Holy Thursday

Pilgrimage of the ‘Perduni’

On Holy Thursday, the Confraternity of Purgatory organises the ancient and evocative Pilgrimage of the Perduni. Pairs of brothers, barefoot and hooded as a sign of penance, slowly walk through the streets of the town to the Mother Church to worship Jesus in the Eucharist. Walking with a characteristic swaying movement called Nazzicare, the Perduni evoke an ancient tradition handed down by the Carmelite monks, who originally made pilgrimages to Mount Palestinese to pray at the sites of Christ's Passion.

Today, the pilgrimage is a moment of profound spirituality, attracting numerous faithful and visitors to witness this ritual and admire the Sepulchres prepared in the churches.

-Date: 2 April 2026

-Time: 17:00

-Location: Church of Purgatory

Good Friday

Procession of the Mysteries

The Procession of the Mysteries in Pulsano, held on the afternoon of Good Friday, is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the 18th century. Organised by the Confraternity of Purgatory, this celebration is the culmination of the local community's devotion.

The procession begins around 3:30 p.m. with the exit of the first barefoot and hooded brother, wielding the bordone and the troccola, a wooden instrument with metal clappers. This is followed by the black banner, symbol of mourning, and the Cross of Mysteries, adorned with symbols of the Passion of Christ.

The statues that make up the procession are of extraordinary artistic and spiritual value:

1. Christ in the Garden, at the Column, Ecce Homo and Falling Jesus, created by Giuseppe Greco (1834-1836).

2. Dead Christ, by Giuseppe Pagano (1799), carved from a single block of wood.

3. Our Lady of Sorrows, listed in the confraternity's records since the early 18th century.

4. Crucifix, in papier-mâché, from the Lecce school.

The statues, with crystal eyes and crafted in the Neapolitan school, are carried with the slow, swaying movement of the Nazzicare, to the rhythm of funeral marches performed by bands. The statue of the Dead Jesus, of exceptional beauty, is escorted by Carabinieri in full dress uniform and Knights of Honour, selected by the prior for their dedication to the confraternity.

The procession continues until the early hours of the morning, ending with the return of the statues and symbols to the Church of Purgatory, in an atmosphere of contemplation and devotion.

-Date: 3 April 2026

-Time: 16:00

-Location: Church of Purgatory

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Holy Thursday / 2 April 2026

• PULSANO / Pilgrimage of the “Perduni” / Church of Purgatory / 5 p.m.

Good Friday / 3 April 2026

• PULSANO / Procession of the Mysteries / Church of Purgatory / 4 p.m.

VENERABLE ARCHCONFRATERNITY OF PURGATORY

The Confraternita del Purgatorio was founded under the title of the Most Holy Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel in 1687 by Don Domenico Isaia, spiritual father and economic curator of the parish chapter. At the time of its foundation, the Confraternita del Purgatorio consisted of 29 confreres and 4 novices, who were nobles or belonged to noble and landowning families of the town. Thorough research has established that the Confraternita del Purgatorio already existed before 1687. In fact, in 1684, during a visit to the village of Pulsano and its churches, Monsignor Pignatelli noted that in the Chiesa Madre there was an altar of the Most Holy Crucifix under the care of the Confraternita del Purgatorio. The history of the Confraternita del Purgatorio shows its constant growth over the centuries. It soon became an important center for the social, cultural, and religious life of the Pulsano community, a role it still holds today despite its more than three centuries of history. A fundamental moment in the life of the confraternity, after the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel—which takes place on July 16 with a public procession—is the Holy Week rites, which culminate in the Processione del Venerdì Santo.

The cuisine of Pulsano reflects the authenticity and simplicity of the Apulian tradition, with dishes that highlight local products and the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian coast. Bruschetta, a crispy dry bread topped with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and oregano, is one of the symbols of the local culinary tradition, perfect for a fresh and light meal, especially in the summer months. Another typical dish is the delicious fave e fogghie—fava beans and chicory.