During the Maundy Thursday route of the Verges Procession, the First Fall is one of the most anticipated and emotional moments for the Vergelitains. When the procession reaches the Little Square, the space transforms into a living stage where Jesus’ suffering becomes tangible through a series of encounters that define the night.
The Setting of the Performance
The scene begins as the procession enters an intimate space, allowing for a unique proximity between the characters and the audience. The sound of the Manages and the shouts of The Jews create the tense atmosphere needed for what is about to unfold. Although the path is long, this is where the first miracles and acts of compassion are concentrated.
A Mosaic of Characters and Emotions
The First Fall is not a single event but a mosaic of three fundamental moments:
- The Healing of the Blind Man: The pilgrim who, despite his darkness, recognizes the light of Jesus and begs for the miracle of sight.
- The Encounter with His Mother: The sorrow of the Virgin Mary, who breaks through the procession to embrace her son under the severe gaze of his captors.
- The Gesture of Veronica: The compassion of a woman who wipes Jesus’ face, leaving the miraculous image imprinted on the cloth.
This entire tableau concludes with the dialogue of the Three Marys, who offer their feminine comfort in the face of the Master’s prophetic warnings to the daughters of Jerusalem.
Significance of the First Fall Verges Procession
For the town of Verges, this scene represents a faithful commitment to a narrative that has been kept alive for generations. The First Fall is the moment when sacred history descends from the altars to walk upon the town’s stones.
To witness the First Fall is to understand the essence of the procession: a perfect balance between the harshness of the sentence and the tenderness of those who accompany the condemned. For this reason, the Little Square remains an essential pilgrimage site every Maundy Thursday night.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
