Il Venerdi Santo, Lucca

This evening we joined the Good Friday procession to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. The Cross is carried through the streets stopping at several churches to chant prayers. The penitents wear black robes with pointed hoods and some were barefoot. The hoods are to hide the identities of the penitents - to hide their sinfulness as well as to remain anonymous for their good works. Several penitents took turns carrying the heavy cross. The penitents included both men and women…even though hooded, the hair and feet of some revealed that the participants were not male only (as it most likely was traditionally).