This is the climax to Christ’s sufferings when he was nailed to the cross and after all that suffering he gave up his spirit..
I took this picture while watching the procession at Valletta. The Valletta procession is the least spectacular but the most solemn of all those organised around Malta. It has been at least a decade since we were here last. Valletta has one of the oldest, if not the oldest, set of Passion statues and the street is St Ursula, also one of the oldest in Valletta.
In front of this statue walked a group of boys one after the other carrying banners made of purple velvet with Christ's Seven Last Words embroidered on them followed by a band playing solemn music.
Along the way, Maltese and tourists jousted for a good position to view better the proession. The Good Friday procession is a major tourist attraction in Malta and many coach excursions take tourists to watch the defile. Towns reserve seated areas for tourists at a small fee which would go to balance the huge expenses incurred in preparing and maintaining these processions.
The Catholic Church will go into mourning until Saturday night when after the incantation of the ‘Gloria’ in a beautiful ceremony all church bells start peeling with joy.
Many thanks for looking and for your wonderful comments on yesterday’s picture.
that's a great sombre shot - your series has been fantastic. Here, the Easter Vigil service on Saturday night starts with a bonfire, from which the Paschal Candle is lit and processed into a darkened church, then the Exultet is sung in plainchant before the Gloria, when the church erupts into light and noise - it's the most amazing service.
Very somber. The scene you describe is very similar to the street which Christ walked to the crucifixion. And the way you describe the people would probably be much like those who followed Christ in mourning or those who looked to see the spectacle of a "criminal" being led to their crucifixion. This street (known today as the Via Delarose) is very much like the one in your shot. Well done!
Thank you so very much for your kind comments.