Celebrations for the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, also known as Santa Marija, are expected to attract thousands to Gozo to enjoy the festa activities today.

The programme of external activities taking place in the heart of Victoria have been organised by the Leone Philharmonic Society, together with Ghaqda Zghazagh Iljuni.

The feast of Santa Marija on the 15th of August, is also celebrated in seven villages in Malta, Attard, Dingli, Ghaxaq, Gudja, Mosta, Mqabba and Qrendi.

Today also marks the 82nd anniversary of the arrival of the Santa Marija convoy into Malta. It is commemorated as a great episode of Maltese history.

This convoy, officially known as – Operation Pedestal – saved Malta from surrender when the allied convoy of food and fuel reached the islands on the 15th of August 1942, despite the heavy bombardment inflicted by German and Italian planes and the sinking of many of the ships.

The Ohio tanker and its escort barely made it to Malta, but these ships provided vital supplies to save Malta from surrender.

Programme for Feast day of Santa Marija, Thursday, the 15th of August is as follows:

The traditional Santa Marija agricultural fair is open at 7am. The prize giving ceremony takes place at 11.00am, the show closes at 1pm.

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, the congregation will be led by President Myriam Spiteri Debono.

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, 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.

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 Photographs: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

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