“In Malta Easter is always so much more than just a commercialized time to eat excessive amount of chocolates. The true religious meaning of Easter is celebrated throughout the Maltese islands and especially in Gozo.

The village of Xaghra has become renowned for its pageant held in the early evening of Good Friday. Visitors flock to see this event from all over.

The pageant depicts the Easter story as well as many other stories from the Bible. Relics from the church are paraded across the main square and through the village.

Villagers of all ages take part from small children to venerable senior citizens. In other parts of the world church participation may be now confined to the older people but this is not the case in Gozo. It is such a pleasure to see so many young people taking part.

Throughout the parade the village band play the background music. All the participants move slowly in a stately manner and their movement and stopping at certain places is controlled by helpers who guide the procession while keeping in contact by radio.

No rehearsals are held although a number a meetings take place where participants are briefed on what will happen. Everything then works out perfectly. Even animals such as horses, goats and a donkey take part.

The costumes are absolutely stunning. Roman soldiers sport shining breastplates above their togas.

The Pharisees wear robes and carry models of the Torah. All costumes are as realistic as possible and the participants take huge pride in their roles.

The beautiful statues from the church are carried out on litters and set down at various stages for all to view and admire.

A highlight of the pageant is the parade of penitents. Those are men and women who feel that they wish to atone for the various wrongs they have committed during the year. To make sure they are anonymous they wear long white robes and a white face covering with holes for eyes and mouth. All are bare foot. Some carry a heavy wooden cross so as to follow in some way what Our Lord was made to do. Others have heavy lines of chains attached to their ankles which they drag behind them.

The parade can be viewed on different levels of understanding. Firstly it is an entertaining and different sight. More importantly it depicts the sincerity of belief of the Gozitans, something all too lacking in this materialistic world.

In many parts of the world traditions have been forgotten and replaced by a universal pop culture.

This is not the case in Gozo – and long may it last.”

Barbara Day,
Xaghra.

Permalink: Xaghra Easter Pageant – A personal view by Barbara Day