Mqabba’s Lily-Filled Feast: A Village Transformed
Mqabba Blooms: A Sea of Lilies for Our Lady’s Feast
Every August, the tiny village of Mqabba in the heart of Malta transforms into a riot of colour and faith. The Feast of Our Lady of the Lily, or ‘Il-Madonna tal-Lilju’ in Maltese, is not just a religious celebration; it’s a vibrant display of local culture and community spirit. This year, as the sun sets on the 15th of August, the streets will once again be adorned with thousands of lilies, honouring the village’s patron saint.
Lilies in Every Corner
Mqabba’s feast is unique in Malta for its use of lilies. The tradition dates back to the 17th century when a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary, surrounded by lilies, was discovered in a cave. Since then, the lily has become a symbol of the village and its devotion to Our Lady. Today, you’ll find lilies everywhere – in the church, on the streets, and even in the homes of the villagers.
On the eve of the feast, the streets of Mqabba are a hive of activity. Neighbours gather to help each other decorate their balconies and doorways with intricate lily designs, using coloured lights and greenery. The main street, Triq l-Indipendenza, is closed to traffic and transformed into a pedestrian paradise, lined with stalls selling local food and souvenirs.
A Night of Processions and Fireworks
The highlight of the feast is the evening procession, or ‘festa’, when a statue of Our Lady of the Lily is carried through the streets on the shoulders of the villagers. The statue, dressed in a gown adorned with lilies, is a sight to behold, and the atmosphere is electric as the procession makes its way through the cheering crowds.
But the feast isn’t just about religion. It’s also a time for celebration and community. After the procession, the skies above Mqabba light up with a spectacular fireworks display, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. The villagers gather on the village square, or ‘Pjazza’, to watch the show, their faces lit up by the explosions of colour in the night sky.
