Updated - It is the feast of San Girgor today - traditionally the day when many people take their first dip in the sea.

A rather cold wind may put them off, despite the bright sunshine. But the young people above took an early dip in Xlendi Bay last Saturday, when the weather was kinder. Picture by Martin Holt - mynews@timesofmalta.com 

Archbishop Charles Scicluna this morning led the traditional pilgrimage from the chapel of St Clement to Zejtun parish church and then on to the church of St Gregory where he celebrated Mass. 

The archbishop seen during the pilgrimage this morning.

The San Girgor procession was held for the first time on March 12, 1543 but its purpose changed over time.

Traditionally held on the first Wednesday after Easter, the feast probably started off as a thanksgiving pilgrimage though some differ on its exact origins.

Some maintain the pilgrimage was held to thank the Lord for freeing Malta from the plague of 1519. Others believe it was a vow made after Malta emerged victorious against the Turks in the Great Siege of 1565.  

Another theory is that the pilgrimage began during the time of Bishop Domenico Cubelles who had initiated this ceremony to mark the feast of St Gregory.

In the past, the feast was considered an important event in the local calendar and there used to be a custom for new bridegrooms to take their spouses to this feast as part of the marriage agreement.

When the religious part of the feast is over, people go to Marsaxlokk for the traditional outing with some opting to open the swimming season.