Devotion along the streets of Bastia: the procession of Black Christ

Ancient traditions that become legend. The devotion and religious fervor that go through the oldest streets of this city. In a location in balance between the sea and the hills of Corsica. One of the most important Bastia religious events will take place on May 3, 2015: it’s the procession of the Black Christ.

The legend of the Black Christ – According to tradition, this ancient crucifix was found in the sea by two fishermen in 1428 and immediately brought to the Oratory of the Confraternity of the Holy Cross, the oldest confraternity in the city. Since then, it is also called “miracles crucifix”.

The procession – May 3 will be the day of the Black Christ procession. The peculiarity is that procession will take place at night. When narrow streets, small squares and stairways of Bastia citadel have a special atmosphere. The procession reaches the port.

The city – The citadel is one of the most beautiful parts of Bastia. Things to see are several: Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, palace of the Nobles Twelve, Napoleon’s statue, Boulevard Paoli. And there are the beaches of Bastia. The procession of the Black Christ is the best occasion to see this ancient city.

Image source: Flickr.com/photos/atp19