Italy abounds in religious processions centred on a town’s patron saint or holy relic. San Cassiano’s Festa Triennale del SS Crocifisso (Feast of the Very Holy Crucifix) is celebrated in grand style every three years. It is a very moving festival of the religious and community spirit of the area, bringing together not only the inhabitants of the surrounding villages but also relatives who have emigrated to the Americas and northern Europe. For an anthropologist the Festa is a complete vindication of Durkheim’s concept of “collective effervescence” and the identification of God with Society.

The intermixing and fusion of the sacred and the secular can be felt throughout the three days of this wonderful occasion, both for San Cassiano and for the entire Valle di Lima.

I’ve witnessed the festa Triennale at least three times since I moved to this area in 2005. The climax of the ceremony is when the crucifix comes gently down a specially-built ramp from above the altar where it has been placed.

The descent from on high is, of course, meant to symbolise the incarnation of God in the figure of his Son Jesus Christ, who become a man.

It’s also ‘Ecce homo’, (here is the man) as Pontius Pilate, Roman governor of Judea says (in St John’ gospel) to the mass of people in front of him when he has had Jesus flagellated. Pontius thought this was good enough punishment but the high priest wanted more and Jesus was crucified.

After the recitation of the vespers there was the solemn procession beating the bounds of San Cassiano.

Two friends were responsible for decorating the lovely arch at the start of the village.

In the evening there was an excellent concert by the ‘Filarmonica Santa Cecilia di Farnocchia’ band followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

Long may these events continue for they serve both a religious and a social purpose and bring the community together whether one is a believer or not.  A village without these festivities is truly a village without a soul. In three years’ time let us all trust we shall be here to celebrate another Festa Del Santissimo Crocifisso at Sn Cassiano. In the meanwhile well done to all those who participated in this great event.