Għajnsielem’s St Anthony Feast: A Sea of Red and a Century of Tradition

Every June, the quiet fishing village of Għajnsielem on the north-eastern coast of Malta transforms into a sea of red. The reason? The annual Feast of St Anthony of Padua, a celebration that’s been a part of the village’s identity for over a century. But why is this feast so significant, and what makes it such a beloved event among locals and tourists alike?

St Anthony: The Village’s Patron Saint

St Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of Għajnsielem, and his feast is one of the most anticipated events in the village’s calendar. The feast is held on the Sunday closest to the saint’s death on June 13, and it’s a celebration that combines religious devotion, community spirit, and good old-fashioned fun.

The story of St Anthony’s connection to Għajnsielem dates back to the 17th century when a statue of the saint was brought to the village from Italy. The statue was believed to have miraculous powers, and it quickly became a source of devotion and inspiration for the villagers. Today, the statue is housed in the parish church of St Mary Magdalene in Għajnsielem, and it’s brought out in procession during the feast.

The Feast: A Century of Tradition

The first recorded Feast of St Anthony in Għajnsielem was held in 1919, making this year’s celebration the 103rd edition. The feast has evolved over the decades, but at its heart, it remains a community event that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds.

The feast kicks off with a series of religious services and processions, culminating in a grand procession on the Sunday evening. The statue of St Anthony is carried through the streets of Għajnsielem, accompanied by marching bands, fireworks, and thousands of devotees dressed in red. The procession is a spectacular sight, with the red-clad crowd snaking through the narrow streets, singing hymns, and carrying candles.

More Than Just a Feast: A Village Party

But the Feast of St Anthony is more than just a religious celebration. It’s also a chance for the people of Għajnsielem to come together, to celebrate their shared history and culture. The feast is marked by a series of events that cater to all tastes, from traditional Maltese folk music and dance to modern pop and rock concerts.

One of the highlights of the feast is the ‘Il-Maltija’ competition, a traditional Maltese folk dance that’s been a part of the feast since its earliest days. The dance is performed by groups of young people dressed in traditional Maltese costumes, and it’s a vibrant, energetic spectacle that’s not to be missed.

And of course, no Maltese feast would be complete without food and drink. The streets of Għajnsielem are lined with stalls selling everything from traditional Maltese pastizzi and ftira to ice cream, candy floss, and popcorn. There are also bars and food stalls serving beer, wine, and other refreshments.

Getting Involved: How to Join the Celebration

If you’re planning to join the Feast of St Anthony this year, here’s what you need to know. The feast is held on the Sunday closest to June 13, and the main procession starts at around 7 pm. The procession route takes in many of Għajnsielem’s main streets, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to join in the fun.

If you want to dress the part, red is the color of choice. Many locals and tourists alike don red t-shirts, dresses, and even wigs to show their support for the saint. And if you’re feeling energetic, you could even join one of the marching bands that accompany the procession. Just make sure you’ve got some sturdy shoes – the procession can last for several hours!

But perhaps the best way to experience the Feast of St Anthony is simply to immerse yourself in the crowd, to sing along with the hymns, to cheer as the statue of St Anthony passes by, and to soak up the unique atmosphere of this centuries-old celebration.

As one local put it, “The Feast of St Anthony is more than just a religious event. It’s a chance for the people of Għajnsielem to come together, to celebrate our shared history and culture, and to have a great time doing it. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down through generations, and it’s something that everyone should experience at least once.”

So why not join the party this year? Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Feast of St Anthony is an event that’s not to be missed. See you in Għajnsielem!