Procession of the Confraternities of Bonifacio
Religious festival in Bonifacio, South Corsica
About Procession of the Confraternities
The Procession of the Brotherhoods of Bonifacio
The Procession of the Brotherhoods of Bonifacio is one of the most emblematic religious events of Holy Week in Corsica. Every year, on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the five brotherhoods of Bonifacio parade in procession through the old town to celebrate the Passion of Christ, perpetuating a tradition inherited from over eight centuries.
The Five Brotherhoods
The city of Bonifacio has five centuries-old brotherhoods, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages: Sainte-Croix, Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Saint-Barthélemy, Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, and Saint-Érasme. The brothers, dressed in their traditional attire and sometimes hooded, carry richly decorated wooden reliquaries, topped with the statue of their brotherhood's patron saint and illuminated by paper lanterns.
A Living Tradition
On Maundy Thursday, the brotherhoods gather in the Sainte-Marie-Majeure church for the Office of Tenebrae, marked by the custom of « matzuchi », long palms struck on the ground by the assembly to evoke the thunder and tremors of the Crucifixion. On Good Friday, starting in the morning, the circular processions of the five brotherhoods take place, led by the cross-bearer and accompanied by litanies and cartatorci (torch-bearers).
A Highlight of Bonifacian Life
Deeply rooted in Bonifacio's identity, this event brings together residents and visitors in an intimate and solemn atmosphere. It constitutes one of the highlights of the religious heritage and popular traditions of Southern Corsica.
Procession of the Confraternities — edition 2026
Procession of the Brotherhoods of Bonifacio — Holy Week 2026
In 2026, the Holy Week processions of Bonifacio take place on Maundy Thursday, April 2 and Good Friday, April 3. The city's five brotherhoods — Sainte-Croix, Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Saint-Barthélemy, Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, and Saint-Érasme — carry their reliquaries in procession through the old town to celebrate the Passion of Christ, in a tradition inherited from eight centuries of history.
Programme Procession of the Confraternities 2026
Maundy Thursday — April 2, 2026
- 3:30 PM — Tenebrae Service at Sainte-Marie-Majeure church (gathering of the five brotherhoods, tradition of the « matzuchi »)
- 6:00 PM — Mass in memory of the Lord's Supper, Sainte-Marie-Majeure church
- In the evening — Processions of the four brotherhoods of the upper town with the « petites châsses » through the narrow streets
Good Friday — April 3, 2026
- From 8:00 AM — Circular processions of the five brotherhoods, with the « grandes châsses », through the old town and the Marine district (hooded cross-bearers, litanies, cartatorci)
- 6:00 PM — Celebration of the Lord's Passion followed by the veneration of the Cross, Sainte-Marie-Majeure church
Highlights Procession of the Confraternities 2026
- Holy Week Processions: Maundy Thursday, April 2 and Good Friday, April 3, 2026
- The five centuries-old brotherhoods of Bonifacio in procession
- Tradition of the « matzuchi » during the Tenebrae Service
- Circular processions of the « grandes châsses » from 8 AM on Good Friday
- Free and open access in the old town
Prices Procession of the Confraternities 2026
Practical information — Procession of the Confraternities
Practical Information
Location
Old town of Bonifacio (20169), Southern Corsica. The ceremonies are mainly held in the Sainte-Marie-Majeure church and the processions wind through the narrow streets of the upper town and the Marine quarter.
Access and Parking
All municipal car parks are open on procession days (Maundy Thursday and Good Friday). It is advisable to park below and reach the old town on foot.
Prices
Religious and public event with free access.
Contact
Bonifacio Town Hall / Bonifacio Tourist Office — tel. 04 95 73 01 33. A detailed program is communicated annually by the parish and the town hall.
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Where does it take place — Procession of the Confraternities
Église Sainte-Marie-Majeure et vieille ville de Bonifacio
Bonifacio, 20169 Bonifacio