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| FESTA -- a unique colourful tradition -- |
| By: Blanche Gatt |
The celebration of the patron saints feast, the festa, takes two distinsct forms.There are the liturgical celebrations which obviously take place inside the church, and the much more secular part of the celebrations, which take place all around the village. Quite aptly they are known in Maltese il-festi ta gewwa (the internal festivities) and il-festi ta barra (the external festivities.
The festa ta gewwa usually starts nine days before the feast-day itself, with the ,novena. Special prayers are said during Mass in the novena praising the patron saint and invoking his blessing, protection and guidance. The statue of the saint is brought out of its niche, decorated and displayed in the church.
In the meantime the church is decorated in red damask and the parishs silver brought out. The crystal chandeliers are given a good cleaning in readiness for the big day.
On the eve of the feast a liturgical service takes place, usually in the evening. On the day of the feast itself, a high Mass is said and an oration about the saint, his life, his teachings and his miracles is delivered. It is customary for an orator from outside the parish to be brought in.
This oration is known as the panigierku. Sometimes the orator gets carried away and goes on interminably, much to the annoyance of the younger members of the congregation. The word panigierku has also come to mean a long-drawn-out, pontificating speech, usually by a superior to his subordinate.
Another liturgical function takes place in the church in the afternoon, after which the procession with the statue of the patron saint around the town or village starts.
The festi ta barra (external festivities) are a completely different kettle of fish and sometimes it is difficult to connect the celebrations to what should really be a religious rite. The first activities start nine days before the day of the festa with a bang, literally. Petards are let off to mark the start of the novena. The streets of the village are decorated with banners, bunting and coloured lights. Nougat stalls are set up in the village square, together with kiosks selling much less traditional fare such as hot dogs and hamburgers.
Three days before the day, the village band makes its
first appearance,
marching around the village streets playing merry tunes. Fireworks are let
off during the bands march, which ends in the village square in front of
the church. The musicians and their supporters then end the evening in
their club with a few - and sometimes not so few - celebratory drinks.
On the eve of the feast another band march takes place, at the end of
which the ground fireworks are let off. These are a series of catherine
wheels and rockets, mounted on wooden poles and arranged in a way to form
intricate patterns of coloured fire. At the end of this display aerial
fireworks are let off, much to the delight of the crowd.
Most parishioners are still fiercely proud of their
festa,
especially the older generations. It is customary for some to spruce up
the facade of their house in readiness for the festa. Much-needed
coats of paint are usually applied to coincide with the village feast, all
in aid of getting the village to look its best for the festa.
This pride sometimes translates itself into petty pique, and many an
argument has broken out over who has the best fireworks, the best street
decorations, the most beautiful statue.
Much debate has taken place over the years over the relevance of the
festa in modern times. Indeed some argue that it has lost its true
meaning, that of the commemorating the patron saint of the locality. But
try telling that to the thousands of people who spend months on end
preparing fireworks, making bunting, sewing banners or practising band
marches.
The festa is their life, the highlight of their year. People like
these will ensure that the festa will still be there for many
generations to come.
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(Courtesy: MALTA This Month, June 97 - Advantage Advertising Ltd., Regency House, Republic Street, Valletta, Malta)
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