Is-Salib tal-Gћolja
This weekend will see thousands of candles and traditional torches lit along the winding footpath leading to Salib tal-Gћolja (the Laferla Cross), Siġġiewi, as hundreds of Catholic pilgrims make the annual walk up the hill in prayer.
The entire hill is beautifully lit up and known as il-Mixegħla. ilMixegħla tas-Salib tal-Għolja is organized by the Siġġiewi Local Council together with St Nicholas Band Club (it is also sponsored by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government and MTA) and will once again be organised on Maundy Thursday (29 March 2018). This tradition has been taking place for over 20 years on Maundy Thursday and every year attracts a growing number of people. Last year, apart from the highest number of participants to date, the event also saw a record number of flares (fjakkoli) being used. The parvis of San Nikola Church in the Siġġiewi village square is also set to host a stunning spectacle of rows of fjakkoli and candles, creating a tranquil and solemn place to pray alongside others.
Each year, the illumination of the cross attracts crowds of people not only from Siġġiewi, but also from other neighbouring towns, and is rapidly gaining international recognition. The walk has gained immense popularity and is also considered a national activity.
From Maundy Thursday, the uphill walk towards the imposing cross, in Siġġiewi, is symbolic of Christ’s torturous journey to Golgotha. Transport will also be offered to those who wish to participate but cannot make the pilgrimage on foot.
Other local organisations in Siġġiewi, such as Grupp tal-Armar 6 ta’ Diċembru and Għaqda tanNar San Nikola, Siġġiewi, will be organising additional events in Siġġiewi on Maundy Thursday. Grupp talArmar 6 ta’ Diċembru, will be responsible for lighting up the Siġġiewi square with fire torches and will organise two exhibitions in the main square, one featuring the Last Supper and the other including various minute statues representing the Passion of Jesus Christ. Gћaqda tan-Nar San Nikola, Siġġiewi, will also organise an exhibition close to the footpath of is-Salib tal-Għolja. The impressive Siġġiewi Parish Church will be open until midnight for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the decorated altar.
Mayor of Siġġiewi Alessia Zammit Psaila stated that it is an activity that attracts large crowds of people to Siġġiewi because the high cross offers a beautiful environment and is well adapted to the significance of Holy Week. She also emphasised the fact that the local council is committed to contributing to the organisation of this activity, which over the years has brought together an array of local unions. She also noted that the local council was once again appealing to local authorities to invest further in the Salib tal-Gћolja area mainly in the restoration of the historic Annunciation Chapel and the area close by.
This year there will also be reenactments, and processions from the church square of Siġġiewi, as well as local bands and is set to be a spectacular event in Malta’s Holy Week calendar.