Jum Ghawdex or Gozo Day, was commemorated on Sunday with a Pontifical Mass at the Gozo Cathedral, led by the Bishop of Gozo Anton Teuma, followed by a wreath laying ceremony.

The evening was organised by the Regional Council of Gozo, together with the Ministry for Gozo and Planning and the Circolo Gozitano.

A wreath laying ceremony was held at the monument bust of the Archpriest Saverio Cassar, in Independence Square.

The Gieh Ghawdex Award ceremony took place in Independence Square, followed by a reception in the presence of President Myriam Spiteri Debono.This year’s award was presented to Mr Joe Bajada, for his lifelong contribution to sports and his dedication to the Gozitan sporting community, and to Rev. Michael Xuereb, for his service and commitment to the people of Gozo.

The ceremony commemorated the 227th anniversary of the uprising of the Gozitans against the French, which was led by Archpriest Saver Cassar in 1798 and is celebrated as a show of respect for the bravery shown by Gozitans during this difficult time.

The 28th of October has become known as ‘Jum Ghawdex’ or Gozo Day. This is to commemorate one of the most famous chapters in Gozo’s history. the capitulation of the French in Gozo on the 28th of October 1798, under the leadership of the Gozitan Archpriest Saverio Cassar. The French stay in Gozo lasted only 141 days.

Photos: Gozo Region

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