Grand feast in Qrendi

A few days ago Malta celebrated the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady.

Celebrations in Qrendi started on Sunday, August 30. For the fifth consecutive year, Radio 15th August started transmitting at 7.30 a.m. This community radio could be heard in Qrendi as well as in the surrounding villages. It was also streamed live on the society's website www.santamariaqrendi.com. The website was updated everyday with feast news and pictures.

On Sunday, August 30, in the evening, a great social activity was held - the Kwindicina Fest. The members of the Female Committee of the society worked hard as always to produce delicious meals.

The fulcrum of our society is the band. The vocal and musical concert that was held was fantastic. Though the concert had to be held at the Gawhra Hall because of the rain, it was still a success. The band was ably led by our bandmaster, Maestro Victor Vella who was also helped by the Honorory Bandmaster, Maestro Joseph Tonna. Soprano Clare Caruana also took part. We were regaled by beautiful musical pieces. This year we also celebrated the 25th anniversary of a group of musicians, members of our band. The Musical Academy of our Society performed the Grand Hymn to Our Lady while the artistic statue of Our Lady was in the main square of the village.

The youth section of the society carried out sterling work to aid the preparations for this year's feast. They also produced the decorations for Qrendi by-pass. Throughout the year the youth section is in charge of collecting money. This year they had record collections. The surprise they prepared on August 13 was stupendous. We are sure that the five youngsters who lost their lives in the terrible traffic accident last year and who were all members of the society's youth section are proud of their friends and we are sure they were praying for them.

The pyrotechnic section of our society gave spectacular displays of fireworks which are unique on our island. Despite the difficulties that were created because part of the route to Qrendi was closed down, thousands of Maltese people honoured us with their presence. They came to watch the traditional fireworks display as well as the fireworks display synchronised to music with the help of a computer programme.

All this work was carried out despite the great amount of money being channelled to the construction of the new band club in the main village square. The St Mary Musical Society, thanks to its committees, members, fans and sponsors, is on the right track so that in two years' time we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the society which will also coincide with the opening of the new building of the band club. To show their confidence in the society, members and fans contributed thousands of Maltese liri on the days of the feast.

On behalf of the society's president, Martin Formosa, and the central committee I wish to heartily thank all those who in one way or another contributed to such a grand feast in honour of the Assumption of Our Lady.