Nadur’s Unique Two-Day Feast of St Peter and St Paul
As the sun begins to set over the picturesque village of Nadur, Malta, a sense of anticipation fills the air. The streets are adorned with colourful banners and lights, the aroma of traditional food wafts through the air, and the sound of distant music hints at the celebrations that are about to commence. It’s the eve of the Feast of St Peter and St Paul, and Nadur is ready to party.
Nadur’s Unique Celebration
Nadur’s feast is unique in that it’s celebrated over two days, unlike most other Maltese feasts which are condensed into one. The first day, the 28th of June, is dedicated to St Peter, while the following day honours St Paul. This allows for a more intimate and prolonged celebration, with each saint getting their fair share of honour.
The feast is not just a religious event but a social one as well. It’s an opportunity for Nadur’s residents, both those who still live there and those who have moved away, to come together, reconnect, and celebrate their shared heritage. The village is transformed into a bustling hub of activity, with people spilling out onto the streets, greeting old friends, and catching up on lost time.
Processions and Fireworks
The highlight of the feast is the evening procession, or ‘Il-Korridetta’, where the statues of St Peter and St Paul are carried through the streets on ornate floats. The statues, dressed in elaborate robes, are accompanied by marching bands, traditional dancers, and hundreds of villagers carrying candles. The procession makes its way through the narrow streets, pausing at various points for prayers and hymns.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. As the procession reaches its climax, the skies above Nadur’s main square, Pjazza San Pawl, are set alight with a spectacular fireworks display. The villagers ooh and aah as the colours explode in the night sky, casting a kaleidoscope of light onto their faces. It’s a magical sight that leaves everyone feeling proud and united.
Food, Glorious Food
No Maltese feast would be complete without an abundance of food, and Nadur’s feast is no exception. Throughout the two days, the village’s streets are lined with food stalls selling everything from traditional Maltese pastizzi and ħobż biż-Żejt to more exotic fare like Turkish doner and American-style hot dogs.
But the star of the show is undoubtedly the ‘fenkata’, a traditional Maltese rabbit stew. The aroma of slow-cooked rabbit, wine, and herbs fills the air, drawing in hungry revellers who queue up to sample this local delicacy. It’s a taste of Malta’s rural past, served up in the heart of the village.
After the feasting comes the dancing. The main square is transformed into an open-air disco, with a live band playing a mix of Maltese and international hits. The villagers, young and old, take to the dance floor, singing along to the lyrics and losing themselves in the moment.
