The Malta Independent on Sunday
It’s festa time in Mqabba
The Feast of the Assumption – when the village comes to life for one whole with joyous celebrations, music, colours, fireworks, decorations, artistry, passion and devotion.
Mqabba, a small rural picturesque village of no more than 3,000 inhabitants situated in the south-west of the island, is where the feast has deep roots in the locals’ way of life and has been renowned for having one of the biggest feasts celebrated on the island since the early days of the 20th century.
The feast of Our Lady of Assumption, or as it is better known locally Santa Marija, is celebrated between 31 July and 22 August reaching its climax between 9 and 15 August. The feast consists of one week of celebrations by the local community.
The Feast of the Assumption of St Mary, in Mqabba, is a typical Maltese festa that has evolved over the years but always remained loyal to its traditional aspect. An event that has no gender, no age and no social class limits. A truly inclusive celebration enjoyed by people of all ages and from all social background, a typical celebration of the Maltese community.
On arrival in the village of Mqabba this week, one would immediately see the village full of artistic street decorations. One can take a walk through the village core, and admire the fine drapery, statues and their pedestals rich in sculpture, some of them dating back 90 years and more.
It’s in the evening that the village comes to life with various celebrations like band marches, joyous celebrations, aerial fireworks and Catherine wheels ( Irdieden). One can also enjoy the traditional Maltese food stalls in the village core.
Religious functions are also held daily where one can also visit the local Parish church fully decorated for the special event.
10th August is fully dedicated to the local King George V Band holding its annual concert featuring classical and modern music. On 13 August, celebrations are organised on a larger scale than the previous days. The youth section of our society organises a unique and innovative band march followed by a spectacular display of lights, confetti, laser show and fireworks all synchronised to music in the village main square. This is a exceptional event that shows how the tradition meets modern technology, producing an inimitable atmosphere.
On 14 August, the eve of the Assumption, the main fireworks spectacular display is held organised by the 2007 Fireworks World Champions, St Mary Firework section. Thousands of Maltese and tourists flock to the main road for the dazzling fireworks display synchronised to music at 9:15pm, which includes original effects that can only be seen in Mqabba during St. Mary’s Feast. This year’s main feature will be the Tower of Light, a 54-metre high steel structure where fireworks will be fired from to create unique and innovative effects. The display also includes the traditional Maltese beraq and multi break colour shells, and a spectacular Grand Finale. All this is followed by an impressive display of mechanised Catherine wheels (locally known as Irdieden). One can admire these structures where engineering meet fireworks to produce an amazing variety of shapes, effects and colours.
On 15 August, the climax of the feast is the procession around the village core streets with the artistic statue of the Assumption, accompanied by the traditional brass bands and spectacular daylight fireworks throughout the procession, which starts at 7:15pm.
Everyone is encouraged to visit Mqabba this week to experience an innovative, exceptional yet unique Maltese festa, highlighting our identity and being part of these celebrations. More info can be found on www.santamarija.com or www.facebook.com/santamarija Mario Zammit PRO Soċjetà Santa Marija u Banda Re Ġorġ V Mqabba