The arches in San Biagio Platani

San Biagio Platani it’s the city of Easter Arches, a tradition that originated in the second half of the ‘600. They are artistic buildings, such as the arches, domes, and bell towers. The religious significance of Easter Arches it is very clear: Christ’s triumph over death. But the arches have their roots in the misery suffered by the population in the ‘700. In this tradition we owe the birth of the two brotherhoods. Madunnara joins up Signurara that each year they create a lively and exciting competition. That ends on the night of Saturday, when each brotherhood prepares the part of the course that belongs to it.

The Easter arches 

Officially ready by Easter morning and are also shown in the following weeks. Chiefly, the preparation, it requires a large amount of material, all strictly granted by nature. Those most largely used are the reeds, willow, asparagus, bay leaf, rosemary cereals, the dates and bread. Each of which has a high symbolic meaning. The most important part are the central arches, under which on Sunday morning the encounter between the risen Jesus and Our Lady.

From year to year, it is changed the aesthetics of the course, while the architectural structure remains unchanged. Chiefly, the entry represents the facade of a church, the avenue the aisle and arch. Opposite the entrance, the apse of the church itself. And more, for over three centuries the architectural structure is always the same. It takes the form of a church. In fact, being composed of the entrance, one has the sensation of walking through the interior of a church where it is possible to admire its beauty. What changes every year is the aesthetics, decorations and colors. It is also under the central arches that Easter Sunday takes place the meeting between the Risen Jesus and Mary.

The tradition of the Easter Arches

But the tradition of the Easter Arches, has its roots back in 1700. In those times, the Arches Bread were exposed, to welcome the great feudal lords, who came to collect taxes and gabelles. With the display of these artistic masterpieces “rich, precious but also simple and genuine” the peasants, demonstrate the will to get out of the condition of poverty and misery in which they lived. They wish, at the same time, a more prosperous future. Obviously, today it is no longer the case. Even if the religious sentiment that binds the Easter to the history and culture of San Biagio Platani, which becomes, a destination increasingly appreciated by tourists.

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