraternities, dressed in traditional robes and hoods, slowly walk through the streets, carrying sacred statues that depict the Passion of Christ. The measured steps of the penitents, create an atmosphere of profound spirituality and reflection. Some participants walk barefoot or carry crosses and chains as a sign of penance and sacrifice. These celebrations, which have deep roots in the region’s centuries-old past, are a moment of communion for the community, an opportunity to reflect on themes of pain, sacrifice, and redemption. The Holy Week rites in Puglia are not only an expression of faith but also a valuable cultural heritage that continues to unite generations, keeping alive a tradition of intense emotional and spiritual participation.
