Towards saner feasts

We complain about the high cost of living and yet we spend far too much on village feasts. Admittedly, many people find it difficult to refuse donation requests whenever the feast enthusiasts go knocking at their door to collect money.

I did not read all the proposals made in the Church document on feasts, but I do believe that we need to cut down drastically on fireworks. Loud bangs are not pleasant at all, especially when you are confined to bed. We should just stick to coloured fireworks displays which need not be held so late, so that tourists can enjoy them before returning to their hotels.

Also, band marches should not be held so late. The behaviour of some band club supporters - including scantily clad girls - during these marches also needs to be controlled. As for the liturgical celebrations, I believe panegyrics should not be so long.

Also, the main and secondary feasts should be given the same rights; only in this way can trouble between rival supporters be avoided. For example, why is it that for the secondary feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Żurrieq they cannot have any chandeliers in church and why isn't the statue of Our Lady displayed in the church throughout the year?

If the Church wants to remove excesses in feasts, it needs to set an example by carrying out the necessary changes. We believe that the Church and the feast and band clubs are at fault, so now let them all co-operate so that we can enjoy our feasts in peace.