Ritratt: Arċidjoċesi ta’ MaltaTista’ taqra bil-
Malti.
All Good Friday processions in Gozo have been cancelled, along with several in Malta including Rabat, Żebbuġ, Paola, Naxxar, Żejtun and Ta’ Ġieżu in Valletta, as a yellow warning for strong winds and unsettled weather prompted organisers to call off the beloved tradition.
A yellow strong wind warning issued by the Met Office, with west-northwesterly winds expected to reach Force 6 and gusts of up to 24 mph, has forced organisers to prioritise the safety of participants and the preservation of valuable religious statues.
In Gozo, all processions – held in Nadur, Żebbuġ, Rabat and Xagħra – have been cancelled. Prayers will be held in the Gozitan parishes instead.
In Malta, the processions in Rabat, Żebbuġ, Paola, Naxxar, Żejtun and Ta’ Ġieżu in Valletta have also been called off.
The Żebbuġ Parish said the decision was taken “with full respect for the bearers and all participants, and to avoid any risk of damage to the statues and the vestments.”
The organisers of the Naxxar Good Friday procession said that given the weather conditions, and for the safety of all participants, it would be “irresponsible” to hold the event.
The Żejtun procession organisers said their event, which usually draws large crowds of onlookers, was cancelled after they took into consideration “the health of those who were going to take part as well as the damage that could be caused by the situation”. Instead, a Via Sagra will be held at 6pm at the Parish Church of Żejtun.
Soon after the procession in Rabat was called off, residents and volunteers were seen taking down the black drapes that had adorned the balconies along the route.
In Mosta, one of the most popular Good Friday processions on the island, organisers are waiting until after the afternoon liturgical function before deciding whether the 5.30pm procession will go ahead.
The Parish Church of San Ġorġ in Qormi announced they will wait until 6pm to take a decision. The procession was originally scheduled to begin at 5.30pm. In a Facebook post, the parish said that if there is no chance of rain, the procession will be held; otherwise it will be cancelled.
Luqa Parish Church said the Roman parade will start at 5.45pm while the procession will begin at 6.15pm and follow a “reduced route”. “If other requirements arise, the programme may be changed,” the parish said in a Facebook post.
The procession in Senglea started at 6pm but followed a shortened route.
Last week, several processions marking Our Lady of Sorrows were also cancelled for the same reason.
Good Friday is one of the most solemn days in the Catholic calendar. Traditionally, processions featuring statues depicting scenes from the Passion and death of Christ take place in 12 Maltese localities and four Gozitan ones. The tradition dates back to the 17th century, beginning in Rabat and Valletta before spreading across the islands.
