Men carrying statues of the Risen Christ were cheered on as they broke into laboured runs during several traditional and colourful processions marking Easter Sunday yesterday.

Bells rung out and children flung paper streamers into the air as the statues were lowered from their bearers' shoulders in preparation for the final dash to the church doors.

The feast is considered the most important in the Catholic calendar, celebrating Jesus Christ's resurrection after he was crucified on Good Friday.

Following the fasting and the sobriety of Holy Week, Easter Sunday brought back the smiles as people exchanged greetings and children carried their figolli and chocolate eggs to be blessed in another symbolic gesture that has endured the test of time.

In Senglea, these goodies were brought out halfway through the morning's procession, when they were blessed by the archpriest.

There, the statue has been purpose-built. Although the lower part is made out of wood, the upper part is of papier maché to withstand the jerks it suffers when the bearers run with it. This material also makes it light enough to be carried without too much difficulty.

In sharp contrast, however, is the one in Rabat, whose statue is the only one with more than one figure on it and, therefore, too heavy to run with.

There, the procession also involves actors dressed in costume.