Feast of St Anthony of Padua in Għajnsielem

As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and red, the small town of Għajnsielem in Gozo comes alive. The streets are a flurry of activity, not with the usual humdrum of daily life, but with the anticipation of a celebration that has been a part of the town’s identity for centuries. The Feast of St Anthony of Padua is about to begin.

St Anthony of Padua, born Fernando Martins de Bulhões, is revered as the patron saint of lost items and is often invoked for his miraculous powers. But in Għajnsielem, he is more than just a saint; he is a symbol of unity and faith. The feast, held annually on the Saturday closest to June 13th, is a testament to the town’s deep-rooted Catholic traditions and its people’s unwavering devotion.

Triq San Ġorġ, the main street leading to the parish church, is the heart of the feast. It’s here that the town’s band marches, playing a medley of traditional Maltese tunes that echo through the narrow streets. The air is filled with the scent of fritters and other local delicacies, sold from makeshift stalls that line the street. Red and white banners, the colours of St Anthony, flutter in the breeze, transforming the usually quiet street into a vibrant spectacle.

The feast culminates with a grand procession, led by the statue of St Anthony, carried on the shoulders of the town’s strongest men. The statue, adorned with gold and jewels, is a sight to behold, its glassy eyes seeming to gaze upon the faithful with benevolence. The procession winds its way through the streets, accompanied by the town’s band and the chants of the faithful, before returning to the church for a final blessing.

The Feast of St Anthony is more than just a religious celebration. It’s a time for the community to come together, to reconnect with old friends and neighbours, to share stories and laughter over a plate of pastizzi. It’s a time for the young to watch the traditional fireworks display, their faces lit up with wonder, and for the old to reminisce about feasts past.

But the feast also serves as a reminder of the town’s resilience. Għajnsielem, like many towns in Malta and Gozo, has seen its fair share of challenges. Yet, year after year, the feast goes on, a beacon of hope and unity in times of strife.

So, if you find yourself in Gozo this June, do as the locals do. Join the procession, taste the fritters, feel the rhythm of the band, and let the Feast of St Anthony of Padua in Għajnsielem leave an indelible mark on your heart.

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