The Malta International Fireworks Festival 2012
Just another day driving in Malta. But Tom Hanks finds it especially entertaining.
Participants in the Good Friday procession pay penitence for their sins by dragging heavy chains, barefoot, through the streets. The sound is harrowing.
We spent Good Friday in Gozo, and went to the procession in Xaghra. Statues representing the Stations of the Cross are carried through the streets and locals dress up and play the parts of the various characters of the story.
It’s tradition to visit 7 churches on Maundy Thursday. We did that last year, so this year we took a different approach. We went to is-Salib tal-Gholja, which means ‘the Cross of the hill.’ Apparently the majority of Malta had the same plan as it was croooowded. They light up the whole hill with candles and there are the Stations of the Cross along the path.
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the places and moments that take our breath away."
— Anonymous
The angry sea has been pounding the coast these past few days. I had to go take some pictures and watch the tourists who unknowingly stand in the ‘splash zone.’
The start of this year’s Rolex Middle Sea Race.
The festa of Santa Elena in Birkirkara - Sergio’s family’s village. The party pictures are from Saturday afternoon when the band marches through the streets and the other photos are from Sunday morning, during the procession of the statue. It was so hot, I almost melted into a puddle on the sidewalk. But I survived, and hence, you get to see the pictures :)
The picturesque village of Lija is known for their fireworks. So we made sure we were at the feast this year, and brought our new friends from NY - Sara and Matt. You can see the talent in the fireworks - the Maltese cross, hearts, and fish! The display went for hours, yes hours. And after it all ended with some ground-shaking booms we heard Sara and Matt say these were way better than Macy’s Fourth of July show. Malta, represent.
This short video (taken by Sergio, of course) sums up the feast. You get the fireworks, the band, church bells, the crowds, the decorations, the statue being carried up to the church, the gorgeous church, and even a few policemen.
Enjoy!
The Festa tas-Salvatur in Hal Lija. The most picture-perfect feast in one of my absolute favorite villages.
