I Scinnuti 2026

From 20 February 2026, Trapani will renew one of the most intense and distinctive events in its religious tradition with the rites of the “Scinnute”, which accompany the city throughout Lent.

Dating back to the 17th century, the Scinnute – a term that means “descent” in dialect – recall the ancient custom of bringing the Sacred Groups down from their niches and placing them in the centre of the church, the heart of community prayer. Today, the rites take place in the Church of the Jesuit College, where the groups are displayed in turn according to a calendar that involves the city’s social classes, the historical custodians of the Mysteries. The celebrations, preceded and followed by the performance of traditional funeral marches, create a solemn and participatory atmosphere, strengthening the bond between faith, memory and collective identity. Although it has evolved over time, the ritual retains its profound symbolic value and represents a central moment in the anticipation of Holy Week in Trapani.

The Scinnute are an invitation to experience Lent in the authentic heart of Sicily, where spirituality, tradition and community intertwine in an intensely evocative experience.

Dates: 20 February, 24 February, 27 February, 3 March, 6 March, 10 March, 13 March, 17 March, 20 March, 24 March, 25 March, 27 March