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Mass of the Broadsword and historica re-enactment

Description

The "Mass of the Broadsword", is a religious rite of which there is still no precise documentation indicating its origin and meaning, one of the most singular and evocative liturgical rites that the Church has preserved. The appellation "of the broadsword" derives from the fact that, during the liturgical ceremony, a sword, which belonged to Patriarch Marquardo of Randeck, appears, which the Deacon uses at various times, lifting it and cutting the air as a sign of greeting or blessing, when he addresses the clergy in the choir and the faithful. The most accredited thesis is the one that wants to give the ceremony the double liturgical and political meaning, since it is celebrated by the Patriarch at the time of his inauguration. The Patriarch, in fact, was also a man of arms as he held the "temporal" power of a vast territory: the Patriarchate of Aquileia.
10.30 A.M.
Solemn Mass, called "dello Spadone" in the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo)

Around 11.45 a.m., there will follow the historical re-enactment in costume, with hundreds of participants, of Patriarch Marquardo von Randeck's entry into Cividale del Friuli in 1366.
 

from 2.30 p.m. in Piazza Duomo
Medieval entertainment in honour of the investitures.
Medieval music, medieval Armour duels, fire-eaters and jesters, medieval drum rolls, "New flames" show.

Organized by:

Informacittà +39 0432 710460
informacitta@cividale.net
turismo@cividale.net

traditional feasts, re-enactments
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Cividale del Friuli
10:30
Duomo di Cividale e Centro storico
Libero
Everyone

PHOTO CREDIT: Foto: Ulderica da Pozzo

PromoTurismoFVG is not liable for the accuracy of any information included or for the total or partial non-fulfilment of the events proposed by the organiser.
Further information can be obtained directly from the organiser, who can be found under the heading: “organised by”.

PromoTurismoFVG is not liable in the event that the events, contents and images inserted may possibly damage the common sense of decency. PromoTurismoFVG also reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to obscure any content deemed to be ambiguous in nature, in advance or subsequent to any report, as well as proceeding with actions in the locations deemed most appropriate.

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