The traditional auction at Mgarr among those seeking the right to carry the statue of Sta Marija in procession raised €5,000 today – well below last year's total but similar to that of 2012.

The auction was as usual held in the shadow of the parish church at noon. 
The auction last year raised €11,500.

The event today was watched by several hundred people, who were told about its history. The parish priest explained this was not an auction in that no one would be taking the statue home. He also said that people who did not bid would still be given the chance to carry the statue for some time during the procession this evening.

Last year’s winning group did not take part today and the bidding was made between two other groups.

Mgarr was in the news over the past few weeks over the controversial replacement of its parish priest.

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