Mgarr

The statue of Santa Marija, housed in Mġarr’s church, was commissioned from Marseille in 1922 and is carried with great reverence during the village feast. One of the longest running traditions which is unique to Mġarr’s feast revolves around who carries the statue of Santa Marija during the feast.

This tradition dates back to 1921, when 13 local farmers pledged to cover the cost of the titular statue in exchange for carrying it. The following year, another group took on the remaining debt, securing their right to shoulder the statue during the procession. The practice has continued for over a century, with groups of men making generous donations, often as a wegħda (vow), while hundreds look on. Whoever gives the biggest donation is given the honour of carrying the statue during the feast day procession.