In many parts of Sardinia the rites and traditional representations of Holy Week are still something that many people take part in with enthusiasm, demonstrating their devoutness; in some of the towns and villages these celebrations are especially impressive, thanks to their symbols and the context in which they are experienced and played out. This is certainly the case with Sassari, where the dramatic rituals, and the richness and antiquity of the liturgies transport the participants and spectators back to the mediaeval atmosphere they originated in. The origins of the various confraternities are also very old. These associations organise the various processions that in the week preceding Easter move through the old town accompanied by the sound of beating drums. The processions begin on Holy Tuesday, with the procession of the Misteri (the Mysteries), one of the most striking processions, which retells the Passion of Christ with seven 17th century statues that are carried through the streets accompanied by a fair amount of liturgical paraphernalia. This is followed on the Wednesday by the procession of the Addolorata (Our Lady of Sorrows) and on the Thursday by the Mass of Lord's Supper in the church of the SS. Trinità, with the traditional foot washing ceremony, and with the brothers of the Confraternity of the Santa Croce (the Holy Cross), who play the parts of the twelve Apostles. On Friday it is the turn of the procession of the Madonna dei Sette Dolori (Madonna of the seven sorrows), and in the evening the rite of the Deposition from the Cross followed by the procession of the Cristo morto (the Dead Christ) which moves through all the streets of the town centre. On Sunday, as is traditional, the S’Incontru, the encounter between the resurrected Christ and the Virgin Mary is celebrated. All the ceremonies are characterised by the elaborateness and rituality of their performance. The symbols and robes worn by the members of the confraternities vary depending on the confraternity, adding further to the overall effect of the ceremonies.

The processions take place in the old town centre, therefore it is preferable to park your car at a certain distance and to reach the area on foot or by public transport.