Next month sees the first edition of the ‘Lent – Arts, Worship and Tradition’ event in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.
In a statement Friday, the Office of the President said the activity taking place during the weekend of March 8 and 9 would see staff at Verdala Castle wear traditional dress linked to Lent and Holy Week.
A programme of activities including exhibitions, music and concerts by choirs, bands and musicians, as well as discussions led by writers and Holy Week experts will take place, while on Sundays the Verdala chapel will be open for masses.
Sunday will also see Passion scenes, a Bible Walk, children’s procession and a Penitential Procession, which organisers said would “give a taste of the Black Procession; a traditional procession that takes place in Vittoriosa, with the participation of brotherhoods”.
The ‘Lent – Arts, Culture and Tradition’ programme was announced at a press conference at Verdala Palace on Thursday evening.
President Myriam Spiteri Debono said the purpose of the new activity was to encourage appreciation of Maltese traditions, while at the same time collecting donations.
Event organiser Brian Bonnici emphasised that the activity was bringing together artists, church sketches and private collections, some of which will be exhibited for the first time, as well as life-size statues and various other artefacts.
The event has attracted strong interest from various participating organisations and individuals, Bonnici said, adding that the Sunday afternoon is set to involve the participation of more than a hundred children.
“We are promoting art, culture and, above all, while we are reflecting on the suffering of Christ, we also remember those who are currently going through a period of suffering and find help and comfort from the Malta Community Chest Fund.”
Malta Community Chest Fund chairperson Sina Bugeja emphasised the importance of the event in nurturing cultural appreciation and civic sense.
Tickets for ‘Lent – Art, Culture and Tradition’ will be available on showshappening.com. Tickets can also be purchased on the day at the venue.