The artistic event POP PASQUA POPOLARE, scheduled for Friday, March 29, 2024, was unfortunately unable to take place as planned in the historic center of Carrara. The procession, conceived by the artistic collective Fronte Acciaio Cromato (F.A.C.) in collaboration with Marco Pieja, owner of the Gramsci, has been postponed to a date yet to be determined.
“It is disappointing to have to put months of work and extensive planning on hold. But above all, we are sorry to disappoint the many people who participated in this project with enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication.” The event was meant to be more than just a celebration of art; it was also intended as an act of community and hope. “Our goal was to offer the streets of Carrara a moment of reflection, lightness, joy, and unity.”
POP PASQUA POPOLARE was designed to enhance the cultural heritage of the historic center and the city’s artistic studios, transforming squares, bars, and public spaces into stages for creative expression. “On the day that commemorates the Passion of Christ, we wanted to celebrate the Passion for Art, a passion deeply rooted in Carrara, a city where over 30% of the population consists of artists and artisans. This passion for art represents an expression of human emotions, a bridge between individuals and cultures, and a tool to convey universal messages of solidarity, peace, and hope.”
We wish to emphasize that it was never our intention to offend religious sentiments or diminish the significance of Good Friday celebrations. “We are sorry if someone misunderstood our message. Our intent was to celebrate the unifying power of art and bring Carrara together through a peaceful and reflective event. Art has always had the power to inspire people, provide comfort, and drive change.”
The central theme of the “Cruxial” project was the symbol of the burden that every person carries in their life, represented through innovative crosses that did not reflect traditional symbols but, in their simplicity, resembled a “plus sign.” These crosses, specially crafted in F.A.C.’s studios, symbolized positive transformation and hope. At the same time, they aimed to draw attention to the dangers of the digital age, in which people are too often unfairly judged or publicly shamed.
The event also planned several stations throughout the city, where personalities, artists, and icons of Carrara would have been honored with performances and symbolic rituals. “This was meant to be an opportunity to pay tribute to these individuals, highlight their impact on our culture, and keep their memory alive through art.”
The performances were to be enriched with artistic representations and toasts shared with the participants. “We believe in an open, respectful, and inclusive Carrara. For us, art is a means of freely expressing our thoughts without offending anyone. If anyone felt offended or threatened by our planned event, we invite them to visit our studios. Our doors are always open to anyone who wants to understand what moves our souls.”
Fronte Acciaio Cromato adds: “We imagine a Jesus who laughs, a Jesus who, in his universal and humanitarian mission, embraces all differences in the name of peace. Although we had the authorities’ permission to carry out the event, we decided to honor the request of the local curia to postpone the procession. This is our way of avoiding misunderstandings and offering a gesture of love and respect.”
The Future of POP PASQUA POPOLARE
The event has not been canceled, only postponed. “Thanks to the many responses we have already received, the next edition will be even larger and more inclusive, engaging the entire city. Art will continue to live and shine in Carrara and beyond.”
Happy Resurrection and a Sign of Hope for Everyone!
Staff F.A.C.
