In Tunisia, a church procession blends faith, nostalgia and migration
Summary
In Tunis, Tunisia, an annual religious procession celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Trapani, drawing people from different backgrounds. The event, which is rooted in the region's history of European immigration, particularly from Sicily, sees the statue of the Virgin Mary carried through the streets. The tradition reflects the blend of cultural and religious influences in the area.Key Facts
- The procession takes place in Halq al-Wadi (La Goulette), a suburb of Tunis.
- The statue of the Virgin Mary is carried by churchgoers as part of the event.
- The Catholic feast has Sicilian origins and was brought to Tunisia in the late 1800s.
- Many people from different backgrounds, including sub-Saharan Africans, participate in the procession.
- The event also marks the Italian holiday Ferragosto, the peak of summer.
- The tradition dates back to when La Goulette was a hub for European immigrants, especially Sicilians.
- The area once had a large population of European immigrants, peaking in the early 20th century.
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