The feast of Saint Gregory was celebrated in Żejtun and Marsaxlokk yesterday, with several people taking part in a pilgrimage while others opted for the Marsaxlokk promenade where other activities were held.

Led by Archbishop Charles Scicluna, and together with the Metropolitan Chapter, parish priest, the clergy and the Archconfraternity of St Joseph of Rabat and Mdina, the pilgrimage left the chapel of St Clement in Żejtun and headed towards the parish of St Catherine.

It continued to the old parish church, known as Saint Gregory’s church. Here, participants donning traditional costumes showcased different Maltese games while għannejja (folk singers) sang about the day’s celebrations, noting in their verses, among other things, the unseasonable gloomy weather.

A number of stalls were set up by various artisans showcasing their trade.

Meanwhile in Marsaxlokk, għannejja and guitarists made their way to the parish church on animal-drawn carts.

After they moved to one of two stages set up on the promenade and performed a selection of traditional folk songs.

While the feast is synonymous with the first swim of the year, this was not the case this year as the cloudy weather and choppy water scared people off.

Instead, many opted for a game of bingo along the Marsaxlokk shoreline.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna (centre) at the pilgrimage in Żejtun yesterday.