Updated 12.40pm with video

Hundreds of motorcyclists roamed the island on Wednesday morning as they rode their bikes from Mġarr to Dingli for an annual charity ride in celebration of the Feast of Santa Marija.

Parish priest Kalċidon Vassallo at the start of the event. Photo: Claire Caruana

In its third edition, the charity ride is organised by the parish churches of the two villages, with all donations collected during the event going to the Dar tal-Providenza.

In comments during the blessing of the motorbikes on the Mġarr church parvis, parish priest Mgr Kalċidon Vassallo said that while the ride was a fun part of the feast celebrations, it was crucial to keep in mind that the event was ultimately held to honour the Holy Mary.

Organisers who spoke to Times of Malta said that year after year the turnout was improving and many bikers who do not live in either of the two villages were turning up to the event.

“Even those who are not part of one of the bigger bikers’ groups show up. This year the bikers themselves requested that we take a longer route so that the ride is even longer than usual,” one organiser explained.