Shadows of Faith: Holy Week in Atessa

A solemn and evocative series of photographs capturing the deeply rooted traditions of Settimana Santa in Atessa, a hill town in the Abruzzo region where centuries-old rituals unfold in silence, reverence, and shadow. These images follow the processions that wind through the town’s narrow streets—hooded confraternities, flickering candles, and mournful hymns echoing against stone facades.

The series reveals the emotional intensity etched on the faces of participants and observers alike, from the weight of the crosses to the silent devotion of the faithful. Black robes, bare feet, and symbolic objects speak to a collective memory that transcends time, offering a glimpse into a community’s spiritual heartbeat.

Together, the photographs form a visual meditation on grief, reflection, and resurrection—where tradition is not performed, but lived.