Easter time in Gozo is a very special time that is celebrated throughout the whole island. Various festive activities are held in preparation for the Holy week which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Good Friday processions will be held in Nadur, Zebbug, Victoria, and Xaghra. The procession involves real-life re-enactments of the life and death of Jesus Christ using various statues paraded through the streets. The procession in Victoria is the oldest one in Gozo. It starts at 17.30hrs from St. George’s Basilica. Traditionally a number of men carry crosses and drag chains to signify repentance. Another very popular procession is that of Xaghra and attracts a large participation.
On the other hand, Easter Sunday is represented by a different atmosphere where joy prevails. After the procession and Easter Mass, locals go back to their home for the traditional family Easter lunch. Children especially are very eager to taste the ‘Figolla’ which is the traditional Maltese Easter sweet and made of almond pastry. Figolli come in various shapes such as a heart or various animals.
Processions on Easter day with the statue of the Risen Christ are as follows:
Victoria: St. Georges Basilica at 08.45am and the Cathedral at 10.45am
Kercem: 09.15am
Nadur: 09.15am
Xewkija: 09.30am
Fontana: 10.30am
Qala: 11.00am
Zebbug: 05.00pm
Xaghra: 06.00pm
Gharb: 06.00pm
For more information and programme of events visit: https://issuu.com/ministryforgozo1/docs/easter_in_gozo_2018