The penance rites taking place every seven years in Guardia Sanframondi, South of Italy, are a religious event of ancient origin in honor of Our Lady of Assumption. The Riti Settennali are celebrated starting from the first Monday after the August 15th, and last for a week (this year’s edition took place in the August 16th-22nd week), during which the four districts of the town give life to processions and set up sacred representations, the so-called misteri. Highpoint of the event is with no doubts expected on Sunday when a large group of penitents takes part to the final procession. The battenti, wearing a white robe and a hood not be recognized, give life to the ritual of flagellation. Inspired by the act of penance of St. Jerome, the battenti hold in the left hand a crucifix and the image of the Assumption of Mary, and during the whole procession they beat their chest with the typical cork disk bristled with thirty-three needles they hold in the right hand: a bloody spectacle inspired by faith and courage.
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