Nadur’s Streets Come Alive for St Peter and St Paul Feast

Nadur’s Streets Come Alive for St Peter and St Paul Feast

As the sun begins to set on the eve of June 29th, a hush falls over the usually bustling streets of Nadur. The calm, however, is deceptive. Behind closed doors, preparations are underway for one of the village’s most anticipated events – the Feast of St Peter and St Paul.

History and Tradition

Nadur’s feast, like many in Malta, is a blend of religious devotion and community celebration. The feast honours the village’s patron saints, St Peter and St Paul, with a week-long programme of events culminating in a grand procession on the eve of the feast. The tradition dates back to the 17th century when the first church dedicated to the saints was built in Nadur.

The feast is not just a religious event but a deeply ingrained part of Maltese culture. It’s a time for families and friends to gather, for neighbours to catch up, and for the community to come together. It’s a time for Nadur to shine.

Procession and Fireworks

The highlight of the feast is undoubtedly the procession. On the evening of June 29th, the statue of St Peter and St Paul, adorned in gold and jewels, is carried through the streets of Nadur. The procession is a vibrant spectacle, with marching bands, traditional Maltese dancers, and thousands of spectators lining the streets.

But the feast isn’t just about the procession. It’s also about the fireworks. Nadur is famous for its firework displays, and the feast is no exception. After the procession, the skies above the village are lit up with a dazzling display of colours and shapes, a fitting end to a day of celebration.

Food and Fun

No Maltese feast would be complete without food, and Nadur’s feast is no exception. The streets are filled with food stalls selling everything from traditional Maltese pastizzi to fresh seafood. There are also games and rides for children, turning the feast into a day of fun for the whole family.

One of the most unique aspects of Nadur’s feast is the ‘Ftira tal-Madonna’. This is a large, circular loaf of bread, baked in the shape of the Virgin Mary’s face. It’s a tradition that dates back centuries and is a testament to the village’s deep-rooted Catholic faith.

Getting Involved

If you’re in Malta on June 29th, Nadur’s feast is an event not to be missed. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, everyone is welcome to join in the celebrations. If you want to get involved, you can join one of the many ‘banda’ (bands) that march in the procession, or even help out with the organisation of the feast.

But if you just want to soak up the atmosphere, that’s okay too. Grab some food, find a spot along the procession route, and prepare to be swept up in the joy and excitement of Nadur’s Feast of St Peter and St Paul.