Procession du Granitula

Granitula Procession — Good Friday, April 3, 2026

In Sartène, on the evening of Good Friday 2026 (Friday, April 3), the old town is illuminated by candles for one of Corsica's most moving religious traditions. The Granitula procession accompanies the Catenacciu, « the chained one », a nocturnal procession symbolizing Christ's ascent to Golgotha.

The Catenacciu and the Granitula

An anonymous penitent — whose identity is known only to the parish priest — dressed in red from head to toe and wearing an airtight hood, walks barefoot for about two kilometers through the steep streets of the granite city. He carries a heavy oak cross (approximately 33 kg) and drags a chain fixed to his ankle (approximately 14 kg), falling three times in the image of the Stations of the Cross. He is accompanied by a white penitent (figure of Simon of Cyrene) and eight black penitents. The term granitula (« the snail », the spiral) refers to the figure formed by the penitents coiling and uncoiling in front of the church squares, a symbol of the union of Christians.

A Centuries-Old Tradition

The Catenacciu of Sartène is the oldest procession in Corsica: it dates back to the 13th century and finds its origins in the confraternities of penitents. The departure usually takes place around 9:30 PM, from the Sainte-Marie church, Place de a Porta. Corsican polyphonic chants, the collected silence of the faithful and inhabitants: the atmosphere is intense and deeply solemn.

Practical Information

The procession is free and open to all. It is advisable to arrive early to find a good spot, to bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes, and to respect silence as the penitent passes.