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, the usually quiet streets of Nadur start to hum with life. The scent of freshly cooked food wafts through the air, and the sound of children’s laughter fills the atmosphere. It’s that time of the year again – the Feast of St Peter and St Paul is upon us.
History and Tradition
Nadur, a small town perched atop a hill in Gozo’s northwest, has been celebrating this feast since the 17th century. The feast honours the town’s patron saints, St Peter and St Paul, and is a testament to Nadur’s strong Catholic heritage. The feast is not just a religious celebration; it’s a social event that brings the entire community together.
The feast’s history is intertwined with Nadur’s own. Legend has it that the town was once plagued by a severe drought. The villagers, in their desperation, turned to St Peter and St Paul for help. Their prayers were answered, and rain poured down, ending the drought. In gratitude, the villagers decided to honour the saints with an annual feast.
What to Expect
If you’re planning to join the festivities, here’s what you can expect:
The Statues
The centrepiece of the feast are the statues of St Peter and St Paul, intricately crafted and adorned with gold and jewels. These statues are carried through the streets in a colourful procession, accompanied by marching bands and devotees.
The Food
No Maltese feast is complete without food, and Nadur’s feast is no exception. Street vendors sell everything from traditional Maltese pastizzi and ftira to more exotic fare like Indian food and German sausages. Don’t miss out on the traditional ‘torta tal-marmorata’, a sweet bread filled with marmalade, a Nadur speciality.
The Fireworks
As the night sky darkens, Nadur lights up with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are set off from the town’s main square, offering a breathtaking view of the entire town and the surrounding sea.
But the feast isn’t just about the food and fireworks. It’s about the community coming together, the shared history, and the continuation of a tradition that has spanned centuries. It’s about the children laughing, the bands playing, and the streets filled with life.
So, if you find yourself in Nadur on the 29th of June, don’t be a stranger. Join in the celebrations. You’ll be welcomed with open arms and a full stomach.
