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Religious traditionsdu Sartenais Valinco Taravo: a living heritage ✨

Religious tradition

Dive into the heart of a land where faith and tradition have been intertwined for centuries. In the Sartenais Valinco Taravo, religious celebrations punctuate the year and root the soul of a people deeply attached to their roots. Between solemn processions, sacred songs and centuries-old brotherhoods, each village fervently perpetuates an intangible heritage unique to Corsica.

The religious tradition is very present in Corsica, it is part of the customs and especially in Sartène with the procession of Good Friday “U Catenacciu”. Numerous processions are celebrated around their Saint: Saint Erasmus patron saint of fishermen in Propriano, St Anthony of Padua in Campomoro….

01

U Catenacciu di Sartè

The exact origin of the U Catenacciu procession remains unknown, but this age-old tradition has stood the test of time, bearing witness to the region’s religious fervour. Every Good Friday, in the dead of night, Sartène relives Christ’s ascent to Calvary through a poignant Way of the Cross in the narrow streets of the old town.

The anonymous penitent, dressed in an alb and red bonnet, carries a 33kg solid wooden cross and drags a heavy chain attached to his ankle. At his side, another penitent dressed in white, representing Simon of Cyrene, helps him carry his burden. They are followed by eight black-clad penitents carrying Christ, flanked by the local brotherhood. All walk barefoot, in solemn silence.

02

Saint Erasme

Another very popular religious festival in the Sartenais Valinco Taravo region is that of St Erasmus in Propriano.

In fact, he is the patron saint of sailors and fishermen, protecting them from the danger of storms that could break out on the open sea.

A mass is held in his honour every year on 02 June. Carried in procession through the streets of Propriano, he is then taken aboard a boat for a trip out to sea followed by many faithful. Offshore, long sirens sound, before blessed flowers are thrown into the water and a tribute is paid to all those who perished at sea.

Emotions run high on the Gulf of Valinco. With the patron saint back in port, the banquet and festivities can begin. To the delight of the Proprianais and their guests.

Our favourite!

03

Mercy

Every year, Propriano fervently celebrates the religious festival of Mercy, an event deeply rooted in the history and spiritual culture of the Sartenais Valinco Taravo.

Organised around the church of Notre-Dame de la Miséricorde, this festival is one of the most important in the region. It honours the Virgin of Mercy, patroness of the town, through a moving procession through the streets of Propriano, Corsican liturgical songs, and a traditional mass followed by festive gatherings.

A true testament to Corsica’s religious heritage, this festival is also a great opportunity to discover the soul of the village, between spirituality and conviviality. On this page, find out more about the history of the Feast of Mercy, its programme, its highlights and practical information on how to attend.

Other religious holidays