Chiesa San Giacomo Maggiore - Caccamo

The church contains a miraculous wooden crucifix that is much revered by the populace.

According to an old tradition, the creator of the work was Saint Luke himself, who carved the crucifix directly into the trunk of a tree. The anatomical shapes of the crucifix suggest that it was made between the late 14th and early 15th centuries .

During the third Sunday in May, the simulacrum is carried on the shoulders of sixteen men in a procession through the streets of the city, one of the most characteristic and ancient religious events. Meanwhile, the wooden simulacrum is kept in a richly carved wooden ferculum covered with pure gold (from the mid-18th century). It seems as if there is a small portable temple running through the streets of Caccamo because the base (divided into compartments) is decorated with roses in relief; the crown (topped by a small cross) is instead supported by four twisted columns at the bottom and faceted at the top.

Another beautiful choreographic scene is represented by the same pious sixteen men who carry the ferculum with the miraculous crucifix wearing a characteristic costume consisting of a finely embroidered shirt and very white linen trousers while a wide red silk sash encircles their hips and as a rope descends.

During the procession, a traditional, evocative and solemn rosary is prayed, characterized by an almost primitive rhythm.

Willem Vandenameele