The "Vara" by isolina_it
On 15th August, the image of Crist supporting his mother in the palm of his hand, and raising her to Heaven, is borne on top of a massive coneshaped "machine", designed in the structure of the universe: from the world up to heavens, with the angelic hierarchies in between. Local people from all social backgrounds and from all over the city drag "la Vara" ( the name, meaning "coffin", derives from the small glass casket holding the figure of the mortal body of the Virgin, at the base of the machine) by long tow-ropes, whilst singing hymns to Mary. Progress is slow and difficult, since the entire construction runs, on only rudimentary iron slides.
