Experience Easter traditions as old as Christianity in Malta

[Michie]

Malta is one of the best places to visit during Easter. There, you can be a participant — not just a spectator. Every parish organizes events according to local customs, and visitors take part in ancient traditions — some of them as old as Christianity itself.

In the Maltese Islands, Lenten sermons are held in all parishes over several days. Statues depicting scenes from the Passion are venerated in most churches. These statues are at the core of Malta’s artistic, religious and cultural heritage. The traditional Via Sagra invites the faithful to meditate at the fourteen Stations of the Cross. During this period, youth clubs prepare themselves for the town’s Passion play.

Mater Dolorosa​

In most of the Christian world, Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday. However, for the Maltese, it begins on Friday of the Mater Dolorosa — the Friday preceding Good Friday. For centuries, this feast has always had a special place in the hearts of the Maltese. All parishes organize processions in her honor. Traditionally, some of the penitents walk barefoot. Women used to walk on their knees, in fulfillment of vows for graces granted. The most popular Our Lady of Sorrows procession is that of the Franciscan Church of Ta’ Ġieżu in Valletta, which was the first to hold this procession in the islands. This church also houses a miraculous crucifix, known as Il-Kurċifiss Mirakuluż Ta’ Ġieżu. The crucifix’s realism is so strong that, when praying before it, the faithful feel mystically transported to Calvary.

Palm Sunday​

Continued below.

Experience Easter traditions as old as Christianity in Malta

Malta is one of the best places to visit during Easter. There, you can be a participant — not just a spectator. Every parish organizes events according to local customs, and visitors take part in ancient traditions — some of them as old as Christianity itself.

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