Xaghra feast committee defends decision to hold feast
The Xaghra central feast committee has defended the decision for the village feast to be held as planned tomorrow, despite the fireworks tragedy in Gharb on Sunday.
In a statement this morning, the committee said that the fireworks factory was not part of the parish and the victims did not come from the parish.
The only connection between Xaghra and the factory was that the Xaghra fireworks committee had commissioned some fireworks from the factory, the committee said. The factory was also being used for the storage of fireworks produced in Malta until it was let off. All this was done with the relevant permits and according to law.
The central committee reiterated its sorrow at the loss of life and expressed solidarity with their families.
It said that it was in this spirit that it last Sunday cencelled outdoor festivities and decided that the feast would continue without fireworks.
See parish priest's comments at
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100906/local/xaghra-feast-to-be-held-as-usual
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Carmel Galea
Sep 9th 2010, 09:36
The criticism levelled against the Xaghra feast committee has been very harsh and in my opinion largely not justified. The Committee and the Archpriest were faced with a very difficult decision and their decision to (i) set up an aid fund for the blast victims; (ii) eliminate all the 'pagan' and 'carnivalesque' elements in the celebrations shows that they did care deeply for the blast victims. This was further confirmed at yesterday's procession. This procession was in itself unique in that all during the procession Xaghra Archpriest held one minute's silences which were religiously observed by the numerous crowd in attendance. The way in which Xaghra feast was celebrated shows that the intention of the Archpriest and the committee was to turn the occasion into an opportunity for prayer and thanksgiving, and that Xaghra residents wholeheartedly participated. In this respect Rev. Carmel Refalo and all the members of the organising committe must be commended rather than criticised. All this augments rather than detracts from the deep sympathy we all must feel for the unfortunate blast victims and their families.
R.Camilleri
Sep 9th 2010, 20:44
Naqbel sew ma'dak li ghid Sur. Galea.. Anzi l-Arcipriet ma' waqax ghal proffokazzjoni ta' certi Kummenti. Halla lill kulhadd jghid li jrid, imma iz-zejt jitla f'wicc l-ilma, ghax il-funzjoni ta xejra ta' Talb ghal dawn il-vittmi u n-nies setghu aktar ikunu konxji ta' li gara u jghidu xi haga ghall ruhhom. Ix-Xaghrin hasbu ukoll fil-bzonijiet materjali li ghanhom bzonn dawn in-nies. Minn imut mhux se' gibu billi ma' taghmilx purcizzjoni. Ir- rispett fil-hajja trid turih, wara il-mewt ikun tard. Nitolbu lill Mulej biex idahhalhom fi hdanu u l-Madonna s-sabbar lil dawk li hallew warajhom.
Issa innutli noqghodu naraw it-tort ta' min kien, imma ghandna nitghallmu minn xi zbalji li setgha kien hemm biex nevitaw dizgrazzji ohra. Tnaqqashom tistgha, imma telleminhom ghall kollox difficcli bhall kull xoghol iehor fil-hajja, ghalkemm dan hu izjed riskjuz. Madonna ieqaf maghna.
P Buttigieg
Sep 7th 2010, 21:54
Ahna nghidu li ahna nsara, rispett ghandu jkun u mhux nghiudu li dawk kienu qed jithallsu u jithallsu tajjeb. Issa ghada mmorru naghjtu Viva Maria Bambina. Ma nahsibx li dan huwa spirtu nisrani imma paganizmu.
leo attard
Sep 7th 2010, 21:43
@w Bartolo...I disagree with the external festivities but I think it is up to the individual to decide whether he wants to go or not. A petition is like forcing conscience, sympathy on others. You can't. If many want to go to the feast to party then let them --- it will be a shame on us but then, that is how it is! If many don't go then the message will have been sent.... all i know is that this is the time when the surving family needs support! They need counselling! I heard the mother was taken to hospital (Maybe true, maybe not) But one can barely imagine the trauma they are going through. I don't know the family; never spoke to them...but i can only imagine their pain! and if my imagined pain weighs me down, imagine their real pain! shakespeare said: EVERYONE CAN PHILOSOPHIZE THE TOOTHACHE EXCEPT HE THAT HAS IT!........so let everybody follow their own conscience but make sure you don't hide it with like, for ex, raising funds for the family! A materialist mentality! at times like this a hug, someone to talk to, to show you care is worth more than money
A Attard
Sep 7th 2010, 21:34
People will always die from one thing or another. That's part of life. However, life must go on. So let the feast go on, with or without fireworks.
joe falzon
Sep 7th 2010, 20:59
@v Borg....I am religious but I don't like feasts and I dislike fireworks even more. Still, i am not recommending that fireworks be abolished --- but something has to be done! 7 factory explosions in less than a year! Have we made it into the guiness book of records? i think so!
leo attard
Sep 7th 2010, 20:51
you know something else, i think there are people who stayed home moping when the italians/ english lost their chances for the world cup but are ready to party even though this tragedy has hit so close to home! and the farrugia family was storing the explosives as a favor ---- murphy's law
leo attard
Sep 7th 2010, 20:44
@m Farrugia....no one is blaming the archpriest but your tone is truly arrogant!!! first, how do you know what is going on in the square right now if you are at the computer? are you blogging from the square itself!....driving by i saw more than half the poles in xaghra without flags. you are entitled to your opinion but to say you don't care because the farrugia family got paid well for their work is unchristian and callus and you have no business in a christian feast! So if a policeman gets killed in the line of duty protecting you do you say 'I don't feel sorry for him because it was his job?'....if you want to go to the feast that is your business, but if others want to make a show of sympathy for the victims then that is their business and you shouldn't go off like a petard yourself because they want to do so! one thing mr farrugia....the blessed virgin doesn't go for pomp. when she appeared in lourdes she chose a garbage dump and not some palace for her appearance!
Corinne Vella
Sep 7th 2010, 20:29
"the fireworks factory was not part of the parish and the victims did not come from the parish"
Talk about parochial thinking.
S Vella
Sep 7th 2010, 20:28
M FARRUGIA...jigifieri ghalik ma jimpurtax ghax mietu la kienu qed jithallsu?
James A. Tyrrell
Sep 7th 2010, 19:39
I think the Xaghra central feast committee are 100% wrong in their decision and to be honest I find their attitude sick in the extreme. The factory may not have been part of their parish and the victims may not have come from their parish but they were fellow Gozitans and deserve some respect.
I do not think that fireworks in Malta should be banned and I don't think those who died would want that either. But I think every right thinking person has to agree that something is very wrong with the way things are at present. I suspect that the chemicals being used are being sourced from China where manufacturing standards are practically non-existent. I further suspect that various factories get together and order in bulk to further save money. This means that there are other factories just waiting to explode.
The Government must step in and close these factories down immediately and have them checked by AFM explosives experts to ensure their stability. Please don't wait until a truckload of these things explodes passing through a village!
M.Farrugia
Sep 7th 2010, 18:46
Ghalxejn qe nibbojkottjaw ir -rahal tax-Xaghrabghax diga ippakjata bin-nies u mhammx fjn taqa labra. Ahseb u ara akar tard u ghada xser ikun hemm tan-nies !!!! :P Ghax ix-Xaghra hija mfittxija minn KULHADD u qatt mhu se jirnexxilkom tnaqqsu mill popolarita !! L-arcipriet tax-Xaghra m ghandu x jaqsam xjn mal kamra tan-nar u ghalxej qed tippruvaw titfghu kollox fuqu. Il-festa iva ghandha titkompla ghax ta li kienu qed jaghmlu dawk il-vittmi kienu qed jithallsu u jithallsu sew !!
S Vella
Sep 7th 2010, 20:11
M Farrugia...min mhux ix xaghra ma jafx x hinu jigri, imma jekk hu kif hett int nghidlek b wicci minn quddiem li kull min qed jattendi ghall festi bil briju hu bla kuxjenza u rispett lejn il hajja specjalment lejn dawk il vittmi u il familjari tahhom, bhall l-arcipriet li ghandkom u il kumitat tieghu u bhall kumplament tal knisja maltija li baqghu siekta ghax minghalina li insara ikotar mill papa
FB Aquilina
Sep 7th 2010, 23:43
Shame on you all. Simply disgusting!
VV Bartolo
Sep 7th 2010, 18:36
petition posted on facebook for xaghra feast to be cancelled in respect for the 6 gharb victims
http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=125632390819327&share_id=116173485104074&comments=1#s116173485104074
Dave Alan Caruana
Sep 7th 2010, 17:49
With a great saving made on fireworks, this should be one of the most profitable feasts ever for the Xghajra Feasts Commitee ... it would be a shame to cancel when the going's good!
pagan feasts, and pagan values .. way to go!
Judith Felici
Sep 7th 2010, 18:41
Money,money ,money. kollox flus sirna naraw,u ir-rispett mar il-bahar,
TONY PACE
Sep 7th 2010, 18:59
ALLURA JISTGU IHASSRU IL FESTI TA MALTA WKOLL ' BILLI THASSAR IL FESTI MINTIX SER IGGIB XEJN LURA; GHAMILTU SEWWA MA HASSARTUX IL FESTA TAX -XAGHRA.
m mercieca
Sep 7th 2010, 19:50
its Xaghra not Xghajra
Denise Felici
Sep 8th 2010, 11:33
@Tony Pace
Tahseb fil-Mosta ma kienux hargu flus? Murtalli, tal-bars etc etc. u xorta waqfu kollox ghax il-rispett jigi l-ewwel.
Victor Borg
Sep 7th 2010, 17:21
The ulterior aim of the majority of commentators here is not borne out of empathy for the victims or eagerness to see fireworks done in a safer way - rather, they only have one aim: to banish fireworks and cultural-religious traditions-feasts in Malta that they consider low.
This attitude is caused by the reverse-psychology of insularity (in that insular people consider their own nation's culture as low, and grovel at imaginary superior foreign cultures). And I was like that too: 20 years ago, I thought that fireworks are air and sound pollution, and that feasts are just a nuisance.
But then I became an international travel writer, and I travelled constantly in the past 15 years - I am currently writing this comment from China - and the more I travelled, the more I realised that (1) fireworks in Malta are the best in the world and the only distinct Maltese art-form; (2) the cultural-religious festivals in Malta are unique and fantastic.
I am not religious (ie, I never go to church), but travel has made appreciative and proud of the unique aspects of Malta's cultural manifestations, especially feasts and fireworks.
www.victorborg.com
axuereb
Sep 7th 2010, 17:48
'The ulterior aim of the majority of commentators here is not borne out of empathy for the victims or eagerness to see fireworks done in a safer way - rather, they only have one aim: to banish fireworks and cultural-religious traditions-feasts in Malta that they consider low.' Your comment is so unfair! 6 lives have been lost in this tragedy, 1 family completely wiped out, and you say that the only reason people are disagreeing that the celebrations should continue is because they hate fireworks!!!!!!!!!
M. Grech
Sep 7th 2010, 19:58
Qatt smajt bil-kelma rispett? Eh bilhaqq int mix-Xaghra! Li titlef il-festa din is-sena bhala sinjal ta' rispett tghaddi u ma kenitx ser taqa d-dinja imma kienet issaraf hafna/. Kieku ibqa zgur li kienet tkun apprrezzata min hafna aktar nies milli li ser tigi ccelebrata kwazi qisu ma kien xejn. Le, nahseb li l-maggoranza tan-nies huma ixxukjati bl-attegjament tal-kumitat tal-festi tax-Xaghra.
Victor Borg
Sep 7th 2010, 20:56
Yes, M Grech, I am from Xaghra (you should reveal your personal interest and past attachment to me before you insinuate denigrating comments).
However, I am currently thousands of kilometres away - I am currently in China. Hence it doesn't really make a difference personally to me if the feast is cancelled this year or not, as I will not be there in any case. I wish I was there - the last time I was in Xaghra at a time to enjoy the feast was 6 years ago.
My point is this: I never mix my personal leanings with my public postures. Maybe you haven't noticed, but I am a professional writer now, and as a professional writer everything I write is based on fairness and conviction, and I never write about anything in a way that simply gives vents to my personal whims and indulgences. Everything I write is designed to seek a point of view much larger than my narrow interest - that's why I am professional.
M. Attard
Sep 7th 2010, 17:06
Qisna qeghdin fuq il-program 'min ipartat u min ibigh' ... tiftakruh
I would suggest a way in the middle but here no one seems to notice that. Everyone says his and offends others.
Keep up the good work
Ivan Attard Xaghra
Sep 7th 2010, 15:48
Jiena nittama biss li dawk kollha li qeghdin jaghmluha tal-ghorrief u jiktbu hafna kummenti fuq din il-website ma narawhomx l-ewwel nies jaraw il-festi esterni tal-lejla u ta' ghada fir-rahal taghna. Qed nghid dan ghax kumbinazzjoni ilbierah iltqajt ma' zewg persuni li qaghdu jikkritikaw lill-Kumitat Festi Esterni Xaghra ghax kompla bil-festa b'mod normali u huma stess qeghdin hemm jixorbu u jiccelebraw!! Dik serjeta'!! u halluna...
Il-komunita' tax-Xaghra qed tniedi fond specjali biex jghin lil dawk milquta minn din it-tragedja u qed isir talb ghall-familjari tal-vittmi... billi tithassar il-festa, xejn mhu se jigi solvut imma billi wiehed jghin bil-flus kif jista' u jghid xi talba ghall-vittmi, kapaci tbiddel il-hajja ta' hafna nies li gew milquta minn din it-tragedja!
J. Vella
Sep 7th 2010, 17:39
Thabilx rasek Sur Attard, miniex ha nigi din id darba il festa taghkom. Nibda biex nghid li jien kont wiehed min ta quddiem li kont nigi ghax kontu taghmlu wahda mil aqwa festi ghawcin, organizazjoni mil aqwa. Pero issa missejtu il qieh b din id decizjoni li hadtu. L ebda flus li intkom ha tigbru mintom ha iggibu lil vittimi lura.
Mniex ha nghid lin nies tax-xaghra jisthu ghax ghandi hafna hbieb min hemm li mhumiex telghin ghal festa, imma Sur Arcipriet, Kumitat tal festa u il bravu PR, WAQQFU KOLLOX ISSA TKOMPLUX TWAQQU LIL GHAWDEX FIL-MISTHIJA
C.Gauci
Sep 7th 2010, 15:03
Tal-misthija l-festa xorta ha tibqa sejra. AHNA INSARA???
Patricia Buttigieg
Sep 7th 2010, 14:50
I just want to say sorry to all those who were waiting for the feast of Xaghra, but after all this that happened i do not agree that the outdoor feasts continue. I feel that nothing could now bring the lives back of the 5 victims but one must keep in mind that it was the fireworks that were for the Xaghra feast that took the lives. I do not know any of the victims or their families but my condolences to the families.
Franco Scicluna
Sep 7th 2010, 14:19
Every one is entitled to his or her opinion.This matter was extremly delicate to say the least, and needed great diplomacy when issueing statements. I have nothing to do with the Xaghra festivities committee, though have many friends there and the Xaghra festa is one of the best held on the island.Haveing said this, I would have suggested that all church activities functions be held as usual including the venerated procession of the Bambina,, and the outdoor activities curtailed to classic music on the main square podium, doing away with the band marches and fireworks, as respect to the terrible tragedy, of the Farrugia family
J.Bonnici
Sep 7th 2010, 13:52
Kultura ta' ahna u huma. Minn taghna ma miet hadd allura niccelebraw, akkost li nghumu fid-demm ta' dawk li mietu jahdmu ghalina. Niccelebraw ma mmorrux nitilfu l-liri tal-burgers u l-candyfloss.
U l-awtoritajiet tal-Knisja f'Ghawdex illuppjati mank jitharrku.
M Xerri
Sep 7th 2010, 13:43
I understand that everyone has a right to comment as I'm doing and I respect the opinion of others. Obviously it was a difficult decision taken by the Xaghra Feast committee and I agree with their decision. Clearly some others don't. And why does everyone want the Xaghra to cancel the feast and not all feast in Malta as well? Maybe because Xaghra are one of many parishes that used Ninu's services for the feast? If so, all feasts in Gozo have to be cancelled starting at Xlendi next weekend!
In August two young men from Mosta and Mgarr died tragically. Understandably Mosta cancelled their feast and the man was a local who was working for the feast. But why did the other 7 feasts (6 in Malta) still go ahead as usual? Was that not a loss of life that should have been shown respect? Was it not the same Santa Marija being celebrated? And Mgarr parish decided to cancel the first day of their feast because of the tragic death of the other young man. Were they right not to cancel the whole feast? He was one of them, no?
M Vella
Sep 7th 2010, 15:37
You raised valid points...but nonetheless I think that cancelling the external feast is not a high price to pay...definitely not as high as the lives that were lost. It would have been a sign of respect. The Church had an opportunity to show its true nature. I believe that the Church intrinsically encompasses love and peace but sometimes it needs to get back to its roots and act accordingly instead of leaving other superficial issues influencing its decision.
I'm a Gozitan by the way
A. Grech
Sep 7th 2010, 13:38
Festa u mhux Festa lejn ix-Xaghra ma' nersaqx.
Adrian Catania
Sep 7th 2010, 13:34
"The central committee reiterated its sorrow at the loss of life and expressed solidarity with their families."
What does the Xaghra feast committee understand exactly by the word "solidarity"?
mariopandolfino
Sep 7th 2010, 13:21
Ghawdex narah jien ,qiesu rahal wiehed ta 22 elf ruh kollu kemm hu .Il festa setghat thasret ghal raguni li hemm il vitmi u il familji tal vitmi li qed jbaghtu. Bhala rispet li dawn il familji tal mejta il festa kellha tithassar.
Stefan Sacco
Sep 7th 2010, 13:16
Iktar ma tohorgu statements biex tikkonvincuna iktar qed timbarazzaw il knisja u l-arcidjocesi ta Ghawdex. Hsibt li il qiegh sibnih bil bawxata tal irkant tal Imgarr imma din isbah !!
Mulej dawwal il min qed imexxina biex ma jibzax iwaqqaf dak li hu hazin u dak li qed itebba ix xol siewi li taghmel il knisja tieghek f'Malta u Ghawdex. Is skiet mhux dejjem risposta...ghalfejn skiet perfett???
adrian attard
Sep 7th 2010, 13:14
A simple procession would have been enough.
Louis Bartoli
Sep 7th 2010, 13:11
Jekk tafu tisthu, isthu !
M.Attard
Sep 7th 2010, 12:59
Jista xi hadd jispjegali ghala trakkijiet mimlijin kollha nar jithallew jaghdu mit-toroq. Issa li kieku dawn splodew 6 saghat qabel kienu jisplodu f'nofs ir-rabat u t-tragedja kienet tkun akbar.Immaginaw farka x dizgrazzja akbar. Jew jekk dawn it-trakkijiet jahbtu? Vera ma nistax nifhem tkun sew f'darek u mank temmen wara l-bieb x periklu ikun hemm.
C.Busuttil
Sep 7th 2010, 16:55
Il-murtali wahidhom ma jisploduz, Murtal biss jisplodi trid jew tipprova tifthu jew taharqu mill-kanna !!!! Qatt gietek f'mohhok li Kieku l-gar tan-nar daqshekk perikoluz bit-toroq taghna truck kull kwarta jisplodi !!!!!!!
Minflokk tifthu halqkom fuq suggetti li ma tafu xejn ahjar tistaqsu l-ewwel. Hemm aktar periklu bic-cilindri tal-gas fuq truck milli truck tan-nar, ghax f'kaz ta' incident kwartier shih jisplodi
Patrick Sacco
Sep 7th 2010, 12:42
A whole family has been wiped out and the Xaghra committee wants to hold the Festa just the same!!!!
Shame on you!
My most sincere condolences to the Farrugia family.
Joe vella caruana
Sep 7th 2010, 12:30
Whatever the Xaghra Committee excuses to hold the feast, the fact is that four persons died preparing for this feast. Even if not, I remember Jesus telling the Parable of the Good Samaritan. And by the way why do they celebrate the feast of Our Lady ? She was not born at Xaghra , neither resided there and will surely not do so with the present situation.
R.Sultana
Sep 7th 2010, 16:51
Tghid il-qaddisin l-ohra li niccelebraw il-festa taghhom ghandhom cittadinanza Maltija!!!!!!!!!!! Taqax ghc-cajt habib:)
nataly Muscat
Sep 7th 2010, 12:15
sorry ta issa ghax qed nara certu kummenti u wegghuni.....mhux sew li nitfghu lil ghawdxin kollha f keffa wahda u nghidu li messhom jisthu ghax iridu l festa tax xaghra ssir...jien GHAWDXIJA imma l festa tax xaghra ma nahsibx li ghandha ssir...dan b rispett lil nenu farrugia u lil familtu kollha tal pjacir li ghamel lil dawn nies. dawn jafu li biex zammilhom n nar ghal fetsa taghhom hallas b gildu...u dawn li qed jghidu li meta jigri xi accident l hajja tibqa ghaddejja...vera imma hawn mietu 6 min nies..hemm t tarbija ukoll...u barra min hekk festa hii celebrtazzjoni u mhix hajja ta kuljum allura GHANDHA TIEQAF...u fejn huma l isqof u l arcisqof?! jew fejn jidhrilhom huma biss jitkellmu....
Robert Tomasuolo
Sep 7th 2010, 12:15
Il Festa tistghu taghmluha xorta, biss wrejtu kemm intom nies bla kuxjenza.... ftakru wkoll li l festa se taghmluha ghax il Kurja, ghal xi raguni li skantat lill poplu kollhu, ma ndahlitx f din l istorja ta niket ghad dilettanti tal festi Maltin u Ghawdxin kollha. Misskom tisthu!
Il kondoljanzi lill familja Farrugia
mary borg
Sep 7th 2010, 12:52
Ha nerga nghidha ghax reggha tfegg il kumment. Meta l-Knisja ppruvat ittejjeb u tgholli il-festi fuq aktar livelli spiritwali kulhadd qabez fuq il-Knisja u dar kuntrija. Meta l-Knisja ppruvat iddahhal ftit tas-sens fuq il-fest kulhadd dar kontriha. U issa ghax l-affarijiet gew kif gew reggha kulhadd dar kontrija.
Fi kliem semplici...ippruvat tikkontrolla (ghalkemm mhux kelma ezatt) festi u kulhadd dar kontriha l-Knisja. Issa minhabba li ma trangawx l affarijiet ghax kulhadd dar kontriha u hadd ma kien lest li jisma u jobdi, reggha kulhadd dar kontriha. Mela l-Knisja xi punching bag jew? Kulhadd jipontta subajh lejha meta xi haga tmur hazin jew ma tolqotx il widna? You can never get it right.
Karl Consiglio
Sep 7th 2010, 12:08
Barbaric.
p micallef
Sep 7th 2010, 12:02
Even though the victims were not from Xaghra they were first and foremost human beings who died in tragic circumstances. Solidarity demands that out of respect towards the victims and solidarity towards the members of their families, the outside celebrations should have been postponed.
RONNIE GAUCI
Sep 7th 2010, 12:00
Sebgha persuni mejta u iehor gravi u ghal din il-Parrocca qiesu ma gara xejn, tal-misthija!! Kieku grat Malta, art ikbar min Ghawdex wisq probabbli l-festi kollha kienu jithassru bhal ma kien gara snin ilu fid-disgrazzja tal-patrol boat li wkoll habtet f'dawn il-jiem.
L-OPINJONI TIEGHI HI LI F'DIN IL-FESTA TANT HEMM AMMONT KBIR TA` FLUS INVOLUT, L-AMMONT TA` NAR LI SPLODA HU XHIEDA TA DAN, LI CI VUOLE ALTRO MINN MEWT TA` 7 PERSUNI BIEX GHALLINQAS DIN IS-SENA L-FESTA TIGI MHASSRA. VIVA MARIJA BAMBINA! MIN JAF MIS-SEMA KEMM HI PROUD BIKHOM SHABNA TAX-XAGHRA!
J Muscat
Sep 7th 2010, 12:00
Shame on you!
Roderick Theuma
Sep 7th 2010, 11:59
@Xaghra feast committee: Tal misthija!!!!! miskom tisthu!!!! Bla rispett ta xejn!
albert leone ganado
Sep 7th 2010, 11:56
The Gozitans are not heartless people and they are always willing to help others so the hidden meaning behind some of statements made by members of the organising committee re not cancelling the festivities puzzled me. As I am puzzled by the comments made by lawyer Andrew Borg Cardona, which I feel are not in the normal Bocca line of reasoning. One of the Gozitans worst weaknesses is their aversion to losing money, frugality and down to earth approach to life. It is now starting to make sense to me. The committee wants to distance themselves from the commercial fireworks firm involved as much as possible and demonstrate their was no relation other than a purely commercial one between works for the festa and the the fireworks factory. Mark my words but after the painful effects of this tragedy have been forgotten we are likelyl see a civil court case against the estatesuffered of the fireworks factory for damages or recovery of expenses suffered by the festa organising committee. I would not be surprised if they have already sought legal advice.
E Farrugia
Sep 7th 2010, 11:48
shame on you Xaghra! Gozo is in mourning and you just keep on thinking about celebrating in pompa magna your village feast. Listening to Radju Bambina throughout the whole year one may be lead to think that the Holy Land is indeed the village of Xaghra......now I know that Xaghra is inhabited only by biggots!
T.SULTANA
Sep 7th 2010, 18:07
Every one is entitled to his/ her opinion but please refrain from putting everyone in the same pot. Unintelligent is the person that sees up till his nose and enjoys putting the blame on other people when such national news hit the rock without sitting down and think about the situation. I am a proud Xaghra resident yes, but I don't think the committee was a 100% right when it took the decision to continue with the feasts celebrations. Still it physically hurts me to see all these people angry at us Xaghra residents. No we are not heartless, thank you very much.. and by the way.. I HOPE ALL OF YOU GUYS POINTING FINGERS STOPPED FOR AT LEAST A MINUTE AND SPARED A PRAYER FOR THE VICTIMS.
G Camilleri
Sep 7th 2010, 11:46
I cannot believe what I read. One of the biggest fireworks tragedy. Whole family destroyed, and the bands keep playing
R.Borg
Sep 7th 2010, 11:44
U HALLUNA XAGHRA FEAST COMMITTEE!
INHEGGU LILL-MALTIN U L-GHAWDXIN BIEX JIBBOJKOTTJAW IL-FESTI TAX-XAGHRA!
VERAMENT BLA SENS NISRANI U BLA SOLIDARJETA' FIL-PRATTIKA!
"Nobghodhom il-festi taghkom" ighid Alla permezz tal-Profeta tieghu AMOS.
A Bonett
Sep 7th 2010, 11:40
My sympathy goes to the victims' families. May they rest in peace.
However, while some respect is due to the victims from the Xaghra, why don't we stop all local festives tomorrow, because (one) they were Maltese (implies people from Malta, Gozo and Comino) and (two) the fireworks where manufactured in Malta, so a bit of responsibilty should be shared from the bigger sister island !! It's not just a Gozitan or Maltese feast and/or fireworks - it's a national responsibilty.
I bet none of the Maltese counterpart will agree !!!! I like fireworks - but with responsibilty and care !!
Anthony Mercieca
Sep 7th 2010, 11:39
To those who illude themselves that there is anything religious in fiestas and their organization, this incident just proves that in spite of all Christian teaching to respect life, we have people dying with fireworks which I cannot understand what glory such fireworks offer to the Omnipotent. The organizors of fiestas, whether social or religious, are just demonstrating, and the Church appears visibly to be part of such, seem to adopt different measures when it needs to make bold decisions. This is just pure paganism!!!!
James Scerri
Sep 7th 2010, 11:34
SHAMEFUL! DO YOU KNOW WHAT RESPECT IS?!
Take example from Maltese parishes which cancelled/reduced festivities (B'Kara, Mosta, Qormi, Zurrieq, Zejtun...etc).
I wouldn't be angry if the procession was carried out normally, but festive events such as marches should have been cancelled as a sign of RESPECT!
D.Attard
Sep 7th 2010, 11:31
Sorry, imma dawk kollha li qed jikkritikaw, huma kollha immaturi. U tparlawx fuq egoizmu, solidarjeta u nuqqas ta' maturità. Għax in-nuqqas ta' maturità tidher f'min qiegħed jikkritika bla sens. L-egoizmu jidher f'dawk li ħsiebhom biex ikissru l-Knisja bil-paroli u l-kritiki tagħhom. Is-solidarjeta żgur li ma tidhirx f'dawk li dejjem lesti li jkissru persuni bil-kummenti tagħhom. Allura min qed jikkritika d-deċiżjonijiet li minn quddiem ngħid li saru b'maturità, joqgħod ftit sieket u jistaqsi lilu nnifsu kemm hu Kristjan veru. Għax illum alla jbierek kulħadd irid iwaqqa l-Knisja wara dak kollu li tagħmel mal-proxxmu. Iva deċizjoni bħal din ma uriex l-ebda egoizmu u l-ebda nuqqas ta' solidarjeta. Mela allura skont l-argument tagħkom, is-sena li ġejja ma għandhomx isiru festi, bħala solidarjeta ux veru????? Aħna x-Xagħrin ninsabu fuq in-naħa tal-Arċipriet u miegħu nibqgħu għax aħna magħqudin mhux fiż-żminijiet it-tajba biss imma anke f'dak ta' diffikultà u tbatija.
Denise Felici
Sep 7th 2010, 17:46
Tidru hafna li inthom maghqudin ma l-Arċipriet fiz-zminijiet ta diffikulta u tbatija!!!!!!
emanuel vella
Sep 7th 2010, 11:15
@A. busuttil : "Decizzjoni Ghawdxija l-ewwel jien,it tieni jien u li jibqa jien ukoll"
prosit, issa ma decizjoni ta wiehed jew ta kumitat jew erba fanatici tal-festa se jehel ghawdex kollu bhas soltu. difficli daqshekk nindirizzaw lil xi hadd partikolari u ma nzeffnux dejjem lil kullhadd?
Anthony Cassar
Sep 7th 2010, 11:14
MISKOM TISTHU JEKK TAFU KIF!
Patrick Zahra
Sep 7th 2010, 11:14
All the victims where from the small village of Gozo! Buisness as usual is not on!
Eternal peace to the victims and deepest condolences to their relatives.
M. Attard
Sep 7th 2010, 11:13
Sorry, imma dawk kollha li qed jikkritikaw, huma kollha immaturi. U tparlawx fuq egoizmu, solidarjeta u nuqqas ta' maturità. Għax in-nuqqas ta' maturità tidher f'min qiegħed jikkritika bla sens. L-egoizmu jidher f'dawk li ħsiebhom biex ikissru l-Knisja bil-paroli u l-kritiki tagħhom. Is-solidarjeta żgur li ma tidhirx f'dawk li dejjem lesti li jkissru persuni bil-kummenti tagħhom. Allura min qed jikkritika d-deċiżjonijiet li minn quddiem ngħid li saru b'maturità, joqgħod ftit sieket u jistaqsi lilu nnifsu kemm hu Kristjan veru. Għax illum alla jbierek kulħadd irid iwaqqa l-Knisja wara dak kollu li tagħmel mal-proxxmu. Iva deċizjoni bħal din ma uriex l-ebda egoizmu u l-ebda nuqqas ta' solidarjeta. Mela allura skont l-argument tagħkom, is-sena li ġejja ma għandhomx isiru festi, bħala solidarjeta ux veru????? Aħna x-Xagħrin ninsabu fuq in-naħa tal-Arċipriet u miegħu nibqgħu għax aħna magħqudin mhux fiż-żminijiet it-tajba biss imma anke f'dak ta' diffikultà u tbatija.
Steve Zammit
Sep 7th 2010, 11:12
Imma kemm jahsbu li ahna boloh u tigieg???
Kif tista' ticcelebra festa wara tragedja bhal-din???Bongu...mietu 6 nies...kif tistaw xorta taghmlu festa?
Jaqaw ma tafux x'inhu rispett???Isthu jekk tafu kif!
Ma nafx...jien bla kliem.......
rob.cassar
Sep 7th 2010, 11:12
ma nafx ala dal hafna tghajjir lil tax Xaghra.....jin la jin min emm u aqas awdxi.....
nahseb hafna nies spec awdxin li ma jnizzlux lil tax xaghra qet isibu l ikbar skuza biex jinsulentawhom...........jekk jisplodi xi cilindru tal gas go xi gabbana tal hot dogs tithassar il festa ???? il fabrika tan nar mid dehra ma tamilx parti mix xaghra .... alura nghid jien xandu x jaqsam ?? veru li in nar marbut mal festi pero kif qet titkelmu intom missha ma saritx festa wahda go malta u ghawdex din is sena bid disgrazzji li kien hawn !
J.Xuereb
Sep 7th 2010, 14:29
in-nar kien ghall festa tax-Xaghra, sploda kollox u mietu n-nies u xorta issir il-festa!!!! u qed jghidu li bhala rispett l-festa ha jsir minghajr nar! imma din taghmel sens? mhux ovja li bla nar jekk ha kollox. tridu iggibuha li qiskhom ha taghmlu xi haga ta barra min hawn b'daqsekk. U alla jbierek lanqas il-bnieder ta l-inqas ma jaghmlu mezza asta!! kieku jien flokk il-Vergni Marija lanqas niehu gost bil-festi! dawn x'festi huma; dagha, xorb sfrenat, tfajliet kwazi gharwenien, diski li m'ghandhom x'jaqsmu xejn mal-festa, discos u drogi, qliegh ta flus minghajr ma hu irregistrat, insulti etc. etc.
S.Galea
Sep 7th 2010, 11:09
@ A.Busuttil
ma tistax tiggenera l-Ghawdxin kollha... jien Ghawdxija u ma naqbilx mad-decizjoni tax- Xaghra!
A Chircop
Sep 7th 2010, 11:09
Fejn jidhlu il-festi, dejjem l-interessi ta' l-istess zewg qaddisin jirbhu: San Iskru u San Siru H ...
Affarijiet ohrajn m'humiex importanti ...
Alexaander G Farrugia
Sep 7th 2010, 11:06
As a Xaghra resident, this is going to be a strange festa. I think the problem is in the "as planned" adjective. Given the obvious link between the fireworks explosion and the Xaghra feast, and the sadly large loss of life, the feast could have continued (since the argument that no people from Xaghra were directly involved has to be considered), but on a more sombre tone. Like how about cancelling the jovial band marches (like the 11am one), as a sign of respect, but still go with the processions, which are purely religious?
censu attard
Sep 7th 2010, 11:03
Before calling yourself a Catholic,first you have to learn how to be a Christian by showing some respect to the dead ones after all it was Xaghra`s fire-works that killed them,being paid or not. Shame on you people.
Franco Farrugia
Sep 7th 2010, 11:02
I always had a good idea how come fireworks were never in the least controlled, both by Church and State. Today, I have proved my hunch right.
G Psaila
Sep 7th 2010, 10:56
Although cancelling the feast would have been a sign of respect and solidarity, it won't bring back the persons who passed away. Very unfortunate, but true. Moreover, I'm Maltese, but don't use this tragedy as an excuse to embark on a crusade against the Gozitans, selfishness reigns supreme everywhere! Also, remember that those running fireworks factories do big business, and make a profit from their activities. No wonder fireworks are so expensive, thousands of Euros down the drain.
Denise Felici
Sep 7th 2010, 10:54
Dawn nies bla demm! Ha issir il-festa, wara li sarret din it-tragedja? Il-familji u hbieb taghhom ha jiehdu gost joqodu jismaw il-banda u affarijiet ohra waqt dan il-mument difficli? This is a shame for Gozo!! RIP ghal vittmi, u kondoljanzi lil famiji u hbieb.
r curmi
Sep 7th 2010, 10:48
"The central committee reiterated its sorrow at the loss of life and expressed solidarity with their families."
What a joke!!!!
These people died holding your fireworks, You Xaghra people kept on going with the feast and up till yesterday the bunch of flags not a single one was half mast... I took photos from Nadur cause I couldnt believe my eyes
For Xaghra it seems that the death of these people is more of a nuisance more then anything else. Remember showing no respect for tehse victims you can dance infront of your statue all you want..... you have turned your feast and staue into a pagan feast, including your archpriest
J Attard
Sep 7th 2010, 11:49
I agree with you....imma how do you explain that your hometown band will be playing at xaghra tonght
L Tabone
Sep 7th 2010, 14:01
@ J Attard
I don't see anywhere in R Curmi's comment which indicates that Nadur is his hometown.
Anyway, having a band from another town playing in the Xaghra feast does not justify Xaghra's actions!!!!!!
A.Busuttil
Sep 7th 2010, 10:46
Decizzjoni Ghawdxija l-ewwel jien,it tieni jien u li jibqa jien ukoll
Carmelo Portelli
Sep 7th 2010, 11:36
Kemm int vojt! This has nothing to do with Gozitan decisions i'm from Gozo and I also think that it's a mistake that the festa went on as normal. Don't be ignorant and grow up!
Claire Busuttil
Sep 7th 2010, 10:33
Decizjoni tajjba!! RIP ghal vittmi, u kondoljanzi lil dik il mara li tilfet 2 itfal u lil zewgha.
pero il festa wara kollox, ma ghandiex tithassar. Il vittmi, mietu, billi kienu qed jaghmlu il hobby taghhom, u kienet as such decizjoni taghhom. Imma ghal hafna nies, gewwa x xghara taf tkun l ahhar festa li se jaraw, u nafu kemm hawn min ghalih il festa tar rahal hi haga importanti.
L.Azzopardi
Sep 7th 2010, 10:58
nissuggerilek Sinjura Busuttil li argumenti bħal dawn iżżommhom għalik ... u ieqaf tinsulenta il-familji li bħalissa għaddejjin minn agunija.
"wara kollox.... mietu, billi kienu qed jaghmlu il hobby taghhom"... ISTHI !!
G Grech
Sep 7th 2010, 11:07
Dear Claire
These people were not practising their hobby, it was their JOB. They were professionals in the field and they earned their livig from the factory. That is why everyone is baffled here in Gozo about what happened.
peter borg
Sep 7th 2010, 11:32
Ghax bhal li kieku mux in nar taghkom kienu qedin izommu!!! Il vera ta ezempju!!!
RMangion
Sep 7th 2010, 11:40
Ghajjejt nghid INT BIS-SERJETAaaaa ? illum.
"Il vittmi, mietu, billi kienu qed jaghmlu il hobby taghhom, u kienet as such decizjoni taghhom."
Il-mod kif tkellimt, tikonferma l-paganismu li jirenja ( nerga nirepeti li minix religjuz etc....)
Michael Vella
Sep 7th 2010, 11:59
Hallina Ms. Busuttil!!!
M Spiteri
Sep 7th 2010, 13:40
Li kieku dawn il-vittmi kieni jaghmlu parti mill-familja tieghek, INT KONT TIRRAGUNA HEKK!!!!
Ma nahsibx, int l-ewwel wahda li kont tkun trid li ma tismax l-anqas bicca nota muzikali ahseb u ara festa shiha!!!! Milli jidher inti qatt ma kellek xi dizgrazzja fil-familja.
Claire Busuttil
Sep 7th 2010, 13:54
@L.Azzopardi-
1. Ghandi dritt nesprimi l opinjoni tieghi, li wara kollox hi ta hafna, li ma ghandomx kuragg jitkellmu
2.fl ebda hin, ma insulentajt lil membri tal familja li baqu hajjin....ma tarax!! ara veru ma andekx xi tid!!! huwa semplicament FATT li min jilab man nar jista jinharaq!!
@G.Grech
1. Dak huwa hobby, mhux xoghol. hija ghazla ta dak li ikun li jahdem in nar.
2.il knisja ma tantx tidher ixxukjata pero sur.Grech.
@Peter Borg
1. in nar taghkom???? jien ma ghandiex nar u fireworks...worg number sur borg!
@RMangion-
1. Iva bis serjeta kollha dak li ghidt. kienet decizjoni taghhom le, li jahdmu in nar, xorta imsiken, specjalment il familja taghhom, pero, huma ghazlu dik it triq, u ma ghandiex tithasar festa!
2. Ir religjon, hawn ma ghandiex x taqsam fid diskors tieghi, u by the way, mhux se tinsulentani billi tighdli pagana.....wara kollox min muwhiex??
Claire Busuttil
Sep 7th 2010, 16:21
@MSpiteri
1. Inti ma tafx x kelli f hajti, so, tparlax zejjed
2.tahrabx mir realta.....meta xi hadd ikollu kamra tan nar,ovvja li jaf, li hemm riskju kbir. B dan ma iridx nghid, li ma ghandhomx ikomplu bid delizzju taghhom, imma hej, imbad lanqas iridu ingibu li dawn n nies, kienu xi marti ta.
Claire Busuttil
Sep 7th 2010, 16:24
@MSpiteri
u haga ohra......kul min jitlef lil xi hadd ma ikollux aptit jisma noti u sparar tal festi...imma xorta isiru....
Mario Bonnici
Sep 7th 2010, 10:31
'The central committee reiterated its sorrow at the loss of life and expressed solidarity with their families.'
Lanqas jisthu wkoll!!
S Vella
Sep 7th 2010, 10:30
EJJEW MALTIN U GHAWDXIN SPECJALMENT IX-XAGHARIN...EJJA NIBBOJKOTTJAW IL FESTA TAX XGHARA BHALA SOGHBA GHALL VITTMI U SOLIDARJETA MA L-GHEZIEZ TAHHOM. INHALLU LILL WISQ REVERENDU U LILL KUMITAT TIEGHU JICCELEBRAW IL FACCOLIZMU WAHEDOM..EJJEW NURU LI AHNA VERA AHWA MALTIN HAWNEKK U JEKK XIHADD JIFTAH PAGE FUQ FACEBOOK (GHAX JIEN MA NAFX NAMILA) NIFFIRMAW FUQA HA NURU L-GHADAB TGHANA GHALL DAWN IL FTIT IPOKRITI U OQBRA IMMBAJDA
C Curmi
Sep 7th 2010, 11:14
fuq fb ma nafx..imma fethu dil-petition http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/stopxaghrafeast10
jin iffirmajta ax naqbel maghha perfettament!!!!!
axuereb
Sep 7th 2010, 11:24
Prosit, kumment bis-sens. Gewwa Ghawdex kulhadd jaf lil kulhadd.Ghidli int ikollokx aptit tmur ticcelebra wara li gara. Ghandu jsir bhal ma sar fil-Mosta, purcissjoni bir-ruzarju wara l-istatwa tal-Bambina. Jekk ic-celebrazzjonijiet isiru ma tkun xejn ghar ritwal pagan! Min ha din id-decizjoni gibed l-istmerrija tal-maltin u l-ghawdxin. Jistaw mhux igibu argumenti favur li l festa tkompli ghax fejn il-hajja ma joqghod xejn. Kondoljanzi lil familji tal-vittmi.
Michael Vella
Sep 7th 2010, 11:57
Naqbel mieghek 100%
Mark Vella
Sep 7th 2010, 10:30
Hawn hareg l ispitru nisrani! Basta il paroli li jintqal fil knisja!
Kif nista nemmen fikom u nafdakom?
ISTHU, mohhkom fid divorzju biss!
mary borg
Sep 7th 2010, 11:03
Qed nifhmek sew? Jigifieri inti qieghed thallat dak li ddeccieda persuna jaffetwak int fhiex temmen. Jekk verament trid temmen thares lejn Kristu, it tghalim tieghu u t tghalim ufficjali tal-Knisja mhux x jghid gozz nies u x jideciedu gozz nies.
Simon Dimech
Sep 7th 2010, 10:30
I am not, by any means, a religious person but i do have some sensitivity left. I have to say that the committees, comments, decisions and above all rotten attitude has left me in utter disgust. "We've prayed, we've expressed solidarity etc etc". Lets face it, who cares about your prayers? Do you think your prayers, and i doubt these were heart-felt anyway, will alleviate the pain. To quote your very own Messiah: "freshly painted tombs—nice on the outside, but full of dead things within."
A Sultana
Sep 7th 2010, 10:26
Kemm jien kburi li miniex mix-Xaghra.... Messkom tisthu qed twaqqu lilna l-Ghawdxin ghac-cajt... Kemm intom egoisti...
D.Degaetano
Sep 7th 2010, 10:25
Indeed the victims where not from Xaghra but they were actually doing the Xaghra feast committee a favour by storing fireworks for their feast at their factory. And this is the thanks they get??? Shame on everyone involved in this damn feast.....6 lives have been lost and others destroyed and you people are putting up your decorations??? Oh I'm sure Our Lady is really appreciating all the festivities!! Give us a break....external festivities are purely for the pleasure of us people and have nothing whatsoever to do with honouring our saints!!
Jason Borg
Sep 7th 2010, 10:23
I am a festa enthusiast but this statement by the Xaghra feast committee is outrageous and an insult to the nation.
A Caruana
Sep 7th 2010, 10:22
@ kull min qed jghid ISTHU! minn meta sirna nwaqqfu l-festa ghax xi hadd jew xi whud jitilfu hajjiethom fuq il-post tax-xoghol?? Mela skondkom il-hajja ta' min jahdem in-nar biss fiha valur?? Meta jmutu n-nies f'accident tat-traffiku nwaqqfu xi festa? Meta jmutu haddiema ohra nwaqqfu l-festa?? Il-festa tieqaf ghal min ikun jew membru / jew ghal xi raguni addattata (f'certu kazi jezistu protokol). Dan qisu tghid funeral statali ghal certu nies biss? iva mela ghax il-protokol hekk jitlob! ma jfissirx li c-cittadini komuni mhux rispettati imma ma jixraqx li malta taghmel funeral statali ghal kull min imut, u l-istess il-festi, ma jixraqx li jieqfu ghax xi hadd miet fuq xogholu bhal f'dan il-kaz. Dejjem jekk dak li gie rapurtat hu minnu dawn kienu f'kamra tan-nar privata mhux ta' socjeta' bhal xi kazin fejn jahdmu volontarjament ghall-gost tal-poplu.
Karl Sultana
Sep 7th 2010, 10:17
In Malta those who have the courage to decide always be critisized. The committee had the courage to decide which according to them was the best decision.
The real problem in Malta is that in order not to loose votes nothing happened to try to find the solution and investigate seriously what is the reason behind these fireworks tradegies that occur frequently in Malta.
The argument that feast should be cancelled does not hold. Last accident in Malta when a man from Mosta died, only the Mosta feast was cancelled because a Mosta person was died. The other feasts in Malta and Gozo was normallly took place.
C Zammit
Sep 7th 2010, 10:12
Fejn hi il-knisja? ma tghid xejn fuq din? fuq id-divorzju kemm qabzet imma!! u fuq dawn l-imwiet bla sens ma tghid xejn u dwar l-eluf ta liri litteralment jinharqu fl-ajru (apparti l-istorbju bla sens) ma tghid xejn!!! isthi ja knisja ta l-"insara"!
victor pulis
Sep 7th 2010, 10:12
Is this action setting a precedent? The majority of parishes in Malta commission fireworks factories outside their territories to produce their pyrotechnics. What if every time a factory blows up these parishes emulate the Xaghra commitee? The fact that these victims were not from Xaghra isa lame and scandalous excuse. Although the Xaghra committee is not bound by written law not to hold the feast there is such a word as concience which has been banded about a lot lately . Finally, remember that while Xaghra are celebrating their feast, Gharb will be burying five of her children.
G Grech
Sep 7th 2010, 11:11
Why is everybody mentioning Gharb? Surely because they do not know the reality. This was not a parish Fireworks factory. It was a commercial one which happened to be situated in Gharb territory. It is Fontana which is in mourning having already lost 4 and Xewkija which lost a very enthuiastic youth.
victor pulis
Sep 7th 2010, 16:48
@G Grech
You are right. The victims were not from Gharb but from Fontana and Xewkija but this mistake doesn't change the gist of my comment wherever they are from.
J Tabone
Sep 7th 2010, 10:10
Dik solidarjeta`! Dik religjon! Imbaghad il-knisja inkwetata dwar il-ligi tad-divorzju. Ahjar nezaminaw il-valuri taghna.
Emanuel Vella
Sep 7th 2010, 10:08
Hudu pacenzja u zzeffnux lil ghawdxin kollha ma xulxin bhas soltu. Il maggjoranza kbira tal ghawdxin huma kontra li ssir il festa b'dal mod imma d-decisjonjiet bhal f'kollox jittiehdu minn xi uhud li ma tantx jaraw il boghod mill parrokkjalizmu tal festa tar-rahal. Mela nindirizzaw id disgust taghna b'mod iktar matur, jekk nafu kif.
Cassandra Miggiani
Sep 7th 2010, 10:08
Jaqq Xaghra. You could do with learning a lesson from the Maltese, who showed great restraint and respect when a similar tragedy occurred here, only weeks ago. What a shameful display.
That's all I have to say.
mike turner
Sep 7th 2010, 10:08
Utterly disgraceful and sub-human
J Farrugia
Sep 7th 2010, 10:24
foreigners stop meddling in our affairs.
Miriam Webster
Sep 7th 2010, 12:24
Mr. Farrugia, are you saying that if we Maltese want to kill ourselves off, it is our own business?
First of all, don't assume that just because Mr. Turner has an English-sounding surname, that he is not Maltese.
Secondly, and more importantly, his message, regardless of his ethnic origin, is right on the money. We hide behind tradition in everything we do, never questioning the appropriateness in the context of today.
Try to step outside of your comfort zone and imagine you were witnessing what is happening in Malta from a different perspective: that of someone who knows nothing about "tradition."
An anthropologist might look upon this and report that our present-day culture appeared to enjoy its paganistic celebrations to the extent that potential future consequences, including loss of life was ignored in the process.
That is sub-human.
Melchior Busuttil
Sep 7th 2010, 12:36
J Farrugia, I do not understand your comment as a lot of fireworks lovers say that fireworks help in increase in tourism!!
Samuel Pace
Sep 7th 2010, 10:08
Why is the Bishop of Gozo so silent on this issue!! How can this person preach the importance of life and then accept that people who call themselves Christians continue on celebrating as if nothing has happened. The people who died in this accident might not be from Xaghra, but they are still from Gozo, an island only a few kilometers large. A true Christian would stop, pray, and reflect on what happened rather then continue as if nothing had happened. However here come across a different kind of Christian, those that give more importance to the pleasures of life rather than that of their spirit!
I might be wrong ... however I would really like the spiritual leaders of these island explain to me why I am so rather than just say nothing and try to avoid getting involved!
Joseph Masini
Sep 7th 2010, 10:05
Seems like someone has made an online petition about the matter (not that petitions will help that much) but anyways - http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/stopxaghrafeast10/
g.mizzi
Sep 7th 2010, 10:24
nispera min amel din il petition mux qet juza it tragedja bhala skuza....f dak il kaz andu jisthi aktar !!!
John Cardona
Sep 7th 2010, 10:03
Isthu... kollha kemm intkom.... kieku jien minkom nisthi nghid li jien mix-xghara..... basta kollha tmorru thabbtu fuq sidirkom nhar ta hadd isthu........Fejn hu l-isqof ta ghawdex basta jparla fuq kollox fuq din mandux xjparla isthu!!!
M.Sacco
Sep 7th 2010, 10:03
min dejjem tissemma ir rivalita u n nuqqas ta rispett fil festi taghna...specjalment fil gzira ta Ghawdex........b soghba kbira illum lehqet l aktar livell baxx possibli...
ISTHU !.....ISTHU.....IBQAW ISTHU !!
Marvin Briffa
Sep 7th 2010, 10:00
Personalment ma nsib xejn hazin li il festa tkompli.... l-istorja hija differenti.... f`dan il- kaz il- parrocca tax xaghra kienet tixtri in nar min din il- fabbrika.... u kien qed issir kummerc... mhux bhal- kazi normali fejn ix- xoghol ikun qed jinhadem mill- qalb u volontarjament....
Chris Grech
Sep 7th 2010, 10:48
u in nar likienu xtraw TAX XARGHA - haduh ghand nenu biex izommulhom...
il kamra splodiet, mietu in nies... u n nies tal festa tax XARGHA, tal pjacir li ghamlilhom u zammilhom in nar, li xtraw minghand haddiehor, qalulu jiddispjacina talli miet ghalina, pero il festa ha namluha xorta...
insewh diga li kien ghamillom pjacir u zammilom in nar ta haddiehor go hwejgu, u miet habba f'hekk !!
proset e!
rispett fejnu?
Karmena Debrincat
Sep 7th 2010, 09:59
Sorry fellow Gozitans but his egoistic and selfish attitude is shameful and reflects very badly on our little island and especially on the people of Xaghra. Nobody can deny the connection between the explosion and death of those people and the Xaghra feast. I would expect the rest of Gozo to protest loudly and forcefully against this stupid parochial egoism by a few festa-maniacs..
M. Tabone
Sep 7th 2010, 11:30
Ghandek ragun Ms. Debrincat! Veru tal-misthija li se jibqghu sejrin bil-festa. Ghawdex tant hu post zghir li tista' tghid qisu rahal fejn li jigri f'rahal jinhass kullimkien. Dan x'rispett hu li festa ssir xorta wahda wara hames imwiet? Jafu xi jfisser solidarjeta jew? Jien iddisgustata hafna! U sewwa qeghdin jghidu li l-festa saret biss funzjoni pagana! Uru li intom umani u aghmlu kif ghamlu l-Mosta. Hargu l-purcissjoni forma ta' pellegrinagg fil-pjazza biss u bir-recta tar-Ruzarju mqaddes. U mela xalar u baned? U ejja mela m'ghadniex inhossu ghall-proxxmu? Iz-Zejtun dis-sena l-festa saret biss fil-knisja. Hudu ezempju minn dawn l-irhula! U ieqfu minn din il-farsa li se ssejhulha festa!
Andrew Borg-Cardona
Sep 7th 2010, 09:59
It could have been put, or reported, better but the fact remains that this tragedy took place in a commercial entity which was not connected to Xaghra per se. If one feast in one locality (Xaghra) should be cancelled out of respect for the dead, then logically ALL feasts should be cancelled. That this will not happen goes without saying (on the very evening of the explosion, fireworks were going off all over Malta).
J. Refalo
Sep 7th 2010, 09:58
'the committee said that the fireworks factory was not part of the parish and the victims did not come from the parish.'
'The central committee reiterated its sorrow at the loss of life and expressed solidarity with their families.'
U ejja!! dan x'ragunar hu?? Tragedja bhal dik!! u n-nar li kienu qed jistorja mux ghal festa tax-Xaghra kien!? u fejn hi s-solidarjeta'???? Jekk vera ghandom qalb dawn in-nies, huma moralment obbligati li jikkancellaw minnufih ic-celebrazzjonijiet b'rispett lejn il-vittmi u l-familji taghhom.
Jonathan Zammit
Sep 7th 2010, 09:57
Nies bla kuxjenza u moral . U dawn in nies jkunu min ta quddiem jhabtu fuq sidirom fil quddiesa tal hadd. Tracedja bhal din u jibqa addej kollox qisu xejn mu xejn .Imsiken I'll familjari tal vitmi li jaraw dawn I'll pastazati wara li qet jigru . I'll hsibijiet taghna mal vitmi .
M.Attard
Sep 7th 2010, 09:56
Realy Shameful where is the respect that should be shown for those that passed away,
they are saying that these people had nothing to do with the feast ,why where they commisioned to do the fire works then?
J Portelli
Sep 7th 2010, 09:52
Absolutely disgraceful!! This is indicative of the selfishness which has permeated our society. Why should we miss out on 3 days of fun and alchol, and lots of money selling alchol, just because 5 people are dead handling fireworks for our feast. By the way those people arent even from Xaghra. As for the Xaghra pastor,so human life is only sacred when its from your town - how disgraceful!!
patrick zammit
Sep 7th 2010, 09:52
I do not see anything wrong with the Xaghra decision. Like it or not, the way feasts are celebrated is very "parochial".
In fact, the committee said it all in: "the fireworks factory was not part of the parish and the victims did not come from the parish."
We did not cancel all the feasts dedicated to "our lady" last August, but only that of Mosta.
Charles Caruana
Sep 7th 2010, 09:51
Human Values.....VANISHED.
Egoism Reign...
Ramon Casha
Sep 7th 2010, 09:49
It's so heart-warming to hear these wonderful Christian sentiments. "It's ok, they're from a rival parish!"
S Bonnici
Sep 7th 2010, 09:45
"In a statement this morning, the committee said that the fireworks factory was not part of the parish and the victims did not come from the parish."
u mhux hekk ..u mhux hekk.... pure ignorance coming from the Xaghra committee ... I'm pretty sure that God and the Virgin Mary won't love you more because you still held the feast!!!!!!!!
ISTHU!!!!!
David Vassallo
Sep 7th 2010, 09:44
Tghallmu isthu qas rispett lil hutkom l-ghawdxin ma ghandkom ahseb u ara ghal maltin. U dawn kienu qeghdin jahznulkom in-nar ahseb u ara li kieku xejn. Il-veru inthom tebgha fuq is-socjeta maltija u ghawdxija u ta min jisthi jsemmikom mal-kumplament tad-delittanti tal-festi.
S Vella
Sep 7th 2010, 09:44
ISTHU..ISTHU ISTHU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... MA TAFUX X HINUMA MISTHIJA U RISPETT. ghalikom qisu mietu hames klieb.. PAGANISMU SFRENAT U ESTREM..
Kellkom il permessi kolla anki ghall garr tal murtali minn Malta...Jekk iva ippublikaw min garrhom u kif ingarru u jekk il bastiment li garrom kellux permess li jgorr li splussivi skond regolamenti marittimi internazzjonali.
JOSEPH ZAMMIT
Sep 7th 2010, 09:44
I am utterly speechless! SHAME on the committee. This is PAGANISM GALORE
Expressing solidarity with the victims' families???---BLA BLA BLA.
SHAME!
Joe Farrugia
Sep 7th 2010, 09:41
L-Isqof ta' Ghawdex ma jitkellimx? Dan spirtu nisrani? Jew fuq id-divorzju biss johorgu l-pastorali?
S Vella
Sep 7th 2010, 09:56
Ghall l-isqof ta ghawdex li tkun nisrani ifisser biss li ma tiddivorzjax u li ma tkun poggut ghax jekk tkun poggut ma jqarbnikx....Ejjew Maltin U ghawdxin ninghaqdu min hawnekk u fuq facebook halli il festa tax xaghra tigi ibojkottjata forsi l-arciprite u il kumitat tieghu jitghallmu jisthu u jibdew jghatu id dinjita lill bniedem... Ma jin hadd biex niggudika imma fl-opinjoni tieghi Dawn ma jisthoqilomx jissejhu insara
Teresa Pace
Sep 7th 2010, 10:56
S Vella
ga ggudikajt siehbi. Int tahseb li l-Knisja ma ppruvatx tikkontrolla l-festi esterni u tqaccat dak kollu li hu l boghod milli jissejjah nisrani? Tahseb li l-Knisja ma tinkwetax xi jsiru fil festi esterni? Il-Knisja trid tikkontrolhom il festi. il-Knisja lesta biex tgholli l festi ghal livell li suppost huma fis-sens spiritwali, imma n-nies mhumiex lesti ghadhom. U meta ppruvat il-Knisja in-nies qamu kontriha.
Joe Grima Brussels
Sep 7th 2010, 09:40
'The Central Commitee reiterated its sorrow at the loss of life and expressed its solidarity with their families'
By which means are they going to show their sorrow and solidarity? By celebrating AS IF NOTHING HAS HAPPENED? By the amount of beer consumed?
I believe that Our Lady feels VERY PROUD and HONOURED by their 'humble' decision. Hail Mary full of Grace.
Pierre Borg
Sep 7th 2010, 09:40
I totally disagree, 6 GOZITAN persons lost their lives, they form part of the gozitan community. I do not think that the archpriest agrees with this decision. Where is our solidarity with the families of the departed. We have lost our VALUES over a feast.
D.A Spiteri
Sep 7th 2010, 11:43
So when the Maltese died in the firework explosions, where they not a part of the MALTESE COMMUNITY?????????? So to continue with your comment all the feast in Malta should have been cancelled?????? Come on ppl!!!!!
J.Attard
Sep 7th 2010, 09:39
Messkom tisthu !! tragedja bhal din , ghandna nuru ftit rispett. U qed jghidu li wahda mir ragunijiet li ha jkomplu bil festa ghax ma mietux nies mir rahal ? .. dak kliem !!
joe cutajar
Sep 7th 2010, 09:35
Shamfull on you xaghra and selfish
Maria Pia Cumbo
Sep 7th 2010, 09:35
"the feast would continue without fireworks."
only because they have none left probably.
Shame on the committee for deciding to go ahead despite this tragedy and shame on each and every person who will decide to attend.
M Saliba
Sep 7th 2010, 09:32
Pathetic.....
Mario Galea
Sep 7th 2010, 09:31
And the hypocrits in the media can shout as much to their liberal hearts' delight but they wont change anything. I dont know why all this schyzophrenetic attack on the Xaghra Community. Seems that they dont know how these people celebrate their feast. Those who hate the church think they are having a field day. How wrong they are. they are just showing themselves for what they really are: HYPOCRITS shedding crocodile tears.
MT Caruana
Sep 7th 2010, 09:31
Mhux bilfors il-festa ha tkompli minghajr nar, jekk nar tar kollu u mieghu taru ukoll il-hajja ta 5 min nies u ta tarbija!!!!
Il-bicca hi li nar li kien hemm kien ghal festa tax -Xaghra, so iva ghandkhom x'taqsmu maghhom.....bla rispett ta xejn.
G Falzon
Sep 7th 2010, 09:31
Isthu minnkom infuskom! Lanqas li Ghawdex fih daqs l-Awstralja! Isthu!
czarb
Sep 7th 2010, 09:28
Kif ma jisthux certu nies
RIP ghal vittmi kollha