The rituals of Holy Week, marked on the calendar this year from March 24th to March 31st, commence with Palm Sunday and feature special celebrations each day. This year, 83 Sicilian cities will honor these traditions, with many of the events listed in the Registry of Sicily’s Intangible Heritage.

The complexity and symbolism they express make it necessary to acknowledge their influences from 16th and 17th-century Spanish culture. Moreover, there’s a clear connection with a certain type of theatre evident in all religious performances, which are often steeped in symbolism. Let’s start with the celebrations for Palm Sunday.