Bank of Valletta is, once again this year, extending its support to the cultural activities organised by Hbieb l-Akbar Grajja during Holy Week in Siggiewi. Hbieb l-Akbar Grajja are the organisers of the annual “Mixeghla” where over 4,000 candles and traditional torches light up the entire footpath leading up to the Salib tal-Gholja on the night between Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

This initiative originated 13 years ago when around 70 candles, all manufactured manually from wax scrapings were placed along the footpath leading to the Salib tal-Gholja. This initiative proved to be very attractive among the numerous visitors to the site, and each year, Hbieb l-Akbar Grajja, dedicate more time and effort to this annual event. This year, the whole side of the hill facing Siggiewi, the parvis of the Siggiewi Parish Church and the rooftops of houses surrounding the parish square will be lit up with candles and torches.

Emanuel Tagliaferro, Manager of Bank of Valletta’s Siggiewi Branch presented the Bank’s sponsorship to Nicholas Baldacchino, president of Hbieb l-Akbar Grajja and co-ordinator of the “Mixeghla” during a visit to the workshop where the candles and torches are manufactured. Speaking during the presentation of BOV’s sponsorship Mr Tagliaferro said, “We are proud to have supported this initiative for the past years contributing towards its popularity as can be witnessed from the thousands of people who visit the surroundings of the Salib tal-Gholja every year during the night between Maundy Thursday and Good Friday”.

He added: “As a large organisation that operates on a national basis, Bank of Valletta views its role within the Maltese community as extending beyond the provision of financial services and we seek to foster strong links within the communities in which we operate.”

“In this regard, we are delighted to support this initiative which is closely related to Maltese traditions and culture. Our sponsorship forms part of BOV’s Community Programme – a programme which positions the Bank as a leading promoter of Maltese culture,” concluded Mr Tagliaferro.