Santissimo Crocifisso Feast in Lascari is one of the most important religious and popular events for the local community, bringing together faith, identity, and collective participation every year. It traditionally takes place on the first Sunday of July, marking the highlight of a long period of spiritual and festive preparation involving the entire town.
The devotion to Santissimo Crocifisso in Lascari is deeply rooted in local history and popular tradition, passed down from generation to generation. The statue of the Most Holy Crucifix, kept in the Mother Church, becomes the centre of an intense programme of celebrations that includes the Octave and the Triduum. The Octave, known locally as “a sciacculata,” features evocative evening torchlight processions and parades of the “small” Crucifix, which moves through the village streets accompanied by prayers and traditional hymns.
In the days leading up to the feast, the community experiences moments of strong religious intensity, including the transfer of the statue to the main altar and Euc
haristic celebrations attended by both civil and military authorities as well as the faithful. On the day of the feast itself, the town gathers for the solemn procession of the “big” Crucifix, carried on shoulders through the streets in an atmosphere of deep devotion and emotional participation.
The celebration concludes with community gatherings, live music in the main square, and fireworks, transforming Lascari into a place of sharing and connection. More than just a religious event, the Santissimo Crocifisso Feast represents a strong expression of local identity, where spirituality and popular tradition merge into a powerful sense of community.
Photo credit: “SS. Crocifisso Lascari” Facebook page. All rights reserved to the respective owners.
