Comenius 2009 - 2010

Presentation and Photos by: Charlene Catania

Easter is the most important feats for Christians because it celebrates the

resurrection of Christ therefore the victory over death and sin. Malta solemnly

commemorates the Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter.

Holy Week.

The Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday where pilgrims celebrates Christ's

triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On Maundy Thursday, there is the

commemoration of the last supper were during Mass, the priest washes the feet

of 12 men representing the apostles. On the Night between Maundy Thursday

and Good Friday many faithful pay visits to seven altars of repose (in Maltese are

known as Sepulkru) in different churches around Malta. Nowadays this tradition is

still alive however not so popular as before.

Good Friday.

Good Friday is known as a day of penance and strictly no mass is celebrated on that

day but only a commemoration and veneration of the cross. The churches are all

undressed from their rich decorations as a sign of mourning for the death of Christ.

After the Veneration of the Cross (which starts at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the exact

time Jesus died) Many villages and towns around Malta hold processions with

statues representing scenes from the passion of Christ.

Many people participate in these processions, many dress up as figures from the

bible, the local bands play funeral marches to accompany the statues.

Easter Sunday.

On Sunday, the church celebrates the resurrection of Christ. No more mourning

now as the Christians rejoice the triumphal Resurrection of the Lord.

On Easter Morning, many Churches celebrate with a procession of the statue of

the risen Christ that is carried out through the main streets of the Maltese

villages.

Traditional Easter Food:

During the Lent Period and Good Friday we have these Traditional food:

• Karamelli tal-Harrub (Julep sweets)

• Kwarezimal (Lent almond small cakes)

• Qaghaq tal-Appostli (Apostles ring bread)

• Pastizzi tal-Incova (Anchovy cakes)

On Easter Day, Many Maltese like to taste the Figolla, a traditional sweet made of

sweet pastry and almond filling. During Lunch the most popular ingredient on

Maltese tables is the Lamb.

In the past decade the tradition of the Easter Egg is becoming more popular with

Children. Although they aren’t part of the Maltese tradition, however these are

becoming more popular every year.

Photos taken from Church in the town of Mosta

and

Procession in the town of Zejtun

The Agony in the

Gethsemane Garden

The Betrayal of Judas

The Scourging of Jesus

The Crowing with Thorns

Pontius Pilate Presents Jesus

to the People

Jesus falls under the cross

Simon of Cyrene carries

the cross

Veronica wipes the face of

Jesus

The Crucifixion of Christ

Jesus is laid in his tomb

Our Lady of Sorrows

Photos taken from the Easter Sunday Procession

in the town of Rabat

The statue of the Resurrection of Jesus

back in the church after the procession

The Figolla

The Kwarezimal

The Lamb that is cooked for Easter Sunday

Qaghaq tal-Appostli (Apostles ring bread)

Comenius Project 2009 - 2010