Holy Week on Malta includes unique customs specific to the island

Because it has a long Christian legacy and is an Apostolic See, Easter celebrations on Malta are similar to those in Italy but also incorporate local customs. Provincial traditions have been forged from the many centuries of foreign rule and influence.

Processions are the biggest events taking place during Holy Week, on the occasions of Our Lady of Sorrows, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Some have taken place since the 16th century and form an integral part of Maltese religious culture.

Palm Sunday in Malta begins with the blessing of palm fronds and olive boughs. Across the island, concerts of sacred music are offered, and the churches and streets are vibrant with colorful ornaments, flowers, and passionate displays of devotion. The people are particularly devoted to the celebration of Addolorata, the Blessed Mother of Sorrows, as they identify their own hardships, distress, guilt, and suffering with her.

On Maundy Thursday, the faithful will visit seven different churches to pay tribute to the Altars of Repose. This is also when church bells are replaced with a cuqlajta (a rattle), which lasts until Saturday before the resurrection, as a sign of mourning. The town of Siggiewi has a continuous line of penitents following candles to the top of a hill where the Laferla Cross, locally known as is-Salib tal-Gholja, is located. Here the rosary is recited against the backdrop of the candles and a small cave sanctuary. In the evening Mass is celebrated to remember the moment when Jesus established the Holy Eucharist and when, during the last supper, he washed the feet of the twelve apostles.

Good Friday is well known for theatrical pageants and processions. Some of these feature the entire biblical story and include colorful Roman soldiers accompanying Pontius Pilate, the apostles, prophets and in some events, even Adam and Eve. The solemnity and silence of these processions are only interrupted by the rhythmic sound of drums as people atone for their sins, often walking barefoot and shackled with chains while others cover their faces as they pay the price for a special grace they received.

There are traditionally eight life-sized statues dedicated to the Passion of Christ during Good Friday, although the towns of Qormi and Zejtun have 12. On this somber day, you can expect churches to be dressed in purple and black as a sign of mourning and then change to red on Easter Sunday to signal the celebration of the Risen Christ.

On Saturday, most churches remain open for the entire day for adoration and are decorated with drapes and flowers. Morning celebrations are held in darkness but later in the day there are bursts of light as churches are suddenly illuminated with candles, chandeliers, and floodlights. Bells toll to break the normal silence in order to announce the resurrection of Christ. The singing of the Glorja commences and a special candlelight mass for Easter is celebrated.

On Easter Sunday, church bells ring out once again and a very lively procession culminates in running the statue of the Risen Christ (Kristu Rxoxt) back to the church among whistles and cheer.

The most popular traditional sweet during this period is Karamelli tal-harrub or almond cakes made with carob honey. Another favorite sweet is Figolla. These almond-filled pastries, decorated with chocolate or icing, are a local favorite. You can find figolli in assorted sizes and shapes including lambs, butterflies, cars, or the simple oval shape.

Buona Pascua a tutti!