top of page

SANTUN - The giant saints. The origin or the author of these statues is not known, they certainly date back to the seventeenth century, the century of the counter-reformation, which in Sicily saw an intense work of re-evangelization and religious re-education also through sacred representations. The 'santun', gigantic statues three meters high and representing the twelve apostles, are undoubtedly the legacy of the Spanish tradition which dominated Sicily for centuries and which still lives today in some cities of Andalusia, as well as the main attraction of the holy week of Aidone.

 

At the first light of dawn, Saint Peter goes through the streets of the town knocking from house to house to announce the discovery of the vacant tomb of Christ, receiving the offer of a bottle of wine as a gift. During the morning the apostles he meets on the street join him, thus giving rise to a slow parade through the whole city until the meeting with the last apostle who, receiving the news of the resurrection of Jesus, runs to the Madonna still in mourning to give the happy news. The ritual is followed by the collective euphoria of the saints who begin running and dancing around the town square as a sign of joy and celebration.

 

The saints are carried by the 'santari', belonging to the brotherhood of the church to which the saint belongs, who slip into the statue and see the outside only through the eyelets made in the robe at belly height. Generally the santari, given the weight, are helped by some brothers who assist them in the most demanding phases of the rite. When the santaro is expert he enjoys the solo posture, walk or run, as well as the bow.

bottom of page