A Church consultation document on the celebration of feasts in Malta's towns and villages has given a reprieve to the holding of band marches in the morning, but it carries a stern warning that unless such band marches are brought under control, they will be stopped in three years' time.

There had been fears among many festa enthusiasts that the Church may decide to remove the morning band marches immediately.

The document, launched this morning by Archbishop Paul Cremona, says that while such band marches are popular, there have been major exaggerations in many localities and this has been a source of major concern for the Church.

"The situation needs to change, as otherwise the Church may have to consider whether such band marches can continue to be linked to the feasts," the document says.

"Between 2010 and 2012 we will allow time for all those involved to control exaggeration, including the manner of dress, the songs and words that are chanted, the consumption of alcohol and the duration of the marches. If, after these three years, we find that the band marches cannot be controlled or reformed, the Church has to decide to no longer consider them an integral part of the feast," the document says.

The document tackles every aspect of the feasts and is aimed at removing pique and restoring the religious and community aspects of the celebrations.

On fireworks, it insists that there should be prudence and the law must be followed in all its aspects, including the times when fireworks are let off, licensing of those who make the fireworks, and the size of the pyrotechnics.

"It is the common view that there should be progress on the regulations. The Church authorities as the organisers of the religious feasts, are prepared to cooperate with the civil authorities for this purpose," the document says.

CHURCH DECORATIONS

The document says there should not be exaggeration in Church decorations. All decorations inside churches have to be under the competence of the Church authorities and there can be no restriction on their use. The decorations may not carry symbols or in any way be used to fuel pique where main and secondary feasts are held. For the titular feasts, decorations have to be put up by noon on the first day of the tridum. For secondary feasts, decorations can be set up by noon on the eve of the feast.

PROCESSIONS

Processions may not take longer than three hours, ending by 10.30 p.m. During processions, the statues cannot be turned to face any buildings other than the Church and particular residences such as old people's homes and monasteries. Bands taking part in processions may only play religious tunes.

PEALING OF BELLS

The pealing of bells has to be done in moderation with no bells may being sounded between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m and between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m..

EXTERNAL FESTIVITIES

The document lays down that the feast covers one week, including the feast day proper. During that week, no external activities may be held within the parish limits except those organised by the Church authorities and those responsible for the organisation of the feasts.

Those decorations popularly known as 'surprises' are being banned, because they have only served to instil rivalry and pique. Only flags and balloons may be used by those celebrating with band marches. No water may be thrown during band marches.

Furthermore, no marches and songs which insult other people or organisations may be allowed.

Those responsible for the band marches must also ensure that no one is shirt-less.

Statues should, as a rule, not be carried during band marches, except where this is a tradition and the parish priests approve.

In giving its warning on the morning band marches, the document also says that the morning band marches must not be longer than four hours and the route should not pass in front of rival clubs. Where that is unavoidable, the march may pass without stopping, for whatever reason.

No band marches may take place while church celebrations are in progress.

FESTA DECORATIONS

The document says that in view of confusion on who is responsible for street decorations during feasts, all those responsible should draw up and present an inventory to the parish priests within three months of approval of this document. All decorations have to be approved by the parish priest. Up to 2012 no further decorations may be added except where they have already been ordered or need to be replaced. t No further additions will be allowed from2013.

The document provides for the creation of an Investigation Board to investigate any breach of the proposed regulations

The Church stressed that the feasts should be a true moment of celebration for parish communities in a way which promotes unity and religion.

The full document can be viewed on maltadiocese.org

Comments may be mailed on festi@maltadiocese.org or to the Curia at PO Box 29, Valletta.