The decision was welcomed by many.
Unfortunate news for Lija residents. The locality's band club, the Musical Society of San Pio X, has issued a statement saying that the marc brijuz has officially been cancelled after seeking advice for medical professionals.
“The Committee of the Musical Society of San Pio X, after advice from medical experts, has taken the decision to cancel the march that was meant to be held on 5th August,” they said in a statement on Facebook.
“This is being done to safeguard the health and safety of the Lija people and those who attend the feast. Our health comes first,” they said, thanking everyone.
The news has been received well so far, with Facebook users commending the band club for this hard yet appropriate decision. “It’s not an easy decision, but health comes first and foremost. Next year we’ll organise and even bigger feast,” said one Facebook user.
The news comes after Malta's Union of Band Clubs issued a statement earlier today, calling for "prudence and maturity" when it comes to the organisation of celebrations this year. “This is a particular year, and because of this, our feast celebrations should reflect the time,” they wrote.
Also, a number of medical associations are calling for the revocation of permits for mass events in light of the spike in cases over the weekend. MP Claudio Grech also came forward, saying that such events should stop for the time being, appealing for "common sense and a lot of responsibility."