September 13th, 14th 2015
Since the veneration of the sacred image of Papardura begins to spread, going to the Sanctuary becomes a habit for the devotees of the Crucified throughout the year. They especially pray during the Fridays of Lent and on dedicated holidays in September.
The historic Papardura Celebration takes place on 13th an 14th September. Every year it attracts hundreds of believers who go to the historical Sanctuary, on pilgrimage and prayer for tradition and faith.
After the last Sunday of August, for the first three days of the week, “massari” ( faemers) go around the town in order to collect some afferings giving traditional “Santini” ( holy pictures), followed by bagpipes and three decorated mules.
In the week following the collecting of alms, in the first three days of the week, “ cuddureddre” are prepared. They consist in a simple mixture of flour and water, which are baked. They are prepared by “massari” , who oversee the Sanctuary and who are assisted by women and believers. For faithful tradition they all together cook thousands of “cuddureddre”.
The religious rites end on 14th September on the Calvary, that is the hill just outside Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified. According to tradition, after the last mass, the “ massari” called “procuratori” (prosecutors) go to the Calvary of Papardura, along with the priest in memory of Jesus Christ life. In the same place, there is the blessing with the relic of the Holy Thorn.
