As the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter are of a religious character, people flock to Mass in big numbers to commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Christ.

Holy Week commences on the Friday preceding Good Friday, when the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows is carried in a procession through the streets of Valletta and many other towns and villages. During this time, the Maltese flock to the churches in great numbers. On Maundy Thursday, the ‘seven visits’ take place, which are the visits to seven different churches, to pay homage to the Altars of Repose.

Good Friday gives a sombre outlook, as churches are deprived of the traditional ornamental style. Instead, red is the dominant colour, symbolising the Blood of Christ.

The situation entirely transforms the following day, when bells toll as they break the night’s silence in order to announce the Resurrection of Christ. Mid-morning on Easter Sunday, a procession with a statue of the Risen Christ moves around the streets close to the church. At the end, the way is cleared and the statue-bearers take a run to carry the Risen Christ triumphantly back into the church.

Easter day is traditionally celebrated with a family lunch and is a time to visit relatives and friends, exchanging gifts. It’s also tradition to give children Easter eggs and a ‘figolla’, (almond-filled pastry, covered in icing).

See Holy Week and Easter dates for 2008