A feast enthusiast in Paola preparing to hoist a statue of Christ the King on its pedestal while another volunteer carries a wooden cross, which is also part of the decorations.A feast enthusiast in Paola preparing to hoist a statue of Christ the King on its pedestal while another volunteer carries a wooden cross, which is also part of the decorations.

With the festa season in full swing, the main squares in localities celebrating the feast of their patron saint this weekend were a hive of activity yesterday.

As enthusiasts toiled in the sweltering heat to ensure their beloved hometown would look its best, others were busy working behind the scenes on various aspects of the events, which reach their climax on Sunday evening.

Eight localities in Malta and Gozo celebrate their feast this weekend.

This newspaper visited Paola’s main square yesterday, which was getting ready for the feast of Christ the King. Celebrations this year will be marked with greater pomp to commemorate a new statue made by renowned artist Michael Camilleri Cauchi.

Boosted by the fact that no strong winds are forecast for the coming days, the elaborate baroque banners known as pavaljuni were already being unfurled.

In Vittoriosa, preparations for the August 10 feast of St Lawrence are at an earlier stage, and organisers are decorating the facade of the parish church with lights.In Vittoriosa, preparations for the August 10 feast of St Lawrence are at an earlier stage, and organisers are decorating the facade of the parish church with lights.

These decorations are complemented by statues of biblical figures related to the patron saint poised on richly adorned wooden pedestals, which are painted over to create a marble effect.

In Żebbuġ, preparations were also underway for the feast of St Joseph, which is organised by the De Rohan Band Club, one of the three band clubs in this village where there is a palpable sense of rivalry between rival supporters.

Though it does not enjoy the status of a titular feast, which is bestowed upon Saint Philip, this event has gained a reputation for the mechanised ground fireworks display held on Saturday night.

This newspaper yesterday also visited Vittoriosa, which is due to hold the feast of Saint Lawrence on August 10. Preparations are at an earlier stage and a group of volunteers yesterday were using a cherry picker to decorate the church’s facade with lights.

A statue of the prophet Isaiah in Żebbuġ, one of many which adorn the village’s main square.A statue of the prophet Isaiah in Żebbuġ, one of many which adorn the village’s main square.

A woman touches a statue of Paola’s patron saint Christ the King as if she were receiving a divine blessing.A woman touches a statue of Paola’s patron saint Christ the King as if she were receiving a divine blessing.

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