The feast of St Gregory is being marked today with a number of traditional activities in Żejtun and Marsaxlokk. These include religious celebrations, among them the pilgrimage from the chapel of St Clement to the parish of St Catherine in Żejtun and the church of St Gregory, as well as entertainment by many Maltese folk singers (għannejja) and musicians along the Marsaxlokk promenade. 

These activities are organised by Festivals Malta in collaboration with the local councils of Żejtun and Marsaxlokk.

As is customary, people also have their first swim of the year on this day.

Below is a detailed programme.

Activities in Żejtun

9.30am The pilgrimage will start at the chapel of St Clement in Żejtun and head towards the parish of St Catherine where the Miserere will be sung. It will be led by Archbishop Charles Scicluna, together with the Metropolitan Chapter, parish priest, the clergy and the Archconfraternity of St Joseph of Rabat and Mdina.

The pilgrimage will continue from St Catherine’s parish church to the old parish church knownas St Gregory’s church. 

The In Guardia parade will accompany the pilgrimage to-wards St Gregory’s church.

10.30am Mass

10.45am Traditional Maltese games such as passju, żibeġ and boċċi will be played on the church parvis. There will also be various artisans showing off their trade.

11am Għana and daqq tal-prejjem will be sung and performed on the parvis of St Gregory’s church.

11.15am The Għanafest 2019 press conference will be held on the church parvis.

11.30am Għannejja and guitarists will commence their journey to Marsaxlokk on animal-drawn carts.

Noon The pilgrimage will arrive at Marsaxlokk parish church.

Activities in Marsaxlokk

Two stages will be set up at the centre of Marsaxlokk promenade and at its end (further up from the convent), with music starting at noon. Three groupsof guitarists, musicians and għannejja will perform daqq tal-prejjem, għana tal-botta u r-risposta and makkjetti. 

The programme will close at 4pm.