Since the week before Palm Sunday, Santu Lussurgiu has been in turmoil. In the sacristy of the Brotherhood of the Rosary (sa Cunfrària 'e su Rosàriu), palm trees are processed to be distributed on Palm Sunday, while the official singers of su Cuncordu 'e su Rosàriu (the choir of the above-mentioned brotherhood, founded in 1605 by the Observant Friars Minor) dedicate themselves to rehearsals.

During this week, the choir of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Sorrows during religious services performs the song de sa Novena (the Stabat Mater in Sardinian).

On Palm Sunday, the rites of Holy Week (Chida Santa) begin with the blessing and subsequent distribution to the people of intertwined palm trees and olive branches.

The Mass is sung by Su Cuncordu 'e Santa Rughe (choir of the Brotherhood of the Holy Cross).

The paraliturgies of the Holy Church in the town of Montiferru are organized by the four brotherhoods of the town: the Brotherhood of the Rosary (on Rosàriu), the Brotherhood of the Holy Cross (Santa Rughe), the Brotherhood of Carmine (on Càrmene) and the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Sorrows (sa 'e Sette Dolores). These are complex ritual ceremonies distributed over several days and places, punctuated by cuncordu singing, a practice of polyphonic male singing with four voices (cuntraltu, oghe, contro and bassu) transmitted orally in a confraternity environment.

On Holy Tuesday in the church of Santa Croce, the homonymous confraternity organizes the performance of Su Nazarenu (the Christ at the column): a Way of the Cross accompanied by the songs of the Miserere and de sa Novena performed by the choir of the Brotherhood of the Holy Cross.

On Holy Wednesday, the Brotherhood of the Rosary takes care of the preparation of the simulacrum of the Christ Dead on the Cross and all the objects to be used for the ceremony the next day, such as ropes, wooden wedges and rope ladders. The Company of Prioresses (with the task of organizing religious festivals, taking care of the decoration of churches, assisting the sick and the needy, participating in processions and funerals) dresses the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows.

On Holy Thursday in the church of Saint Peter, the Mass in Coena Domini (called sa Missa 'e Glòria) takes place with the rite of washing the feet. Sa tavula is lavished with foods with strong symbolic values (oranges, fish, bread and wine): it is seated by twelve confreres chosen from among the members of the four brotherhoods to represent the apostles. In the evening, the procession starts from the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli (Su Cunventu) with the simulacra of the Crucifix, prepared the night before, that of Our Lady of Sorrows, the members of all four brotherhoods and the clergy. The processional itinerary is punctuated by the song of Su Cuncordu 'e su Rosàriu, which sings various verses from Miserere, stopping the march at pre-established points on the route. Arriving at the parish church, the confreres of the Rosary hoist the Crucifix in the center of the altar.

During the afternoon of Good Friday, before the rite of S'Iscravamentu takes place, the litter where the simulacrum of Christ will be placed, once deposed from the cross, is decorated with flowers and candles. At the same time, the tray is prepared with hammers and pliers and everything necessary for the purpose of unfolding and deposing Christ from the cross. Once the rite of S'Iscravamentu has been completed, the procession carrying the bed of the dead Christ starts from the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, accompanied by the verses of the Miserere.

Arrived at the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the simulacra of the Dead Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows remain on display for the adoration and homage of the faithful.

Holy Saturday is dedicated to the dressing of the statues of Our Lady and the Risen Christ in view of the Easter rite of S'Incontru. The Virgin wears a blue dress and has a silver crown on her head. A black veil covers half the statue. The Risen One, on the other hand, has his head adorned with a floral wreath and is covered by a white veil.

Both simulacra are discovered at the time of the Easter ceremony of S'Incontru, at the sound of bells (alligrìzios de Pasca) in the square of the parish church: Santa Maria degli Angeli.

The rites end with the celebration of the solemn Mass in the Convent church accompanied by the songs of the Su Cuncordu 'e su Rosàriu choir.

History of the event

In many centers of the island, the liturgies of the representation of the Passion and death of Christ are celebrated with ancient ceremonials of medieval descent, mediated by the Iberian tradition.

What characterizes the Holy Week of Santu Lussurgiu is the strong presence of the Sardinian liturgical tradition, which can be felt both in the singing and in the installations of S'Incravamentu and S'Iscravamentu.

Worthy of note is the history of the Lusurgese brotherhoods. In 1473, the Observant Friars Minor erected a convent attached to the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli and in 1605 the Brotherhood of the Holy Rosary, Sa Cunfraria 'e su Rosàriu, was founded.