In Ħamrun we have just experienced a phenomenal feast as a result of work carried out by all those who are involved in its organisation. For the second year running the police did not need to put up the usual barricades in High Road to separate supporters of the two band clubs from each other.

I used the adjective phenomenal not to boast but because the number of people attending the feast of St Gaetan was really massive. And I mentioned the barricades because their use or their not being used is quite significant for the feast. The hearsay, the small incidents, mostly family ones which had nothing to do with the feast and a sensational negative coverage by some section of the media, had created an aura of tension around the feast of St Gaetan. And every year, as the feast approaches, we in Ħamrun had to face a negative awaiting of the feast and then nothing happens and the feast is successful. But the police, as was their duty, used to take the necessary precautions and during the week of the feast would put up barricades to separate supporters at the end of each band march.

But today we in Ħamrun have managed to overcome this aura of tension and this year, like last year, the police did not use the barricades and the supporters of both band clubs were free to move where they wanted, mingled together and drank together. Here it is apt to mention the excellent work done by the police, led by Assistant Commissioner R. Zammit, Superintendent Charles Magri, Inspector K. Farrugia and Sergeant Major Mario Rodin. It would be nice if a bus would be parked at a strategic point so that policemen on duty during the long hours of the feast could take it in turn to rest. Also the need is felt for a mobile canteen which could serve snacks and drinks to the officers on duty.

As afore mentioned, now that the tension has been done away with, people are flocking to the feast in Ħamrun and masses of people attended the band marches during the whole week and then on Sunday morning St Joseph High Street, Ħamrun became a sea of colours. The facades of the two band clubs were greatly adorned for the occasion. A large balloon barrage with the nickname of the St Joseph band club flew over the roof of this club while a large palm tree made up of a large balloon was tied up high to the masthead of St Gaetan’s band club. Flags, caps and T-shirts with the band clubs colours dominated the scene. In the evening St Joseph High Road was again filled with people attending the procession and then the famous run up the steps of the parvis with the statue of St Gaetan. This last event and the sacramental blessing in the Church brought the feast to a successful close.

This success was of course due to the work done by the presidents, committees and youth commissions of both band clubs, the two groups who put up the street decorations and to those who together with parish priest Fr Henry Balzan were involved in the organization of the feast. It is a pity that save for a television station, this success was not reported in the media as used to happen when just a petty incident used to be blown up to besmirch the whole celebrations.

■ Joe C. Cordina

Hamrun