Outdoor activities to mark Zabbar’s Madonna tal-Grazzja (Our Lady of Grace) feast will not be held this year in view of the violent incidents that occurred between members of the feast’s two main band clubs last year, a statement issued by the Curia said yesterday.

In a statement, the Curia said that after hearing a number of comments about the incidents that occurred during the feast last year, from the board investigating the case and a number of people and entities, it decided that all external decorations and events related to this feast will not be permitted this year.

These include all activities in the clubs which in any way can distract the ambiance outside the club premises, street decorations and fireworks. Liturgical celebrations will be held as usual as will the pilgrimage with bicycles and motorbikes, while the procession with the statue of Our Lady of Grace will take the form of a pilgrimage.

Furthermore, if anyone tries to defy the decision by applying for a permit with the police or any government entity to hold such celebrations just the same, then the Curia will cancel even the liturgical celebrations and pilgrimages mentioned above, the statement said.

“As from today (yesterday) both band clubs should work to reach an agreement regarding their participation in the feast celebrations, in full respect of the Church’s own regulations.

The agreement will come into effect after being approved by the Curia,” the statement said.

Concluding the statement emphasised that the Church is ready to help liaise the discussion process in order to help establish a lasting agreement that ensures that a Catholic environment prevails during the feast.