Xaghra Parish » Gallery » 2012 » TITULAR FEAST 2012 » 09 SEP 2012 - IL-VITORJA CELEBRATED IN MELBOURNE
Thanks to Ms Antoinette Bajada, we in Xaghra can share with our compatriots in Melbourne the festa of the Bambina celebrated there. Religious celebrations took place at St Mary Star of the Sea in West Melbourne on Sunday 9th September. Prayers of the Faithful were read by Antoinette. Leli Bajada (Karnijet) and John Sultana (Il-Merin) accompanied the statue of the Bambina in procession carrying the forcini. This year the weather was good and, although cold, it was bright and sunny. Among the congregation were many Xaghrin resident in Melbourne. The Xaghra Association of Melbourne took part with its President, Charlie Attard, carrying the Association’s standard (bandalora).
Celebrations started on Friday night in cold, wet and miserable weather. This affected attendance and one could see fewer numbers than usual. The Consul General for Malta, Mr Charles Mifsud, delivered the commemorative speech and wreaths were laid honouring the fallen during the two sieges of Malta. Fr. Dr. Victor Shields celebrated Holy Eucharist and delivered the homily. The Santa Marija Choir participated throughout the celebrations. Afterwards all those present enjoyed eating delicious cheesecakes (pastizzi) served with drinks, tea and coffee and chatting. During this time they were enjoying watching the 2006 Xaghra Festa on the big screen.
On Saturday night at 7pm dinner dance at The Luxor started. It was a great success and everybody was happy with the food and entertainment. The organizers left no stone unturned for the success of this year’s Festa and engaged a Brass Band which made everybody really excited. And not only Xaghrin were there but many emigrants coming from other places in Malta, Gozo and other countries. The people attending wouldn’t go home and it was in the early hours of Sunday that the celebrations came to a great end.
All photos are courtesy of Ms Antoinette Bajada.
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