Thousands of people are expected to visit Victoria today to enjoy the celebrations for the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, also known as Santa Marija.
The programme of external activities for today organised by the Leone Philharmonic Society, together with Ghaqda Zghazagh Iljuni is as follows:
Throughout the morning the traditional Santa Marija agricultural fair is open at the Villa Rundle public gardens in lower Republic Street. The prize giving ceremony takes place at 11.00am.
9:00am – Solemn high Mass presided by The Bishop of Gozo Mgr Anton Teuma at the Gozo Cathedral with the participation of choir and orchestra
11:00am – Traditional and popular band march in the historic centre of Victoria, passing through Victoria’s narrow streets. 12th May (Haz-Zebbug) and St Joseph (Hal-Ghaxaq) bands will participate.
2.15pm – The traditional and popular band march will finish in Independence Square with a spectacular fireworks show synchronised to music, organised by Ghaqda Zghazagh Iljuni
6:45pm – Solemn procession, which will be led by Bishop Giovanni Cefai, with the Santa Marija statue (1896). The Leone Band performs the much-acclaimed cantata in honour of Our Lady “Per La Festa Di Maria Assunta In Cielo” (1913) in an emotional start of the procession which makes its way through the old streets of the city’s historic centre.
Pyrotechnics enthusiasts are invited to attend and witness what promises to be a new national record in the Maltese islands for the biggest burst of sparkles at once.
Malta National Records will be on hand to record it, when the fireworks are let off from Gelmus Hill, with the record expected to be broken some time between 7pm and 7.30pm as the statue exits from the Cathedral.
Spectacular coloured fireworks will also be let off during the 4-hour procession during which the Leone Band performs.
8.00pm: March by the St Joseph Band (Ghajnsielem) from the band club to the Cathedral, where it will play a musical programme.
8.00pm: Musical programme by the Victory Band (Xaghra) in Independence Square.
10:00pm – Spectacular and resounding fireworks spectacle lit from Gelmus Hill, visible from the Gozo Cittadella, coordinated by Vampa Organisations.
10:30pm – Solemn entrance of the Santa Marija statue inside the Gozo Cathedral with an aux flambaux gathering in the Cittadella’s main square and access road.
File Photograph