È noto a tutti l’indotto economico del turismo religioso. Ancora da quantificare - almeno per quello che ho potuto leggere - i profitti realizzati per l’esibizione della salma imbalsamata di Padre Pio. Anche questo 2010, oltre agli appuntamenti fissi, prevede altri due eventi speciali:

1. It’s shaping up to be an auspicious year for Christian tourism, thanks to two infrequent religious events in Europe. A half-million people are expected to turn up in the German village of Oberammergau, about 50 miles south of Munich, to witness the Passion Play, a depiction of the life and resurrection of Jesus that is held once a decade. The five-hour play is performed in two acts, with a long intermission. Half of the village’s 5,000 residents are expected to take part in the extravagant production, which was first staged after residents of the Bavarian hamlet made a pledge in 1633 to perform it if they were spared the plague. Performances are May 15 to Oct. 3, with tickets starting at around $270, including one-night accommodation.
   

Non male. L’altro appuntamento lo conoscete benissimo. La Sindone è di nuovo pronta all’ennesima ostensione:

1. Across the Alps, the Shroud of Turin will be on display from April 10 to May 23 in the Turin Cathedral. The controversial cloth, which some believe is the burial cloth of Jesus and bears his image, will be on public display for the first time since it underwent restoration in 2002. Reservations are required; admission is free.
   

Cosa accomuna di due eventi? Anzitutto, gli incassi. In secondo luogo, entrambi sono finti. Finzione il a Oberammergau e un falso in mostra a Torino.

Grazie a Joe Zias che mi ha segnalato la gustosa notizia.