A group wishing to take part in the longstanding tradition of carrying the Sta Marija statute at the procession this evening raised €14,000. This takes place in Mgarr, Malta.

It has been reported that the €14,000 is a record breaking figure, having raised some €1,000 less last year. The winning group was led by Westin Vella.

Roughly a quarter, around €3,500 will be donated to a Maltese hospital in Ghana, some will be used for needy people including migrants and the rest will go towards the parish feast fund and maintenance for the church.

In total, there were four groups bidding to carry the statue. This tradition began in 1923 and due to a deficit in the previous year’s feast, people were asked to make a contribution.

For those who did not form part of the winning team, they will still be permitted to help carry the statue in part of the procession.