Every year, on the Wednesday after Easter Sunday, people gather around Zejtun and Marsaxlokk to celebrate the joyous and traditional feast of Saint Gregory.

The photos below were taken on the day of the feast in 1969, 56 years ago today.

Many first attend the procession that starts from Zejtun and then attendees head to Marsaxlokk to hear the ghannejja singing the traditional Maltese music.

Since the weather tends to get warmer around this time of year, many would indulge in their first swim of the year.

The feast has been celebrated in Malta ever since 1543 and is returning again today!