Għajnsielem’s Red and White Spectacle: The Feast of St Anthony of Padua

In the heart of Għajnsielem, a small town in Gozo, Malta, the air is filled with anticipation. It’s the eve of the Feast of St Anthony of Padua, and the usually quiet streets are abuzz with activity. Red and white banners flutter from balconies, and the scent of freshly baked pastizzi wafts through the air. But what makes this feast truly unique is not just the colours or the food, but the centuries-old tradition that brings this community together.

History and Tradition

The Feast of St Anthony of Padua is one of the oldest and most significant feasts in Għajnsielem, with its origins dating back to the 17th century. The feast is celebrated on the Sunday following the 13th of June, the saint’s birthday. The tradition began when the local church, the Parish Church of St George, was dedicated to St Anthony, and the feast was first celebrated in 1623.

The feast is a celebration of the saint’s life and miracles, but it’s also a time for the community to come together, to strengthen bonds, and to honour their patron saint. The preparations begin weeks in advance, with the cleaning and decorating of the church, the organisation of processions, and the baking of traditional pastizzi and figolla.

Processions and Celebrations

The feast begins with a dawn procession, the ‘Mara’, where a statue of St Anthony is carried through the streets of Għajnsielem. The procession is led by the local band, the Għajnsielem Band Club, and is followed by the statue of St George, the town’s patron saint. The streets are lined with residents and visitors alike, many of whom have been up since the early hours to watch the procession.

In the evening, the ‘Veve’ procession takes place. This is the main procession, where the statue of St Anthony is carried around the town, accompanied by a marching band and a crowd of devotees. The statue is carried on a float, decorated with red and white flowers, the colours of the feast. The procession winds its way through the streets, stopping at various points for prayers and hymns.

Throughout the day, the streets around Triq San Ġorġ, the main street in Għajnsielem, are filled with stalls selling traditional food and souvenirs. The aroma of freshly baked pastizzi, a type of Maltese pastry filled with ricotta or peas, fills the air. Children enjoy games and rides, while adults catch up with neighbours and friends.

The Il-Ħagar Tradition

One of the most unique traditions of the Feast of St Anthony of Padua in Għajnsielem is the ‘Il-Ħagar’ (The Fire). On the Saturday evening before the feast, a large bonfire is built in the main square, Pjazza San Ġorġ. The fire is lit as part of a ritual to honour St Anthony, who is believed to have the power to find lost items. Residents bring any lost or broken items to the fire, believing that St Anthony will help them find what they’ve lost or fix what’s broken.

The ‘Il-Ħagar’ is a spectacular sight, with the fire burning brightly against the night sky. The heat from the fire is intense, and the crackling of the flames can be heard throughout the town. It’s a powerful symbol of the community coming together, of old traditions being passed down through generations, and of the power of faith and hope.

As the fire dies down, the feast comes to an end, but the spirit of community and togetherness remains. The Feast of St Anthony of Padua in Għajnsielem is more than just a religious celebration; it’s a testament to the power of tradition, the strength of community, and the beauty of faith.

So, if you find yourself in Malta during the middle of June, make your way to Għajnsielem. Join the procession, try some pastizzi, and witness the ‘Il-Ħagar’. It’s not just a feast; it’s a living, breathing tradition that’s as much a part of Malta as the island itself.