The origins of Sa Chida Santa in Santu Lussurgiu go way back and combine the Spanish influences with ancient Sardinian liturgical traditions. The rituals are organised by four Cunfrarìas (confraternities): Santa Rughe is the oldest (c. 1580), Su Rosariu (1605), Su Carmene (1629), and Sos Sette Dolores (1734). Even the dramatic chant in Sardinian and Latin, a key aspect over these few days, has ancient origins linked to funeral rituals. Holy Week is marked by a strong presence of the liturgical Sardinian tradition which can clearly be identified in the chanting as well as the S‘Incravamentu and S’Iscravamentu preparations.
The Settenario dell’Addolorata opens celebrations on the V week of Lent with the performance of the Su Cuncordu ‘e Sette Dolores Sardinian chant called tres pesadas de Novena. Su Cuncordu ‘e Santa Rughe harmonises the chants at the mass on Palm Sunday.
On Holy Tuesday, the via crucis de Su Nazarenu (Jesus Christ) leaves from the Santa Croce church. The simulacrum of Christ will be carried as far as the church of San Pietro, accompanied by the choirs of Su Cuncordu ‘e Santa Rughe.
On Holy Wednesday, at the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli (Cunventu) the Su Rosariu Confraternity sets up the simulacrum of the body of Christ with objects linked to the Passion of Christ and the Prioress dresses Our Lady of Sorrows. The S‘Incravamentu ritual is held on Holy Thursday. Su Cuncordu ‘e su Rosariu harmonises the dramatic chants of the Miserere along the procession carrying the simulacrum of Christ through the town’s streets after mass.
Good Friday is the most intense and dramatic moment with the S’Iscravamentu ritual. The holy chants accompanying the procession through the streets of the old town centre will last until midnight in the de Cunventu church.
