Aaron Caruana. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Aaron Caruana was four years old when he was handed a little purple robe so he could take part in the “fascinating” Good Friday procession – just like his father and grandfather.

Over the years he grew out of many elaborate costumes which he sombrely paraded through the streets of Valletta.

But he never outgrew the sense of pride and belonging he feels every year on Good Friday, when he literally walks in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

“This is a very spiritual time… I prefer it to Christmas as I feel there is more opportunity for sacrifice and unity. I feel close to the Valletta community,” Mr Caruana, 35, says.

Like many of his generation who grew up close to this tradition, Mr Caruana loves the sense of belonging that comes with the experience.

I love the character because there is a bond with my family

This is a sentiment recognised by Reuben Micallef and Daniel Cardona, the respective parish priests of Cospicua and Żebbuġ where the procession takes centre stage.

Both priests note that, while some participants in the procession are not regular church-goers, it is up to the religious community to use these occasions to draw them closer.

“There is a fine line between a theatrical act and a procession and this all depends on the individual. But I think the majority participate because of the traditional element,” Fr Cardona says.

Fr Micallef agrees, adding many feel a strong sense of belonging and enjoy the cultural aspect of the procession.

The way Mr Caruana sees it, the procession brings together an element of fun with spirituality and tradition.

His family has been involved in the procession, organised by the Ta’ Ġiesu church in Valletta, for three generations.

His grandfather took part till he was about 80, wearing the costume of the high priest Annas.

Mr Caruana’s father then joined in playing the part of another high priest, Caiaphas – a role he inherited in 2000.

Today, Mr Caruana is the only member of his family who participates, since his father and uncle had to stop due to health reasons.

“I’d love my 13-year-old son to take part but he’s not interested. He tells me: ‘Pa, you look like an idiot,” Mr Caruana laughs. But he is determined to keep taking part, as Caiaphas, until his health allows it.

“I love the character because there is a bond with my family,” he says, adding: “My wife supports me and jokes that the procession is the only time she sees me serious.”

In fact, he stresses, he takes it very seriously just like the rest of the participants.

I’m a jolly person but, on the day, I look very serious

“I’m a jolly person but, on the day, I look very serious… Except for three years ago when I was walking during the procession and I heard a little boy point at me and tell his mother: ‘Look, he’s dressed like a tin-opener’. He was referring to my pointed hat. It’s true it looks like a tin-opener. I couldn’t stop laughing that time,” he says.

The procession has its social aspects since, on Thursday, participants visit the Seven Churches then go out for drinks.

On Friday they go to Church at 3pm to get ready for the procession that starts at about 6pm.

After the procession they go out for a fish meal.

“There are fun parts but I do it for the sacrifice since walking for about two hours is very tiring… I’m not a saint but I have faith,” he says pulling out a wooden cross tucked inside his shirt.

Times Talk will be discussing the issue of what Catholic rituals in Malta really mean tonight at 6.55pm on TVM.