Every June, the sleepy village of Għajnsielem on the island of Gozo transforms into a vibrant sea of red. The reason? The annual Feast of St. Anthony of Padua. This year, as the sun sets on the 13th of June, the village will once again come alive, celebrating its patron saint with a week-long extravaganza that combines faith, tradition, and community spirit.

The feast, first celebrated in 1906, is a testament to the villagers’ deep-rooted faith and their desire to honour St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost items. The story goes that a villager lost his donkey and, in desperation, prayed to St. Anthony. Miraculously, the donkey was found, and ever since, the villagers have shown their gratitude through this annual feast.

The feast is not just about religious devotion; it’s also a celebration of Għajnsielem’s history and culture. The village, known for its fertile fields and traditional farmhouses, comes together to honour its past while looking towards the future.

The feast kicks off with a series of processions, starting with the ‘Il-Kbira’ procession on the evening of the 12th. The statue of St. Anthony, adorned with red robes and a golden crown, is carried through the village’s narrow streets, accompanied by a marching band and devotees holding candles. The procession makes its way to the parish church, where the statue remains until the grand finale on the 13th.

The highlight of the feast is the ‘Il-Ballut’ procession on the 13th. The statue of St. Anthony is carried back to its original home, the Church of St. George, in a colourful procession that winds its way through the village. The route is lined with red bunting and lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere that’s uniquely Għajnsielem.

But the feast isn’t just about processions. It’s also about food, music, and fireworks. The village square comes alive with food stalls selling traditional Gozitan delicacies like ‘ftira’ (Gozitan bread) and ‘gbejniet’ (sheep’s cheese). Live music fills the air, and the sky is lit up with spectacular firework displays.

If you’re in Gozo in June, the Feast of St. Anthony is an event not to be missed. Whether you’re a devout Catholic, a history buff, or just a lover of vibrant festivals, there’s something here for everyone. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, consider joining one of the village’s many ‘confraternities’ – groups of devotees who carry the statue during the processions.

And if you’re planning to attend, here are a few practical tips. Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Dress in red to fit in with the locals. And if you’re driving, be prepared for road closures and heavy traffic. The best place to park is at the Xewkija parish church, from where you can take a bus or walk to Għajnsielem.

So, mark the 13th of June in your calendar, and get ready to join the red sea in Għajnsielem. It’s an experience you won’t forget.