Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta
Feast of Our Lady of Victories is a holiday in Malta.
When is Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta
Feast of Our Lady of Victories is celebrated on 08, September, 2023 in Malta.
About Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta
The Feast of Our Lady of Victories is a major religious holiday in Malta, celebrated on August 30th every year. It is also known as the Feast of Our Lady of the Girdle, as it commemorates the miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary to Saint Simon Stock, who was a Carmelite friar, in the 13th century.
The holiday is celebrated with great pomp and ceremony, with processions, masses, and fireworks displays. The highlight of the festivities is the grand procession of the statue of Our Lady of Victories through the streets of Valletta, the capital city of Malta.
The procession is led by the Archbishop of Malta, followed by priests, members of religious orders, and the faithful. The statue of Our Lady is carried on a decorated float, accompanied by bands playing traditional Maltese music and fireworks lighting up the sky.
The Feast of Our Lady of Victories is an important cultural event in Malta, and it attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. It is a time for the Maltese people to celebrate their faith, their history, and their heritage, and to come together in a spirit of joy and unity.
History of Feast of Our Lady of Victories in Malta
The Feast of Our Lady of Victories is a popular religious holiday in Malta that is celebrated on the 8th of September every year. The origins of this feast date back to the 16th century when the Knights of St. John, who ruled Malta at the time, were facing a major threat from the Ottoman Empire.
In 1565, the Ottomans launched a massive attack on the island, hoping to conquer it and use it as a base for their operations in the Mediterranean. However, the Knights, along with the local Maltese population, managed to repel the invaders after a long and bloody siege. The victory was attributed to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, who was believed to have protected the island from harm.
As a result, the Knights declared the 8th of September as a day of thanksgiving and celebration in honor of Our Lady of Victories. They built a church dedicated to her in the capital city of Valletta, which became the focal point of the festivities. The church was later enlarged and renamed the Basilica of Our Lady of Victories in recognition of its importance.
Over the years, the Feast of Our Lady of Victories became one of the most important religious holidays in Malta, with processions, fireworks, and other festivities taking place throughout the island. The tradition has continued to this day, with thousands of locals and tourists flocking to Valletta to witness the colorful celebrations and pay their respects to the Virgin Mary.
How is Feast of Our Lady of Victories celebrated in Malta
The Feast of Our Lady of Victories is celebrated in Malta on August 30th every year. It is one of the most important religious and cultural events in the country, and it commemorates the victory of the Knights of St. John over the Ottoman Empire in the Great Siege of 1565.
The celebration begins with a procession of the statue of Our Lady of Victories through the streets of Valletta, the capital city of Malta. The statue is carried by a group of men, known as “barbari,” who wear traditional costumes and march to the sound of drums and trumpets.
During the procession, the streets are decorated with banners, flags, and flowers, and the buildings are illuminated with colorful lights. The procession stops at various churches and chapels along the way, where the faithful offer prayers and light candles.
The highlight of the celebration is the grand fireworks display that takes place in the evening. The fireworks are set off from the bastions of Valletta and can be seen from all over the city. The display is accompanied by music and a light show, creating a spectacular visual and auditory experience.
The Feast of Our Lady of Victories is also a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy traditional Maltese food and drink. Many restaurants and cafes offer special menus and promotions during the celebration, and there are also street vendors selling local delicacies and souvenirs.
Overall, the Feast of Our Lady of Victories is a joyous and colorful celebration that showcases the rich cultural and religious heritage of Malta.
Dates
Feast of Our Lady of Victories will be celebrated in Malta on 2023-09-08, 2024-09-08, 2025-09-08, 2026-09-08, 2027-09-08 in the comming years.