The feast of Our Lady of the Assumption, better known locally as Santa Marija, is celebrated from July 31 to August 22, reaching its climax between today and Saturday in various parishes, including Mqabba.

The Assumption of Our Lady in Mqabba is a typical Maltese feast that has evolved along the years but remained loyal to its traditions.

A truly inclusive celebration enjoyed by people of all ages and social backgrounds, the feast is a celebration by the Maltese community.

Walking along the streets of Mqabba during the festivities, one sees artistic decorations, fine drapery and statues with pedestals rich in sculpture, some dating back 90 years or even more.

For the evening celebrations, the village comes to life with band marches, joyous celebrations, aerial fireworks and Catherine wheels (irdieden). One can also savour the traditional Maltese food stalls in the village core.

On August 13, the celebrations are organised on a larger scale than previous days. The youth section of the St Mary and King George V Band Club organises a unique and innovative march, followed by a spectacular display of lights, confetti, laser show and fireworks, all synchronised with music in the village’s main square.

On August 14, the eve of the Assumption, the main spectacular fireworks display is held, organised by the St Mary Fireworks Factory, who won the 2007 Fireworks World Championships.

Thousands of Maltese and tourists flock to see the dazzling display synchronised to music at 9.15pm.

This year’s main feature will be the Tower of Light, a 30-metre-high steel structure where fireworks are fired from, to create innovative effects. The display also showcases the traditional Maltese shells and a grand finale, followed by an exhibition of mechanised Catherine wheels.

On August 15, the climax of the feast is reached with a procession around the village streets with the artistic statue of the Assumption, accompanied by the traditional brass bands and fireworks.

More information can be found at www.santamarija.com or on www.facebook.com/santamarija.

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