Friday of Passion

Solemn Function and Lighting of the Fanoja

On the evening of Friday of Passion, the Arciconfraternita dei Sette Dolori organizes the Solemn Function, which culminates with the lighting of the Fanoja, a medium-sized bonfire stacked in a conical shape. The wood used comes from forest materials, and the ritual symbolizes purification and spiritual preparation for the days of the Passion.

-Date: April 11, 2025

-Time: 8:00 PM

-Location: Chiesa dell’Addolorata

Good Friday

Procession of Our Lady of Sorrows with the Singing of the Stabat Mater

At dawn on Good Friday, the Arciconfraternita dei Sette Dolori accompanies the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows as she visits the Sepulchers (Altars of Reposition). The procession, marked by the moving chant of the Stabat Mater, represents a moment of deep devotion that involves the entire community.

This procession, which continues the celebration that began on Holy Thursday evening, was historically accompanied by fracchie (giant wooden torches), but today takes place in the natural morning light.

-Date: April 18, 2025

-Time: 5:30 AM

-Location: Chiesa dell’Addolorata

Good Friday

Procession of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Dead Christ with the Lighted Fracchie

In the late afternoon, the Confraternita dei Sette Dolori organizes the evocative Procession of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Dead Christ, accompanied by hundreds of fracchie set ablaze, symbolizing light and devotion. The confraternity members, dressed in mourning attire, walk solemnly through the city streets, creating a unique atmosphere of contemplation and popular participation.

-Date: April 18, 2025

-Time: 8:00 PM

-Location: Chiesa dell’Addolorata

Holy Saturday

Sacred Representation of the Living Passion

On the morning of Holy Saturday, the Sacred Representation takes place, an event featuring actors and recited texts that reenact the key moments of Christ’s Passion. Organized by the Sacred Representation Committee, the event moves through the city streets, drawing the participation of the entire community.

-Date: April 19, 2025

-Time: 10:00 AM

-Location: Through the streets of the city

Easter Sunday

Procession of Our Lady of Sorrows Dressed in Celebration Attire

On Easter morning, the Arciconfraternita dei Sette Dolori organizes the solemn Procession of Our Lady of Sorrows, adorned in a richly decorated gown and wearing a crown. The celebration involves the entire community:

1. Children march joyfully, some dressed as Our Lady of Sorrows, others wearing new outfits.

2. Women follow, carrying the confraternity's banners.

3. Civil and religious authorities join in procession, accompanied by confraternity members in festive uniforms.

The marching band plays joyful tunes, and the procession concludes with the explosion of mortaretti (firecrackers), symbolizing celebration and rebirth.

-Date: April 20, 2025

-Time: 12:01 PM

-Location: Chiesa dell’Addolorata

Passion Friday / April 11, 2025

• SAN MARCO IN LAMIS / Accensione della Fanoja (Lighting of the Fanoja) / Chiesa dell’Addolorata / 8:00 PM

Good Friday / April 18, 2025

• SAN MARCO IN LAMIS / Processione dell'Addolorata con Stabat Mater (Procession of the Addolorata with Stabat Mater) Arciconfraternita dei Sette Dolori / Chiesa dell’Addolorata / 5:30 AM

• SAN MARCO IN LAMIS / Processione dell'Addolorata (Procession of the Addolorata) / Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate / 5:00 PM

• SAN MARCO IN LAMIS / Processione dell'Addolorata con il Cristo Morto accompagnata dalle Fracchie accese (Procession of the Addolorata with the Dead Christ accompanied by the lit Fracchie) / Chiesa dell’Addolorata / 8:00 PM

Holy Saturday / April 19, 2025

• SAN MARCO IN LAMIS / Passione Vivente (Living Passion) / Through the streets of the city / 10:00 AM

Easter Sunday / April 20, 2025

• SAN MARCO IN LAMIS / Processione dell'Addolorata vestita a festa (Procession of the Addolorata dressed in festivity) / Chiesa dell’Addolorata / 12:01 PM

ARCICONFRATERNITA DEI SETTE DOLORI

At the beginning of the 18th century, the church of Addolorata housed the Compagnia dei Devoti del Cuore Trafitto di Maria (Company of the Devotees of the Pierced Heart of Mary), which was responsible for the hospitality of pilgrims and assisting the poor and sick (it is important to note that there is a historical and devotional continuity between the sisters of the Compagnia dei Devoti del Cuore Trafitto di Maria and a female confraternity from the 15th century that also managed the Stignano chapel). Following the Concordat of 1741 and the need to give a more organized structure to the Compagnia dei Devoti del Cuore Trafitto di Maria, a group of men, eager to enlist under the sacred mantle and protection of the Virgen Addolorata dei Sette Dolori (Virgin of the Seven Sorrows), agreed in 1749 to form the Congregazione dei Sette Dolori della Vergine Maria (Congregation of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary), with the authorization of the General Father of the Servite Order, the abbatial vicar, and royal assent. In 1753, King Charles III of Bourbon granted royal consent to the statutes of the new Venerabile Congregazione dei Sette Dolori della Vergine Maria (Venerable Congregation of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary), and in 1780, the final approval was granted. It is worth noting that in times of various crises (cholera, drought), the population would often turn to the Madonna Addolorata, and later, the confraternity and the community would express their gratitude by "exposing her for two months for freeing us from the cholera contagion." The confraternity enjoyed and still enjoys all the privileges and indulgences granted to all the confraternities of the Sette Dolori (Seven Sorrows) established by the Servite Order. In the middle of the 19th century, it was given the title of Arciconfraternita (Archconfraternity). The brothers and sisters have always kept the Marian devotion to the Madonna dei Sette Dolori (Madonna of the Seven Sorrows) alive, both during Lent and throughout the year, with various religious and catechetical initiatives. The Church of the Addolorata is considered a diocesan Marian sanctuary for obtaining indulgences during holy and Marian years.

CONFRATERNITA DI SANTA MARIA DEL MONTE CARMELO

In the 15th century, the sodales Mariae acquired the church of Sant'Antonio Abate (Saint Anthony Abbot), previously dedicated to San Marco (Saint Mark), and began Marian worship there. This church has always provided services for worship and charity, including a small hospital and accommodations for passing pilgrims. Already in the ancient statutes, there is mention of processions during Holy Week, but in the 19th century, in addition to the devotion to the Madonna del Carmine (Madonna of Mount Carmel), there was also devotion to the Addolorata (Addolorata), with various sacred functions.

The cuisine of San Marco in Lamis is simple yet rich in authentic flavors. Among the typical products are bread, taralli, propato, and canestrello, as well as cured meats and local fruits. The production of dairy products, wine, and olive oil is renowned and highly appreciated even beyond the local area.