To be in Victoria tomorrow, August 15, the feast of Santa Marija, a public holiday and day of obligation, is not only a must but also a pleasure and, I dare say, a privilege. Gozitans, Maltese and tourists alike join in a festival that lacks nothing, where religious, traditional and folkloristic activities combine and fit perfectly into one day.

After a week of band marches and religious celebrations, the day will be packed with activities for everybody to enjoy, such as a solemn pontifical high Mass at the cathedral led by the bishop at 9am, with a strong orchestra taking part under the baton of Colin Attard; the Santa Maria Agricultural Show at Villa Rundle, also in the morning, held since 1855; band marches around Victoria from 11am and, again, late in the evening; the traditional horse races that date back to 1587, at 2.30pm; and the most eagerly-awaited procession with the statue of Our Lady in her Assumption (Santa Marija), carried by about 20 strong men, at 7pm.

For one night, you will feel the sensation of being at Lourdes!

You may stay out all day and night long!

Another real attraction is the abundant and artistically made fireworks in the evening by the Vampa Organisation, let off from Gelmus Hill, starting at 7.30pm and going on till late at night.

The Santa Marija feast is a real attraction for one and all. It is the annual festival of beauty, full to the brim with indoors and outdoor activities, lights and colour! The illuminations of Independent Street, to mention just one, are spectacular, to say the least.

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