Good Friday in Enna

Enna is known for its spectacular panoramic views of the island interiors. On Good Friday, you can witness one of the most unique processions in Sicily, featuring hundreds of ancient Spanish costumes from the local Brotherhoods, sponsored by the European Union and known for its historical cultural value. Enna is about 77 kilometers from Motto so we were off to see the procession and take in the Good Friday events.

 

My favorite decoration in the town piazza!

Sicilian Easter bread with the hard boiled egg baked inside!

The city Library, some serious research could be done here!

Queen Eleonora, Frederick III’s wife, built the Duomo, a notable example of religious architecture in Sicily, in the 14th century. It was renovated and remodeled after the fire of 1446. A massive campanile with finely shaped decorative elements surmounts the great Baroque facade, in yellow tufa-stone.

 

The Duomo of Enna.

Brass door plates at the entry

Amazing delicate work work inside the Duomo.

 

Sixteen confraternities gather outside the Duomo to begin the procession that goes through each church in the city and down the main piazza.  Each color represents a different confraternity and a different congregation all gathered together for the Good Friday Procession.

The procession is all male of any age, some are carried, most walk.

The confraternity with yellow costumes are the oldest established in Enna and they are privileged to bring in Jesus Christ.

The Virgin Mary is the last to arrive on the shoulders of many men. This procession begins at 4:00PM and lasts until the full circle is completed around midnight.  The crowds are massive but quiet and respectful as they march through about 16 churches in honor of Good Friday and the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.  Very spectacular to watch!

Enna also has Greek mythology ties as well.  The neighborhood of Enna is celebrated in myth as the place whence Persephone was carried off by Hades god of the underworld. The meadows abound in flowers, and a nearby cavern or grotto was believed to be where the king suddenly emerged. Demeter watched from the rock at the top of the hill behind the ancient castle as Persephone disappeared to the underworld. The Castello di Lombardi, perhaps the most important example of military architecture in Sicily. It was built by Sicilians, rebuilt by Frederick II of Sicily, and restructured under Frederick II of Aragon. The castle is named for the garrison of Lombard troops that defended it in Norman times.

The Castello!

At Demeter's table with Mt. Etna in the far background!

Demeter's table from the Castle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful valleys on either side of the castle.