The village of Xaghra is in full swing with celebrations for the feast of its Patron Saint, Maria Bambina, the Church being dedicated to the Birth of the Virgin Mary.

The festivities that are taking place during this week are therefore to honour Our Lady, the Mother of God, on her birthday – the 8th of September.

The highlights from the programme in English, both for internal and external celebrations, for Saturday the 7th and Sunday the 8th of September – Feast Day, are shown below:Sat 7 Sep The Festa Eve – Day of Catholic Malta.

09:00 – Solemn Mass celebrated by Archpriest Mgr Carmelo Refalo, with the participation of the Collegiate Chapter and Clergy of the Xaghra Parish. After Holy Communion, the Te Deum will be sung marking the end of the Novena.

18:00 – Pontifical Solemn Translation from the Passion Oratory to the Basilica led by H.L. Mgr. Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo, with the participation of the Collegiate Chapter and Clergy of the Xaghra Parish, altar boys and Fraternities.

Sun 8th Sep – FESTA DAY – SOLEMN LITURGY OF THE BIRTH OF THE VIRGIN MARY

09:00 – Pontifical Solemn Mass presided by H.L. Mgr. Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo. A delegation from the Cathedral Chapter and the Collegiate Chapter of Xaghra will participate. Canon Michael Borg will deliver the homily.

The Mass A Maria Immacolata by Mro V. Bugeja will be performed by an orchestra, soloists and the Choir Jesus of Nazareth of Sliema.

19:00 – The Procession with the statue of Our Lady of Victories (the “Bambina”) leaves the Basilica.

22:00 – Return of the Bambina to the Basilica.

On 7th and 8th September, the orchestra and choir Jesus of Nazareth will be under the direction of Mro Hon. Can. Salv Galea O.P.External activities for Saturday and Sunday are as follows:

Sat. 7 Sep

10:00 Commemoration and reenactment at Victory Square of the Great Siege 1565 and the World War II Siege – This activity is presented by the Xaghra Historical and Re-Enactment Organisation in collaboration with the Xaghra Local Council.

18:00 Victory Band accompanies the Translation with the Relic by H.L. Mgr Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo from the Passion Oratory to Victory Square.

20:45 A spectacular fireworks display synchronised to music at Nuffara Hill can be watched at the bottom of 8th Sept Avenue.

21:00 Band Marches followed by a musical programme at Victory Square.

21:30 Victory March – festive band march along 26th April 1688, St Joseph and Church Streets.

Midnight: 3D Architectural Show in front of-the Basilica presented by Briju Society of Xaghra feast.

Sun. 8 Sept

11:00 Festive band march.

18:00 Band marches from Victory Band Club to Victory Square.

19:00 Victory Band salutes the Statue of the Bambina while playing the hymn Hdejn in-Nieqa ta’ Marija under the direction of Mro. Joseph Galea L.C.M. and then accompanies the procession playing religious marches.

20:00 Musical programme at Victory Square.

21:30 The statue of the Bambina is given a big welcome on returning to Victory Square towards the end of the procession.

22:00 Solemn entry of the Bambina into the Basilica.

Photographs by Alain Salvary from Wednesday evening

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