One of the most picturesque Easter processions in Italy takes place on the beautiful island of Ischia.
Every year on Easter Sunday, along the main street of the village of Forio, the Corsa dell’Angelo (The Angel’s Run) begins in the late morning. The ritual dating back to the 17th century is organized by the Arciconfraternita of Forio, based in the Church of Santa Maria Visitapoveri in Piazza Municipio, the guardians of the four statues carried during the procession.
The statues are those of the Madonna, the Risen Christ, St. John the Apostle and the Angel. The first three were carved in wood by an artisan from Naples between 1756 and 1757, while the Angel was sculpted by Vincenzo Mollica and covered in gold leaf.
The procession symbolizes the encounter between the Virgin Mary and her risen son. The event culmination is when the statue of the Madonna, her face covered by a white veil, meets that of Jesus, while onlookers throw confetti and sugar almonds all around.
