Good Friday Processions: A Blow of Wind and Rain Brings Silence to Malta’s Streets

As the first drops of rain began to fall on the cobblestones of Mdina’s main square, the usually bustling heart of Malta’s old capital fell silent. The annual Good Friday procession, a staple of Malta’s Easter celebrations, was cancelled. This was not an isolated incident; across the island, similar scenes were unfolding as bad weather forced widespread cancellations.

Processions Fall Victim to Stormy Skies

Malta’s meteorological office had issued a yellow weather warning, forecasting heavy rain and strong winds. The forecast proved accurate, with rain lashing down and gusts reaching up to 70km/h. In Valletta, the capital’s grand processions were called off, leaving the usually vibrant streets eerily quiet. The same fate befell processions in other towns, including Birkirkara, Qormi, and Zebbug.

Tradition Meets Practicality: The Decision to Cancel

Cancelling the processions was not a decision taken lightly. These events are deeply rooted in Maltese tradition, attracting thousands of locals and tourists alike. However, the safety of participants and spectators was paramount. “We couldn’t risk people’s lives,” said Joseph Vella, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Malta. “The weather was just too unpredictable.”

Alternative Ways to Observe Good Friday

While the processions may have been cancelled, Maltese people found alternative ways to observe Good Friday. Many tuned in to live broadcasts of the traditional Passion of the Lord service from St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. Others used the opportunity to spend time with family, sharing traditional Maltese dishes like ‘ħobż biż-Żejt’ (bread with olive oil) and ‘qagħq’ (sweet cheesecake).

Some also took to social media, sharing photos and memories of past processions, keeping the spirit of Good Friday alive in a different way.

As the rain finally eased and the skies began to clear, Malta looked ahead to Easter Sunday, hoping for fairer weather. The processions may have been cancelled, but the spirit of Good Friday lived on, in the hearts and homes of the Maltese people.

“Easter is about more than just the processions. It’s about faith, family, and tradition. The weather may have stopped us from marching, but it can’t stop us from believing.” – Maria Azzopardi, a Maltese resident.