Within the rich tradition of the Verges Procession, one element defines the rhythm and order of Maundy Thursday: the Verges Manages. These Roman soldiers are not merely extras; they are the very gears that set the heartbeat of the town’s streets under the glow of torches.
Why Are They Called ‘The Manages’ in Verges?
One of the most fascinating aspects of this figure is its name. While the masculine form, ‘els manaies,’ is common elsewhere in Catalonia, Verges proudly preserves the feminine term: the Manages.
This distinction has deep historical and philological roots. The term originates from the Latin securis manuaria (‘hand axe’), which evolved through the Italian word mannaia. As early as the 14th century, authors like Francesc Eiximenis used ‘manaire’ to describe this weapon.
Because the original weapon—a type of axe or halberd—is a feminine noun, the group of soldiers in Verges adopted the gender of the object they carried. Unlike other places where the name became masculinized, Vergélitains have preserved the feminine form and the unique spelling with a ‘g,’ a true linguistic treasure.
The Role of the Verges Manages in the Streets
Although they march with spears today, their function retains the essence of the 18th-century armed guards. They are the guardians of the performance, responsible for the ‘gathering’ of the main characters.
- The Sound of Spears: The sharp crack of spears hitting the cobblestones signals the procession’s approach. This rhythm, combined with trumpets, creates a uniquely tense atmosphere.
- The Protective Circle: During moments of high drama, such as the falls of Jesus, the Manages form an outer circle. This ‘rotllana’ shields the performance space, a practice documented in the most ancient ceremonial parades.
A Symbol of Local Identity
Being a Manage in Verges is often a hereditary honor. The strict discipline of their march and the respectful silence of the crowd as they pass make this figure a cornerstone of our town’s intangible heritage.
To discover how these soldiers interact with other key scenes, explore the story of the Sanhedrin’s betrayal or the dramatic performance of the Verges Passion Play.
