Faith — Gabriele Sciotto

The "Faradda di li candelieri” is a procession that takes places in Sardinia since 1600 (circa) where giant wooden candles gets carried around the city of Sassari by dancing carriers, as a sign of devotion to the Holy Mary. More than 100.000 people participates every year. Sassari, Aug 2015.

Carriers dancing at the "Faradda di li candelieri”. Sassari, Aug 15.

Carriers resting at the "Faradda di li candelieri”. Sassari, Aug 15.

Colosseum square packed with people for the 2015’s Via Crucis. Rome, April 2015.

During the celebration of the Via Crucis in Rome held by the Pope, an average of 20.000 people gather in front of the colosseum to pray. Rome, April 2015.

In Cutro, Southern Italy, every seven years a wooden crucifix from the 17th century is celebrated, following a vow from 1950. During this celebrations the crucifix is carried around the town. Cutro, May 2016.

Crowd at the celebrations for the Santissimo Crocifisso. Cutro, May 2016.

By tradition the balconies on the procession’s route are decorated with the best possible linen. Cutro, May 2016.

Details on the back of the Santissimo Crocifisso’s Church. Cutro, May 2016.

Details inside the Santissimo Crocifisso’s Church. Cutro, May 2016.

In Italy every year are millions the followers of the Catholic church gathering for events, processions and public prayers, in a country were believers are decreasing strongly and more then 45000 people have defected the church in 2015.

Believers are still millions today in the country, compared to the last century, but, with different meanings of interest, assisting today to one of this religious event is like to be in front of a media event, photos video and social medias disrupt the sacred meaning behind this occasions.