A procession on Christmas Eve is a common part of Christmas celebrations in Malta. The tradition originates in a procession led by Saint George Preca (Maltese: Dun Ġorġ) in Hamrun in 1921, and spread across the island over the next two decades.[1][2] In order to curtail mishaps of crowd impacting, spectators are encouraged to watch the procession from windows and balconies.[3]
The procession of the Baby Jesus was not held by the Archdiocese of Malta for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed in 2022. Children dress up as figures from the Bible, accompanied by the singing of Christmas carols.[2][4]
References
edit- ^ Cassar-Pullicino, Joseph (1992). Studies in Maltese Folklore (2nd ed.). University of Malta. p. 41.
- ^ a b Rossitto, Andrea (23 December 2021). "100th anniversary of first procession with Baby Jesus". TVM News. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ "No barriers for traditional baby Jesus procession - Fearne". Times of Malta. 18 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
- ^ "Procession of baby Jesus returns after two years". Archdiocese of Malta. 24 December 2022. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
External links
edit- Darmanin, Christine (22 November 2023). "The Phoenicia Malta". The Phoenicia Malta. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
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