An Mgarr team bid €12,000 today for the honour of carrying the statue of Santa Marija during the feast to be celebrated this evening. The tradition dates back to 1923, when feast participants were asked to make a contribution to cover a deficit in the previous year's feast.

 The winning team this year is Winstin Vella, a restaurant owner, and his family.

Last year, €5,000 were raised, compared to €11,500 in 2013 and around €5,000 in 2012.  A quarter of the proceeds would be donated to a charity - the Hospice Movement.

Other people who wish to carry the statue will still be able to do so for some time during the procession.