Updated:

Residents of Xaghra have raised €13,000 for the families of the victims of the fireworks tragedy at Gharb as well as others who suffered damages.

The money was raised in street collections during activities related to the feast of the Nativity of Our Lady, being celebrated today.

The village drew criticism when it decided to go ahead with the feast, even though most of the fireworks which blew up were being produced for the feast. The feast authorities argued that the victims were not from Xaghra.

However, outdoor celebrations on Sunday, when the tragedy took place, were cancelled.

The planned band marches in the streets of Xaghra were not held this morning. Instead, the Beland Band of Zejtun played in front of the Victory Club.

The announcement of the funds raised so far was made during solemn Mass at the Xaghra parish church this morning. The initiative was praised by Gozo Bishop Mgr Mario Grech, who did not refer to the controversy over whether the feast should have been cancelled.