The Procession of the ‘Running Christ’ is a significant event celebrated on Easter Sunday. The procession features a valuable statue of the Risen Christ being carried through the streets of the town at a brisk pace, almost running, and between two wings of the crowd. The statue was commissioned by the Carpenters’ Guild and completed in 1832. Legend has it that a sculptor, serving a life sentence, was commissioned to carve a Risen Christ in wood superior to those that already existed. However, to prevent the artist from creating a new identical or even more beautiful statue later, he was ruthlessly blinded. The procession is opened by a team of shooters whose rifles are loaded with confetti. An original element of this procession is the bearers of the ‘Tronchi’, large crosses adorned with garlands. The crosses weigh between 75 and 95 kilos, with the largest reaching about 5 metres in height. Transporting the Tronchi requires considerable skill and strength so as not to be thrown off balance during transport. It is a demonstration of strength, skill and endurance.

To consult the schedule of religious services, visit the Civitavecchia and Tarquinia Diocese website Diocesi di Civitavecchia e Tarquinia

Photo credits: Facebook @cristorisortotarquinia