The Passion of Sordevolo: the largest popular theatre show
4 minutes
In the Elvo Valley, in the municipality of Sordevolo, in the province of Biella, one of the most significant events in the history of mankind is re-enacted every five years: the Passion of Christ. The area is transformed into a huge stage for a folk theatre performance, handed down from generation to generation since 1816.
For the occasion, over 400 Sordevolo residents dress up as actors and bring to life an evocative open-air performance, divided into 36 performances in an amphitheatre of about 4,000 square metres, which can accommodate up to 3,000 spectators for each show. In total, more than 20,000 people come from all over the world to attend this famous performance, which narrates the celebration of the mystery of Christ.
The Passion of Sordevolo is a rare form of folk choral theatre, a tradition that has been kept alive and uninterrupted for over two centuries thanks to the continuous passing down between generations. The proceeds from the performances are traditionally donated to charity, confirming the social value of the event, a shared heritage of the entire community.
The 29th edition of the Passion of Sordevolo will be held from 19 June to 26 September 2027.
The uniqueness of the event
The Passion of Sordevolo is a unique spectacle in Italy and second in the world, in terms of number of spectators, only to that of Oberammergau in Bavaria. Precisely because it is one of a kind, Sordevolo is not, in fact, a tourist attraction for the Biella area or for Piedmont, but for Italy as a whole.
The uniqueness is also due to the dual nature of the show: in addition to the standard version staged by adults, there is the Children's Passion, performed entirely by the young people of Sordevolo with the same text and plot as the classic version. Everyone rehearses with commitment and dedication to honour a centuries-old tradition.
A tradition handed down from generation to generation
The Passion of Sordevolo celebrated the 200th anniversary of the first documented date in 2015, but in all likelihood has its roots in a much more distant past. The year of the first performance is not known, but performances are documented from 1816 onwards. Since then, the show has taken place every five or ten years, with the exception of the years of the two World Wars. From the Second World War onwards, its frequency has once again become fairly regular, up to the present day.
The event involves the entire community of Sordevolo from generation to generation; the inhabitants pass on the tradition of the show from father to son and take turns in the parts with the biological rhythms of life: at five years of age they play the part of the little angel, at ten that of the little shepherd, at fifteen that of a member of the plebs, at twenty that of a Roman soldier, until some of them reach the main roles of Christ, Mary Magdalene, Caiaphas and Pilate.
A special feature of the event is its completely autonomous management: costumes, sets, direction, acting and organisation are all provided using local resources.
Set design, texts and soundtrack
In an area of 4,000 square metres capable of accommodating about 3,000 spectators, a small strip of Palestine is scenically reproduced (the Upper Room, the Sanhedrin, Gethsemane, Herod's Palace, Pilate's Praetorium, Calvary) where characters, performers, extras, Sanhedrin guards, Roman soldiers and cavalrymen bring the Sacred Drama to life.
The set design and music are meticulously crafted, and the choreographic effects are exceptional and of rare beauty. The text is the result of the reworking of a Passion in verse dating back to the late 15th century, linked to the tradition of the Compagnia del Gonfalone in Rome and, even earlier, to the laudators of the 14th century, who were fundamental to the birth of Italian literature. Its value is therefore not only theatrical but also historical and literary. Proof of this is the interest shown over the years by important scholars and critics, who have recognised its spiritual intensity and collective expressive power, elements that yield a strongly human and realistic interpretation. For the 2027 edition, it will be possible to enjoy an updated text (but still in keeping with its previous tradition), the introduction of new sets and a new soundtrack.
Sordevolo: what to see, the Museum of the Passion and a historical spectacle in Piedmont
To get an authentic insight into the area and enjoy an even more engaging cultural experience, you can visit the Permanent Museum of the Passion, set up in the choir and sacristy of the Church of Santa Marta in Sordevolo, and discover the Amphitheatre behind the scenes, a symbolic place linked to the historic local performance.
The Sordevolo area offers a wide variety of experiences combining nature, culture and tradition: outdoor activities in unspoilt surroundings, hiking trails immersed in greenery and stunning views of the Biella Alps. The visit is enriched by the opportunity to taste traditional local dishes, an authentic expression of Piedmontese gastronomic culture.
Sordevolo also stands out for the presence of a spectacle of great historical, cultural and religious value, unique of its kind in Italy, which represents an element of identity deeply rooted in the community and capable of attracting visitors from all over the country and from abroad.
