The Black Procession dates back hundreds of years.
If you’re looking for something different to do tonight, Heritage Malta, in collaboration with Kummissjoni Ġimgħa Kbira, Birgu, will be reviving an old tradition in The Three Cities. It’s known as Il-Purċissjoni s-Sewda or The Black Procession. The ceremony used to involve men and women - all dressed in black - who had to atone for their sins. In the past, many even endured severe sacrifices during the procession which used to be held on the eve of of Holy Thursday.
The ceremony
At 8pm, a clergy procession will leave from the Oratory of the Holy Crucifix in Birgu and go to the Inquisitor’s Palace. There, members of the clergy will recite prayers in the chapel in front of the reliquary (a container for holy relics) and then take it with them for the procession. Meanwhile, a number of individuals wearing white hoods will be waiting downstairs at the Inquistor’s Palace. Behind them, a group of people will carry a large cross.
The procession will then go around the streets in the oldest part of Birgu, ending at St Lawrence Parish Church for the Holy Blessing in front of the reliquary. Birgu residents have been invited to light candles and hang crosses and symbols of the Passion of Christ on balconies and windows. Bormla scouts and band members will also take part.
Will you be joining the Black Procession?