Several localities around Malta and Gozo this morning held processions to mark the feast of the Risen Christ – Easter.

In Malta, there are 14 statues of the Risen Christ and six others in Gozo. These are found at the Jesuits’ Church and St Francis Church in Valletta; Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Senglea, Gzira, Għargħur, Qormi – St Sebastian and St George, Żebbuġ, Mosta, Naxxar, Rabat, Paola and Żejtun. In Gozo, processions are held at Fontana, Nadur, Qala, Rabat – St George, Xagħra and Żebbuġ.

These photos were taken by our photographer James Caruana in Vittoriosa.

The Easter Sunday processions started in the Cottonera area in the 17th century.

In many places the statue bearers run with the statue towards the church, sometimes uphill.

Video below was taken in Haz-Zebbug.

Irxoxt Haz-Zebbug from The Malta Independent on Vimeo.

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Xagħra, Gozo

In some localities, like Xagħra, Gozo, the manifestation with the Risen Christ is held on Sunday evening.

The photos below are from the Easter Vigil and Easter mass held last night at the Xaghra Basilica Church.

The Vigil started with the Service of Light. After the blessing of the New Fire the churchgoers, in pitch darkness, lit their candles from that light. During the service baby Francesco received the Sacrament of Baptism.

This evening a Grand Minifestation with the Risen Christ will be celebrated at the Xaghra Square starting at 6:00pm during which the traditional figolla will be blessed. Parents are invited to attend along with their children and bring their figolla for the blessing. The pageant “Jien Issa Haj” will follow at 7:00pm in the same Xaghra village square.