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I Battenti - Verbicaro 21-03-08

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Verbicaro/Calabria/Italy 20-03-08 - Ritual of the "Battenti". On the night of Holy Thursday Verbicaro stages the traditional rite of Battenti, which dates back to 1473. Initially characterized by "the rite of the first blood", which means the protagonists beat their legs vigorously with their hands until they become red. Then, with a tool cork "cardillo" which has embedded pieces of glass, they start to beat themselves and the first blood flows. As the blood flows, a man carrying a bottle to his lips, blows wine into the wounds...When everyone has his legs covered with blood, they start to run with hands crossed on the chest. Three times they circle the old town stopping in front of churches. They leave as a group but it is not a procession, each runner has their own route and the streets may differ. The event takes place between Thursday and Friday (between midnight and 02.00). At 4.00 (approx.) in the morning there is a solemn procession with living statues and paintings.

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I Battenti - Verbicaro 21-03-08 211.jpg
Copyright
Giovanni Marino
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4368x2912 / 3.9MB
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I Battenti - Verbicaro 20-03-08
Verbicaro/Calabria/Italy 20-03-08 - Ritual of the "Battenti". On the night of Holy Thursday Verbicaro stages the traditional rite of Battenti, which dates back to 1473. Initially characterized by "the rite of the first blood", which means the protagonists beat their legs vigorously with their hands until they become red. Then, with a tool cork "cardillo" which has embedded pieces of glass, they start to beat themselves and the first blood flows. As the blood flows, a man carrying a bottle to his lips, blows wine into the wounds...When everyone has his legs covered with blood, they start to run with hands crossed on the chest. Three times they circle the old town stopping in front of churches. They leave as a group but it is not a procession, each runner has their own route and the streets may differ. The event takes place between Thursday and Friday (between midnight and 02.00). At 4.00 (approx.) in the morning there is a solemn procession with living statues and paintings.