On Saturday, the Xaghra Local Council together with the Nativity of Our Lady Parish organised the first edition of ‘Il-Pjazza tax-Xaghra Alive’ which was held in the main square.

The activity began with the celebration of Holy Mass at the Collegiate Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady. This celebration was presided over by Xaghra Archpriest, Mgr Carmelo Refalo. A group played Maltese traditional ghana under the direction of Mr Francis Pisani.

The external festivities got underway following the Mass with a re-enactment by the Xaghra Historical Re-Enactment Group led by Mr Victor Theuma. This group, founded some years ago with the main aim of organising the Two Sieges’ Commemoration on the 7th September, has recently been invited with the collaboration of the Associazione Giostra Cavalleresca of Sulmona Italy to take part in the eleventh edition of the Giostra Cavalleresca of Europe that will take place between the 5th and 7th of August 2011.

The evening continued with three musical concerts. The first one was presented by local singer Glenn Vella who won the Malta Eurovision Song Contest in February 2011 and was the Maltese ambassador in Düsseldorf for the Eurovision Festival in May. This performance was followed by a concert featuring the Rocatac Band consisting of Maltese musicians residing in Australia. Their repertoire ranged from classic to rock ‘n roll and contemporary music. The activity came to an end with a grand concert by the popular ‘Cash & Band’ who presented a versatile and fresh repertoire to suit the tastes of those present.

During the evening the Collegiate Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady, remained open to the general public. Visitors to the Basilica had the opportunity to listen to organist Ivan Attard who is currently the Music Director of the Nativitas Choir, the organist of the Parish Choir Voci Angeliche and the resident organist at the National Sanctuary of Our Lady Ta’ Pinu. Ivan is also an Associate of the Trinity College of London, obtaining the A.MusTCL Diploma in January 2011, currently furthering his studies in composition and music direction.

A number of stalls were set up selling traditional Maltese food. There was also an exhibition of painting, sculpture and local crafts.

The Council said it would like to thank everyone who joined in the event and helped make it such a success. As well as promoting the locality’s distinct identity especially among the foreigners who joined in this celebration of art and culture.

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