There's hope! Some village feast celebrations could still go ahead if COVID-19 situation permits
The Diocese of Gozo issued a list of directives.
Village feasts were one of the many events and activities cancelled across the Maltese islands due to COVID-10 pandemic. However, a recent directive issued by the Diocese of Gozo is giving some hope to festa-lovers.
In a Facebook post earlier this afternoon, the Diocese of Gozo wrote on behalf of regional chaplains that: "In the current COVID-19 situation which our islands find ourselves under, many Catholic communities have made use of broadcasting methods to spread prayer and celebration from their churches. Due to the this, the College of Chaplains of the Diocese of Gozo is offering these indications on matters relating to the day of the village feast, as well as days of preparation leading up to the feast day."
Although large scale community celebrations such as the marċ ta' filghodu, or morning march, are not in the cards, other smaller celebrations - such as lithurgical masses and processions - may be permissible should health authorities give the go-ahead.
Furthermore, volunteers from feast associations will be permitted to decorate village streets and church facades as is custom.