Carnival, Lent and Holy Week Traditions (4) Good Friday Procession

CONFRATERNITY MEMBERS AND CARNIVAL, LENT AND HOLY WEEK TRADITIONS (4) BIBLICAL CHARACTERS Up to a few decades ago, these processions were GOOD FRIDAY PROCESSION markedly restrained and were characterised by RECITAL AND DEVOTION numerous confraternity members and children Devotional Good Friday processions have been held in Malta since at least the 16th carrying lanterns and Holy Passion symbols. The only century. The prevailing format is the net sum of numerous changes and additions manifestation that preserved this mood is organised spanning centuries. Sixteen localities around Malta and Gozo organise pious parades by St George’s Parish in Victoria, Gozo. All other on Good Friday afternoon, while two parishes in Malta and three in Gozo hold such organisers introduced Biblical characters clad in evoking processions during the preceding days. These attract huge crowds. elaborate costumes. Hooded confraternity members carrying wooden crosses and dragging chains are a common occurrence.

HOLY PASSION PROCESSIONS IN THE MALTESE ISLANDS

Gozo: Żebbuġ, Xagħra, Victoria**: THE BAND Cathedral and St George’s Parishes respectively, Nadur, Xewkija***, Qala* The accompanying marching bands play funeral marches. The melancholic Malta: Għargħur*, Naxxar, Mosta, Valletta, atmosphere is further supplemented Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua, Qormi, Rabat by the complementing Scouts groups Żebbuġ, Paola, Luqa, Żejtun, Għaxaq*. playing drums and bugles.

*Held on Palm Sunday **Each parish holds the Holy Passion procession on Good Friday every other year. When not their turn, the one by the Cathedral Parish is held on Palm Sunday, while that by St George’s Parish is scheduled for Maundy Thursday. ***Held on the commemoration of Our Lady of Sorrows.

SOLDIERS AND CLERGY THE STATUES The recurrent references The core set consists of the five to Jewish and Roman Sorrowful Mysteries (Rosary), together soldiers in the narrative with the Veronica, the Monumental of the Holy Passion Urn and Our Lady of Sorrows is reflected in these respectively. Some localities boast manifestations. Their rich of additional representations. Most attire and the playing of of the statues are made of wood typical instruments prove or papier-mâché, while some to be very popular with localities retain the tradition of spectators. Likewise, dressing up the statues in fine these processions retain drapery. The life-size effigies the liturgical dimension in are carried shoulders high by a full. This is confirmed by group of bearers. Whenever the participation of altar stationary, supports boys/girls and clergy who walk are inserted under the immediately before or after the urn horizontal poles attached of Christ laid dead. to the base of the statuary composition to take the weight. TRADITIONAL FOOD Given the obligation to abstain from meat, seafood is mostly consumed on Good Friday. Other traditional foods include anchovy dough balls and pastizzi. © 2021 Publishing