Celebrated around the world and one of Malta’s Public Holidays, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is sacred not only for devout Christians but also those whose beliefs might occasionally waver.
Held on 8th December, the day doesn’t mark Mary’s conception of Jesus as many imagine (that would be one miraculous pregnancy all right, judging by its duration!) but the conception of Mary herself.
Several churches around the island celebrate the day with prayers and mini-processions around their village streets, but if you want to experience the beautiful aura of a true Maltese village feast complete with a band, street vendors, processions with a statue and elaborate religious music, then free up some time this weekend to head over to Cospicua for a taste of what Malta offers every other day during the summer season.
Cospicua, or Bormla as it is more commonly known amongst locals, does not join the rest of the island in its summertime celebrations, instead hosting its village feast on the actual day of remembrance.
Cospicua forms part of the Three Cities, along with its sisters Vittoriosa and Senglea. Their carefully preserved traditional architecture is reminiscent of Valletta, and comes with the added benefit of being less commercial, and by extension less frequented.
Will you be heading over to Cospicua this weekend?