The seven rites of Guardia Sanframondi picture different scenes from the New and Old Testaments in a vivid way. Every rite has its own color and theme, but all of them are wearing hooded robes with holes in their eyes. During the week, these rites lead processions around the town, and on Sunday, the ancient statue of Madonna is taken out of the church to parade across the town with the rites.
Riti Settennali Tradition
The participants also beat their chests with sponges with sharp needles, incessantly and rhythmically, causes bleeding from the chest. To clean, disinfect, and keep the wound open, some assistants pour white wine on the sponge. Local craftsmen make sponges from a piece of cork into which steel pins, traditionally numbering thirty-three, are carefully driven. The main theme of the rites is repentance.
History
It is a truly eccentric scene, a tradition that has been on since the thirteenth century, with the first mention in 1620. The list included numerous instruments of penance, such as the "suvéri" armed with a multitude of very sharp objects, describing both the 'sponge' and the penitential action of the battente. The week always occurs on the first Monday after the 15th of August.
