Carnival, Lent and Holy Week Traditions (5) Easter

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ST GREGORY’S FEAST The feast of St Gregory is celebrated on the CARNIVAL, LENT AND HOLY WEEK TRADITIONS (5) first Wednesday following Easter Sunday. This traditional feast holds various religious EASTER and folklore elements. In the past, this FEAST OF FEASTS day was marked with a penitential Easter celebrations start with the singing of the Gloria during the Vigil Holy Mass pilgrimage from the Mdina Cathedral on Saturday night. At that point the churches are lit up while the bells burst into to St Catherine’s Church in Zejtun, a joyful melody. The celebration of this most solemn festivity of Christiandom now known as St Gregory’s. persists with the celebration of Holy Mass on Easter Sunday. As from Saturday Nowadays, it is held in the streets night, the liturgical colour changes to white as a symbol of happiness. of Zejtun. Many flock to Zejtun and The Easter Perior extends until Pentecoste. Marsaxlokk to listen to traditional folk singing, play tombola, eat out or dare the first swim.

THE BLESSING OF THE COMMUNITY The Holy Water used for Baptisms, the blessing of the congregation and the replenishing of the fonts at the entrance of the church is blessed during the Vigil Holy Mass. This is also used for the individual blessing of all members of the community and their houses by the parish priest and his collaborators. Traditionally, this ritual starts on Easter Monday, but some locations with populous communities trigger the process at an earlier date.

THE PROCESSION EASTER PERIOD OF THE RISEN From a liturgical point of view, the 8 days CHRIST (octave) starting on Easter Sunday are deemed Processions with the effigy of Risen Christ take place in various to be an integral part of the celebrations. towns and villages. In some localities, particularly those close to Besides, Eastertide spans 50 days, until the Grand Harbour, this is characterised by short runs with the Pentecost (the descent of the Holy Spirit upon statue. Another popular tradition is the blessing of Figolli and the apostles). The Ascension of Christ into Easter Eggs during the course of festive parade. heaven is celebrated 40 days after Easter.

CONFECTIONS Figolli and Easter eggs are the most popular confections. The egg marks the beginning of life, and in the Easter context a symbol of the Risen Christ as the ultimate hope for a new life. MARCHES AND WALTZES Figolli take various shapes, including sirens with an egg on their The playing of upbeat marches and waltzes creates a joyful and celebratory atmosphere. abdomen to auger fertility. Lambs, symbolising Christ as the These replace the dreary tunes of the funeral marches which dominate Lent and Good Friday. sacrificial offer, are equally popular.