I produced this illustration while I was in my hometown of Nocera Terinese (southern Italy) during the Easter holiday. During the Easter procession in the town, these people called the 'vattienti' flagellate themselves to repent their sins. This ritual is very ancient and I wanted to document it as rituals like this are slowly disappearing. I took many photographs and drew some quick on-the-spot sketches as reference. I am very interested in religious rites and this ongoing project will continue throughout my career, capturing the many different rites around the world.