Prayer and tradition on Good Friday

The Laferla Cross and the path leading up the hill to it near Siġġiewi were lit up with hundreds of torches (fjakkoli) last night as people kept up the tradition of praying before seven Altars of Repose on Maundy Thursday.

Tradition came to the fore in various ways - bakers sold qagħaq tal-Appostli - circular loaves of unleavened bread studded with roasted almonds and sesame seeds - outside the churches. The bells fell silent - and while stay so until the Easter ceremony tomorrow evening. In some localities, the bells were replaced by large wooden clappers.

Many churches were decorated with black damask while the Altars of Repose were the usual myriad of candles and white flowers.

The ceremony of the washing of the feet of the 'apostles' was held in many churches.

The high point of Good Friday commemorations will be reached this afternoon with church services followed by processions. The Good Friday procession at Gharghur was held last Sunday.