In the heart of Birgu, there’s a centuries-old tradition, ‘il-Purċissjoni Tal-Misteri', (translated to the Procession of Mysteries), which, according to historical records, was already taking place before 1759. It is said that Birgu’s sailors, deeply moved by the processions they witnessed in Spain and Sicily, worked tirelessly to introduce this devotion to Malta.
They personally built the Passion statues in the Spanish style; mannequins dressed in rich, detailed fabrics that convey a powerful sense of realism and devotion. Although the tradition was interrupted for a period, it was revived in 2019 thanks to the initiative of the Good Friday Commission in Birgu, which restored these processions to the town’s religious calendar.
During Lent, every Friday a procession with a statue representing Christ’s Passion departs from the Oratory of the Confraternity of the Crucifix, walks along Birgu’s picturesque waterfront, and enters the church in an atmosphere of silence and reflection.
The procession is led by the purple standard of the Confraternity, bearing the Via Sagra cross with the lance and sponge. It is followed by the wooden cross and two lanterns, then by the ‘konsorelli’ and ‘fratelli’ walking in pairs. The ‘konsorelli’ wear a white habit, purple cape, and black veil, while the fratelli wear a purple habit with the Confraternity’s emblem and a purple cord.
Each week of Lent carries its own significance, culminating in the Great Statue during the fifth week.
- First week: The statue of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane
- Second week: Christ tied to the Column
- Third week: The ‘porpra’ statue
- Fourth week: Pilgrimage with the statue of Christ the Redeemer
- Fifth week: The Great Statue
On Friday 20th February at 17:45, a procession will begin from the Oratory of the Crucifix to the Parish with the statue of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, followed by mass.
Along with these processions, Birgu also hosts other important processions such as Good Friday, Lent, the Redeemer and the Sorrows – all of which attract large crowds from Malta and Gozo.
Did you know about this tradition happening in Birgu?