Another tradition attached to Holy Week is the joyous celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Many parishes around the Maltese Islands have a statue that represents Christ in triumph over death. A short procession comprising only a band playing joyful music and the statue of the Risen Christ goes around a few streets of the parish. The interesting thing about this procession is that at a certain point along the road there is an uphill climb (not too steep for the statue bearers) and at a signal the bearers run up this climb and raise the statue as high as they could at the clapping and shouting of the crowd that follows the procession. This ‘manoeuvre’ is intented to symbolise Christ rising from the death.
Although I have very often heard a lot of this procession I have never been to one before today – I was never that much interested and was under the impression that it took place a bit early in the morning. But for the sake of this project – and because, in actual fact, the procession is not as early as I had expected – I decided to go and have a look and take pictures. So I went to the nearest place, St Julians and, just my like, as soon as the bandsmen were assembling for the procession to start a heavy shower started and disrupted everything. Thank god I had taken a few pictures already and this is the best picture I could get. I was also in a hurry as Christine and I were invited for lunch at Denise’s mother-in-law. I assume the procession was cancelled because of the incliment weather.
Have a blessed Easter all of you.
Many thanks for your encouraging comments on this series of pictures about Holy Week.
He is risen indeed!! I love the significance of running up the hill to show Christ's victory over death. Well, the weather will be the weather, but your dedication paid off. Have a great day with your family!
The Paschal Vigil service at your end is so very close to that celebrated here. Thanks for your interest and for sharing your world with mine.