Travel Tips

On Easter Sunday when Christ is risen all the different churches in Malta and in Gozo parade their statue of the risen Christ around the streets of their village. In every village there will also be band where musicians play tunes and people follow behind. In the photo this one is of Birgu and the statue of Christ is portrayed with a flag in his hands. The statute is placed on a steady wooden platform which is then carried by men around for all to see and admire. This is a custom that many people long for - sort of to boast on who has the best one.

Then they prepare for the uphill where it is a custom as well to run up or downhill a particular road in the village. People all stop by to see the 'run' ! This is so funny as they run up with this heavy statue on their shoulders - infact I was impressed when I saw it the first time.

Then they go around the whole village. However since Bormla and Birgu are so close the people who visit the Risen Christ of Bormla always end up to go to watch the one of Birgu too and vice versa. Since there is a bit of rivalry between the people of Birgu and Bormla and this custom seems to be more like competition - this causes outbreaks of fights at times ! I guess people get nervous waiting and standing in the sun :-)

I must say I waited more for the Christ Risen of Bormla than of Birgu however the statue of Birgu was thinner. The Bormla oone I think carried a gold bird in his hand and the statute seemed fatter and nicer.

I could not help not taking a photo of the organ as it was all shiny and nice ! It looked really majestic !

All the churches are lit up and decorated well.