Naca in Davoli: A Unique Easter Tradition of Light and Devotion

Every year on Good Friday, the Calabrian town of Davoli hosts a singular event that transforms its quiet streets into a glowing procession of faith, memory, and community. Known as la Naca, this centuries-old religious tradition blends Christian symbolism with local folklore in a spectacle unlike any other in Italy.

What Is Naca?

The term naca refers to the cradle or bier that carries a statue of the entombed Jesus during a somber procession on Venerdì Santo (Good Friday). While you can find Naca processions throughout Italy, Davoli’s version is distinguished by something special.

Central to the Davoli procession are not only the religious icons but also towering fir trees carried through the town and covered in colorful, hand-lit paper lanterns. These illuminated trees bring both reverence and visual wonder to the streets, creating an atmosphere that evokes a feeling of magic.

Origins of the Tradition

Naca in Davoli traces its roots to Spanish customs introduced during the Spanish occupation of southern Italy in the 1700s. While similar rituals have faded elsewhere, Davoli has preserved and evolved the practice, combining Catholic liturgy with a celebration of local identity.

The integration of lantern-covered fir trees is unique to Davoli and is believed to symbolize the light of Christ and the endurance of faith through darkness. Each year, approximately 80 trees of varying sizes are prepared for the event.

Making the Lanterns

Though at one time, only the men of Davoli made the paper lanterns for Naca, now it's an event open to all. The old and young gather in a private cantina to make the wax paper lanterns that will light the path to Naca.

Every year, lantern-making begins in January and goes on until thousands are made. (PS If you're visiting during this period and want a tour of the laboratorio, Go Go Calabria can arrange it).

Harvesting the Trees

In the days leading up to the procession, volunteers from Davoli—-primarily younger men, though some women now participate—-venture into the forests near Serra San Bruno to harvest the fir trees used in the procession. The harvesting is done sustainably in collaboration with a biomass processing company, which manages forest thinning and repurposes the trees for energy after the event. This eco-conscious approach ensures that the tradition not only honors the past but also respects the environment.

Volunteers select and fell each tree with precision, then transport them back to Davoli in large trucks, where the trees are prepared for decoration.

Preparing for the Procession

The trees are carried into town and set up ahead of the big night. During Settimana Santa, residents work together to adorn each fir with handmade lanterns in a shared act of devotion and artistry.

The atmosphere is festive yet reverent, with balconies, staircases, and streets all aglow as neighbors hang lanterns and prepare for the evening procession.

People from across Calabria (and around the globe) travel to Davoli to witness this event, which begins around 10 PM. The procession is led by the local priest and the statue of Christ, followed by community members carrying the illuminated trees. The lanterns sway gently with each step, casting colorful light patterns across the stone streets.

A Living Tradition

Naca in Davoli is more than a religious ritual—-it’s a community tradition that strengthens social ties, honors heritage, and engages generations in a shared act of remembrance. Through the solemn dirges and the vibrant lanterns, the people of Davoli create a moving experience that binds past and present in a uniquely Calabrian expression of Easter devotion.

As modern life threatens to erode many traditional customs, Naca endures: a testament to the community's commitment to preserving its cultural identity while embracing thoughtful adaptation. For anyone visiting Calabria during Holy Week, the Naca of Davoli offers an unforgettable glimpse into the soul of the region.