Larantuka

The coastal town of Larantuka is a half-day drive from Maumere in the east of Flores.

Every year, on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the Maria Procession is held here. Thousands of Catholic pilgrims from Flores and other parts of Indonesia come here to pray and participate in this very special procession. On Maundy Thursday, the route is being prepared for the Good Friday procession. In the afternoon a very impressive ritual takes place: the closed chest of the Virgin Mary is opened and the statue of Mary is bathed and then dressed in mourning clothes. During the Good Friday procession, the image of Jesus Christ is carried.