The Night Coffin of Porto Recanati

On the evening of Good Friday, a particularly intense religious procession, the so-called "Bara de notte," is held in Porto Recanati. The tradition dates back to the 18th century, but it is believed to be even older and involves the unfolding of a procession that starts and ends at the church of St. John the Baptist, at the end of mass. The procession consists of twelve barefoot fishermen, called "sciabegatti"-from the dialect term "sciabega" meaning "fishing net"-who go through the stations of the Passion carrying the simulacrum of Christ on top of a wooden machine about five meters high, the so-called "Coffin," built according to precise steps guarded by a single craftsman who then passes them down through the years. Also participating in the procession are three hooded, barefoot fishermen who symbolize Christ and the thieves.