The 234th edition of the Last Supper at the Dominican Priory in Valletta is currently under way, showcasing food and drink that are evocative of the Last Supper and arranged to reflect Maltese traditions and symbols.

The table is not an exact replica of the Last Supper, since its elements are made from rice and pasta, which did not figure in the Middle Eastern diet at the time of Christ, volunteer Ivan Grixti said.

Instead, Dr Grixti added, the display used rice and pasta, which are then donated to charity.

This year, the food would go to the Rise foundation, he said, which provides services to the Corradino Correctional Facility and prepares offenders for their reintegration in society.

The team of nine volunteers meets after work for five weeks to prepare

“The display has always had a social objective behind it,” Dr Grixti explained.

Before the establishment of social services in our country, 13 men considered to be in need would be chosen by the Dominican parish priest to take part in the washing of the feet during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The men would then be allowed to take the food from the display home, Dr Grixti added.

The display takes around five weeks to prepare, during which the team of nine volunteers meets after work to put together the dishes and decorations.

The Archconfraternity was established in 1575 by Monsignor Bezzina during his visit to Malta.

Pope Pius V, who was a Dominican Friar elected to be Pope, contributed greatly to Valletta’s construction, Dr Grixti added.

“In exchange for helping to finance the new capital, the Dominican Friars were given land to open a church in Valletta,” Dr Grixti said.

The Last Supper will be open until tomorrow evening at 7pm.

The table showcases food and drink evoking the Last Supper and arranged to reflect Maltese traditions and symbols.