Comenius 2009 - 2010 Presentation and Photos by: Charlene Catania
Easter is the most important feats for Christians because it celebrates the resurrection of Christ therefore the victory over death and sin. Malta solemnly commemorates the Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter.
Holy Week. The Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday where pilgrims celebrates Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On Maundy Thursday, there is the commemoration of the last supper were during Mass, the priest washes the feet of 12 men representing the apostles. On the Night between Maundy Thursday and Good Friday many faithful pay visits to seven altars of repose (in Maltese are known as Sepulkru) in different churches around Malta. Nowadays this tradition is still alive however not so popular as before.
Good Friday. Good Friday is known as a day of penance and strictly no mass is celebrated on that day but only a commemoration and veneration of the cross. The churches are all undressed from their rich decorations as a sign of mourning for the death of Christ. After the Veneration of the Cross (which starts at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the exact time Jesus died) Many villages and towns around Malta hold processions with statues representing scenes from the passion of Christ. Many people participate in these processions, many dress up as figures from the bible, the local bands play funeral marches to accompany the statues.
Easter Sunday. On Sunday, the church celebrates the resurrection of Christ. No more mourning now as the Christians rejoice the triumphal Resurrection of the Lord. On Easter Morning, many Churches celebrate with a procession of the statue of the risen Christ that is carried out through the main streets of the Maltese villages.
Traditional Easter Food: During the Lent Period and Good Friday we have these Traditional food: • • • •
Karamelli tal-Harrub (Julep sweets) Kwarezimal (Lent almond small cakes) Qaghaq tal-Appostli (Apostles ring bread) Pastizzi tal-Incova (Anchovy cakes)
On Easter Day, Many Maltese like to taste the Figolla, a traditional sweet made of sweet pastry and almond filling. During Lunch the most popular ingredient on Maltese tables is the Lamb. In the past decade the tradition of the Easter Egg is becoming more popular with Children. Although they aren’t part of the Maltese tradition, however these are becoming more popular every year.
Photos taken from Church in the town of Mosta and Procession in the town of Zejtun
The Agony in the Gethsemane Garden
The Betrayal of Judas
The Scourging of Jesus
The Crowing with Thorns
Pontius Pilate Presents Jesus to the People
Jesus falls under the cross
Simon of Cyrene carries the cross
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
The Crucifixion of Christ
Jesus is laid in his tomb
Our Lady of Sorrows
Photos taken from the Easter Sunday Procession in the town of Rabat
The statue of the Resurrection of Jesus back in the church after the procession
The Kwarezimal
The Figolla
Qaghaq tal-Appostli (Apostles ring bread)
The Lamb that is cooked for Easter Sunday
Comenius Project 2009 - 2010