In July, Prof. Cantoni visited the Fête des Vignerons in Vevey (CH) to present Ticino’s nomination to the list of Swiss intangible heritage at an official press conference.
“Mendrisio’s Holy Week Processions have been put forward for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status. This is Switzerland’s fourth candidacy. The Processions are held in Mendrisio on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday every year. As they make their way through the streets of the town, a soft light is given off by the «Trasparenti», translucent paintings on canvas mounted on «boxes» and lit up from within. Crafted using a special technique dating back to the eighteenth century, the «Trasparenti» are a characteristic feature of the Processions and a fundamental element of the candidacy. The Maundy Thursday Procession represents the Passion and the Stations of the Cross, featuring around 270 participants. The Good Friday Procession is more austere and solemn, with over 700 participants. The candidacy documents for Mendrisio’s Holy Week Processions were officially deposited with UNESCO in Paris on 27 March 2018 and UNESCO will announce its decision in December 2019.”
