The Holy Week is commemorated with great zeal. Lent is marked by weekly pious manifestations which intensify during Holy Week when two solemn processions are held with life-size statues. Nowadays, the cycle of eight statuary groups, adorned in velvet and fine silks, including halos and other silver objects, are still found here. These displays include: the five sorrowful mysteries of the rosary, the Veronica mentioned in the stations of the Via Crucis (aka the Way of the Cross), the Monument of the dead Christ in an ornate sepulchre, and Our Lady of Sorrows.
Since 1975, the Good Friday procession has taken the form of a pageant with traditional carved statues, some of which were brought from Spain by Maltese seamen, and locals dressed in robes representing biblical characters. Along with these characters, members of the confraternity of the crucifix founded in the early 18th century, also participate together with the collegiate chapter and children carrying symbols of the passion. The St Lawrence band of Vittoriosa, playing funeral marches of both foreign and local composers, adds to the melancholic mood.
On Easter Sunday, the desolate tone morphs into jubilation, in particular during the traditional run with the statue of the Risen Christ. Year after year, these religious manifestations attract thousands of believers and tourists alike.
PHOTO 1
Children carrying symbols of the passion.
Author: Birgu Città Vittoriosa Malta
Men, women and children participate wearing a variety of costumes such as Roman soldiers and Biblical characters. They walk in between the statues representing a different stage of the passion. Hundreds of people participate from young to old.
PHOTO 2
The Confraternity of the Holy Crucifix of Vittoriosa
Author: Birgu Città Vittoriosa Malta
The members of the confraternity of the Holy Crucifix founded in Vittoriosa in the early 18th century, also participate together with the collegiate chapter and the St Lawrence band of Vittoriosa, playing funeral marches of both foreign and local composers, adds to the melancholic mood.
PHOTO 3
The Statue of the Crucifixion
Author: Elton Randich
The focus of the statue is Christ crucified in agony looking up to heaven. Beneath the cross on the right is Our Lady with open arms, while on the left is St. John the Apostle holding his right hand on his chest. Mary Magdalene is embracing cross. The heads, hands and feet of the three figures are 17th century Spanish work, while their body and clothing were made locally.
PHOTO 4
The Urn of the Dead Christ
Author: Elton Randich
The Urn of the death body of Christ “il-Monument” is like a bed, in which the statue of the dead Christ is carried and began to be built in 1750. The work on the Wooden Frame of the Urn was done by Master Angelo Zarb. The silver work was done by the silversmith Fillipo Vella. In the past, this statue was carried by priests. The body of the dead Christ we see in the urn today is the work of the sculptor Wistin Camilleri. This has replaced another older one that is now on display in the Inquisitor's palace.
PHOTO 5
The Statue of the Risen Christ in Vittoriosa
Author: Elton Randich
The resurrected Christ's Statue was carved in wood in 1833 by the sculptor Salvatore Psaila. On Easter Sunday morning, the statue of the Risen Christ was taken out in procession by the Parish Church. Characteristic of this procession are the traditional runs were the way is cleared and the statue-bearers take a run to carry the Risen Christ.