Holy Week and Easter in Ischia

In Forio d’Ischia, Holy Week often coincides with the beginning of the tourist season: the sacred and the secular, tradition and modernity blend together, creating a unique atmosphere in the streets and alleyways of Forio’s historic centre as spring begins.

On Maundy Thursday, all parish churches hold traditional religious ceremonies, from the Mass in Coena Domini (Last Supper – Washing of the Feet – Institution of the Eucharist) to the Eucharistic Adoration at the Altar of Reposition (often mistakenly called the “Sepulchre”). The rites continue on Good Friday with the commemoration of the Passion of Christ and culminate in the Easter Vigil, the solemn celebration of Christ’s Resurrection on the night between Saturday and Sunday.

Actus Tragicus

On the evening of Good Friday, the entire historic centre of Forio becomes the stage for a re-enactment of the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross). Since 1982, the association Actus Tragicus has been organising this event, with a group of young people from Forio bringing to life the key moments of Christ’s Passion and Death. The performance strikes a balance between faithfulness to the Gospels and artistic and organisational freedom, with a director coordinating over one hundred participants.

The beauty of the historic centre, enhanced by the dramatic effect of torchlight, the evocative music, and the narrator’s voice, blends perfectly with the script and the deep emotion of the audience.

The Run of the Angel (La Corsa dell’Angelo)

However, the highlight of the Easter celebrations is undoubtedly the famous Run of the Angel, held on Easter Sunday.