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 | Holy Week in Malta |
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The Victoria Hotel
Sliema, Malta
Holy Week in Malta is rather solemn and sombre. The celebrations are of a religious character and the Islanders flock to church in great numbers to commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. The week starts on the Friday preceding Good Friday.
The Statue of Our Lady of Sorrows is carried in procession through the streets of Valletta and many other towns and villages. This votive statue is very dear to the Maltese and literally hundreds join the procession.
On Maunday Thursday, the day before Good Friday, people visit numerous churches to pray in front of the Altars of Repose. Another part of the tradition is to visit ''Last Supper'' displays. The height of Holy Week is the Good Friday procession held early evening. These processions consist of life-size statues depicting scenes from the passion of Our Lord. You will find hundreds of Maltese take part, especially in the larger towns.
Some participants dress in costumes depicting scenes from the Old Testament. Easter Sunday is a day of rejoicing. Processions this time are in direct contrast to the gloom of Good Friday. For some of the most interesting and memorable, try the Three Cities. Here, the statue of the ''Risen Christ'' is carried shoulder high to the accompaniment of band music. Sometimes young people run the procession route, carrying the statue aloft.
Easter Day is a family feast in Maltese homes; a time to visit relatives and friends, exchange gifts or make the most of the spring sunshine and take a picnic to the countryside. Easter fare is not just the Easter Egg, but the traditional almond pastry called the "figolla". According to mythology the figolla was presented as a gift to Astarte, the goddess of fertility.
Experience the traditional Maltese Holy Week at The Victoria Hotel and enjoy a special discount when booking a Palazzo Capua Executive Suite.
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