It’s festa time! These 6 parish feasts are on this week & they’re not to be missed!
Festa season is in full swing and you’re in for a grand celebration.
The summer months on the Maltese islands mean sunny days, ice-cream cravings and of course, local festi! Every festa welcomes locals and tourists alike to a fun-filled weekend of religious processions, live entertainment, local delicacies and street food, cos duh! This week, these six parish feasts are on, and here’s everything you need to know about them.
1. St Joseph, Kalkara
Head down south to the picturesque village of Kalkara just outside the Three Cities. The church will be decked out in the best decorations for the occasion, including plenty of lights, banners and statues. Band marches and fireworks display are on the agenda, with the gilded statue of St Joseph being a prominent feature of the festa.
2. Our Lady of Holy Doctrine, Tarxien
Some towns have more than one festa in the their parish (cos why not?), and Tarxien is one of them. While Tarxien is known for its prehistoric temples, the feasts are a key part of the locality’s culture. Central to the feast is a beautiful statue of Our Lady, richly dressed, complete with earrings, and looking down sweetly at three children kneeling at her feet. After attending the religious duties, it’s time to hit the church parvis for a quick drink and a bite with your mates.
3. St Sebastian, Qormi
Qormi not only also has more than one feast, but more than one parish too, both of which celebrate different feasts and are quite the feisty competitors. This weekend, it’s the modern church of St Sebastian, or as everyone knows it in Maltese, San Bastjan, to take centre stage. This side of Qormi will be going green for the feast and turns up the party heat all in honour of their beloved patron saint!
4. St George Martyr, Victoria, Gozo
If you’re heading to Malta’s sister isle this weekend, a visit to Victoria’s feast is recommended. Celebrated in grand style, this feast sees brass band marches, concerts, fireworks displays, and particularly horse races in the main streets of the town, a tradition that dates back centuries. Every year, a solemn procession with the statue of St George is an absolute must see!
5. The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Zurrieq
Another feast in the south is that of Zurrieq. From the 19th to 21st, this locality will be transformed into an awesome and buzz-filled spot that you should definitely visit. The display of fireworks, band marches, and spectacular colour lights on the church’s façade are just a few things in store. And the main attraction involves the carrying of the titular statue through the crowded streets. Once these traditional events are attended, you’ll be hitting the village square for some local beer, pastizzi and qubbajt - that’s an absolute must-try!
6. St Joseph’s Feast, Msida
You’re in for a treat if you head to the seaside locality of Msida this weekend. Take the opportunity to see paintings and iconography related to St Joseph at this feast, since he’s the patron saint of the village. A number of activities are organised to entertain the public, and the most impressive (and possibly the funniest) is the traditional game of gostra. This activity involves a brave soul attempting to run across a greasy pole to the target end – quite the feat and the spectacle!
Which feast will you be heading to this weekend?