La Desolata

• Prize
  Bronze in People/Culture
• Photographer
  Giancarlo Zuccarone

La Desolata is one of the most ancients and suggestive rituals of southern Italy. This procession is celebrated at Canosa di Puglia on Holy Saturday. Several women dressed in black with faces covered, screaming a strange version of the "Stabat Mater" (liturgical poems on the suffering of Mary, Jesus Christ's mother, during his crucifixion). This emotional hymn evokes strong feelings, creating a great desire to cry that is appeased only by contemplating the pain of the Desolate Virgin.