In the absolute darkness of Maundy Thursday night in Verges, when the public lights go out, there is only one way to see death: by fire. The Torchbearers are a group of four figures (two adults and two children or youths) whose vital mission is to illuminate the path for the skeletons and the Drummer of the iconic Verges Procession.
They are not part of the macabre dance (they do not jump or spin), but their presence creates the Gothic and terrifying atmosphere that has made the event famous. Without them, there would be no spectacle, only darkness.
Symbolism: Life is a Flame in the Wind
While the skeletons represent fixed and eternal death, the Torchbearers hold real fire (oil flames). This unstable light, which moves and flickers with the wind, symbolizes the fragility of human life. We are like a small flame in the infinite night of death; we shine for a moment and then are extinguished.
Furthermore, they act as a funerary guard. Walking two on each side of the Drummer, they form a protective rectangle that clears a path for the retinue through the crowd.
Movement of the Verges Procession Torchbearers
Visually, they connect with the Drummer because they do not wear skeleton costumes. They wear a black hooded tunic (traditionally purple in Verges), black gloves, and espadrilles with bones painted on them. To maintain consistency with the group, their faces are also hidden under a skull mask or helmet. They appear as specters serving Death, illuminating the path so it can “reap” lives.
The Movement: Walking to the Rhythm
Although they do not dance, the Torchbearers do not walk aimlessly. They scrupulously follow the beat of the Drummer (“Tum… tum-tum”):
- On the long beat, they lift their foot and step forward.
- On the two short beats, they plant their foot.
This slow, ceremonial walk, with one arm raised holding the square torch, creates a spectacular play of shadows on the stone walls. This is especially true as they pass through Carrer dels Cargols (Snails’ Street), an iconic part of historic Verges, where their flames join the oil lamps lit by the residents.
The Final Moment
When the procession reaches the church, the Torchbearers position themselves on either side of the door, flanking the entrance like sentinels as the skeletons enter to make their final reverence. When it is all over, the torches are extinguished, symbolizing the end of life.
Last updated: April 18, 2026
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