PhD Program in Historical studies
The Real Maestranza of Caltanissetta
The Maestranza of CaltanissettaOf ancient origins, Caltanissetta has linked its name to the Moncada of Paternó, the powerful aristocratic family who ruled the city for more than four centuries, until the abolition of feudalism in Sicily (1812). Like other cities in Sicily, Caltanissetta also was involved in an anti-Savoy revolt in 1718, only to spend a few years later, as the rest of Sicily, under Bourbon rule. comes from the union of guilds, made up of craftsmen and professionals engaged in the same trade. In addition to performing economic and charitable tasks (for the benefit of their members and their families), in the past, this association also held positions of public safety. Today, however, the Maestranza is mainly devoted to the organization of important para-liturgical ceremonies (a function normally carried out by religious confraternities elsewhere). As the latter, the craft associations from Caltanissetta have a religious place (a church, a chapel or an oratory) and a patron saint of reference, whose portrait is reproduced in their emblem. At the head of the Maestranza is its Capitano, elected annually by the members of the guilds participating in the associations. The latter, at the same time, choose among those belonging to the same class of the Capitano to fill other key roles in the Maestranza: the Squire, the Ensign, the Standard Bearer and Halberdier (a nomenclature which reflects the military configuration of the association of Caltanissetta). In Malaga, even today, its counterpart is entitled to free a convicted of minor offenses for Easter. The same thing happened in Caltanissetta until 1822. The Capitano is the absolute protagonist of the first ceremony on the Wednesday of Holy Week, culminating in the solemn procession of the Real Maestranza, accompanying the Blessed Sacrament.
During the holy procession of Holy Thursday, three classes that belonging to the Real Maestranza take part in the procession with their Vare: bakers with the Last Supper, masons with the First Fall and and bricklayers with the Translation of the body. On Good Friday, however, the craftsmen of Caltanissetta participate in the procession of the Lord of the city, escorting the beautiful and ancient black crucifix of Caltanissetta. The Sunday of the Resurrection, the Real Maestranza accompanies the bishop and its captain to the Cathedral for the Easter Mass. For several years, the Maestranza (there are about four hundred craftsmen) has returned to escorting the procession of the Patron Saint Michael the Archangel and parading in the celebration of Corpus Christi as it did at one time.