The assembly of members of the Association of the Procession of Verges has approved today, in an extraordinary session, a new departure of the Dance of Death outside our town. Specifically, the Dance will travel to Vilafranca del Penedès, where it will participate in a very special liturgical act next Sunday, December 21 at 6:00 p.m., inside the Church of Sant Francesc.
This will be the eighth documented departure of the Dance of Death of Verges since 1955, when it first traveled to Madrid. In these few departures —Madrid (1992), Girona (1992 and 2003) and Montserrat (1998), among others—, the Dance has always maintained its original format and its deeply spiritual character: it travels through the central nave of the church and bows in front of the presbytery in silence and respect.
The Dance of Death of Verges during the trip to Montserrat, September 4, 1998.
On this occasion, the Dance of Death will accompany the first edition of a Sibil·la, a medieval liturgical drama that, like the macabre dances, gradually disappeared after being banned by the Council of Trent. Both elements, dance and song, share this deeply rooted origin in popular culture throughout Europe, and the fact that they have almost completely disappeared makes the uniqueness and fragility of our dance even more evident.
The outing in Vilafranca is also part of the desire to strengthen the candidacy for the Procession of Verges and the Dance of Death to be recognized as Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. A recognition that has been in the works for years and which aims to guarantee the preservation of this unique tradition for future generations.
From the Association, we assume this challenge with responsibility and enthusiasm, convinced that the symbolic and cultural value of the Dance of Death of Verges deserves to remain alive, rooted and protected forever.
