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 over the picturesque village of Nadur, a buzz of anticipation fills the air. The streets are a hive of activity, with locals and visitors alike preparing for the annual Feast of St Peter and St Paul. This isn’t just a religious celebration; it’s a community event that transforms the usually quiet streets into a vibrant, colourful spectacle.

History and Significance

The feast, held on the 29th of June each year, honours the village’s patron saints. The tradition dates back centuries, with records showing that the feast was first celebrated in Nadur in 1614. Today, it’s a blend of religious devotion, cultural expression, and good old-fashioned fun. The feast is particularly significant for Nadur, as it’s one of the few villages in Malta that celebrates its patron saints on the actual day of their feast, rather than the Sunday closest to it.

What to Expect

At the heart of the feast is the statue of St Peter and St Paul, which is carried through the streets in a colourful procession. The statue, housed in the parish church of St Peter and St Paul, is a beautiful work of art, crafted by the renowned Maltese sculptor, Antonio Sciortino. The procession is led by the local band, their music filling the air and setting the rhythm for the evening’s events.

As the procession winds its way through the streets, it’s accompanied by a sea of red and white, the colours of Nadur’s feast. The streets are lined with decorated arches and lanterns, casting a warm glow over the scene. The atmosphere is electric, with people of all ages joining in the celebrations.

No Maltese feast would be complete without food, and the Feast of St Peter and St Paul is no exception. Street vendors sell a variety of local delicacies, from pastizzi and ftira to bigilla and imqaddedd. There’s also plenty of wine and beer to go around, with many locals setting up makeshift bars in their doorways.

But it’s not all about the food and drink. The feast also includes a series of religious services, including a mass and a procession of the Blessed Sacrament. These serve as a reminder of the spiritual significance of the event, amidst all the revelry.

For those who want to join in the fun, the best place to be is in the main square, Pjazza San Pietru u Pawlu. Here, you’ll find the main stage, where local bands and artists perform throughout the evening. There’s also a fireworks display, a traditional highlight of any Maltese feast.

If you’re planning to attend the feast, parking can be a challenge, especially in the streets around the main square. Consider leaving your car at one of the public car parks on the outskirts of the village and walking in. It’s a pleasant way to soak up the atmosphere and avoid the traffic.

More Than Just a Feast

The Feast of St Peter and St Paul in Nadur is more than just a religious celebration. It’s a chance for the community to come together, to celebrate their shared history and culture. It’s a time for old friends to reunite, for new friendships to be forged, and for everyone to enjoy a good time.

So, if you find yourself in Malta at the end of June, why not head to Nadur and join in the festivities? It’s a unique opportunity to experience a traditional Maltese feast, with all its colour, noise, and warmth. Just remember to dress in red and white, and be prepared for a late night!