The Mysteries of Good Friday – Lapio

April 18th, 2025, papier-mâché statues representing the Passion of Christ

On April 18th, 2025, as every Good Friday, there is an ancient tradition in Lapio, in the province of Avellino called Mysteries of Good Friday 

In the Mysteries of Good Friday groups of papier-mâché statues, with life-size characters, depict the most relevant and dramatic episodes of the Passion and Death of Christ and are exhibited every Good Friday in the streets of the town.

The celebration of the Mysteries dates back to 1700, when the brotherhood of Madonna della Neve commissioned an artist to perform 22 tables inspired by the scenes of the Passion and Death of Jesus. On Good Friday, the sculptural groups together with the statues of the Dead Christ and the Lady of Sorrows were carried on the shoulders in procession through the streets of the town by the citizens, who in exchange received a loaf of bread.

The tables, according to the sequence of the scenes, stopped in front of two preachers to be commented and arouse in the participants a feeling of repentance and meditation.

The 22 tables today are no longer carried in procession, but exposed on Good Friday in the streets of the town.
The first table represents a restless and trembling Judas as he receives the reward for the betrayal of the Messiah from the priests. The last one depicts the deposition from the cross.

The Lapio Mysteries of Good Friday is one of the most evocative and ancient events in Italy. The figures are the original ones, even if they had to undergo several restorations. At the end of the exhibition, on Easter Sunday, the Mysteries are placed in the Church of Santa Caterina.

For information, updates or program changes see the site or call the Lapio municipality at +39.0825.982.005

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(credits photo: Lapio)