All the Events that You Need to Know About!
The feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck in Malta, that falls on the 10th of February, is one of the island’s major public holidays, especially since it’s a religious feast. Malta holds a heavy Catholic background and this is reflected in the numerous churches across the island and the countless of feasts commemorating significant Catholic events. The feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck is one such example.
The History of the feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck
The bible states that St Paul got caught in a storm while travelling to Rome from Jerusalem. Due to the strong winds, the ship was swept onto our little island of Malta. Being known as a hospitable nation, the Maltese welcomed St Paul with open arms.
There is also another narration about St Paul. While he was on the Maltese Islands, he got bitten by a venomous snake while standing in front of the fire. St Paul simply swiped off the snake and was not injured by the bite in any way. St Paul remained in Malta for three months before parting ways to continue his journey.
According to tradition, St Paul created the first Christian community on the Maltese Islands.
The Feast in Valletta
The main events for St Paul’s Shipwreck happen in Valletta. St Paul’s Parish Church, situated in West Street Valletta, is one of the oldest churches on the island, dating back to 1570. The feast is mainly celebrated by masses and street celebrations including the processions with the St Paul statue.
On the 10th February, the day of the official feast, Valletta will be brimming with events that are interesting for both locals and tourists alike. The day starts off with a mass at 7.00am and another one at 8.00am. On the day, the Archbishop and the President of Malta also make their way to Valletta to inaugurate the feast.
At 12.00pm, you can witness the firing of the canons from the Saluting Battery to commemorate the feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck. The traditional band march starts at 1.00pm led by ‘Banda tas-Soc. Fil. Naz. ‘La Valette’’ and it passes through the following streets: Triq San Pawl, Triq it-Teatru l-Antik, Triq ir-Repubblika, Triq Nofsinhar, Triq Zakkarija, Misrah San Gwann, Triq San Gwann, Triq il-Merkanti, Triq Melita, and Triq San Pawl. This means that if you don’t feel like going out, you can still witness the band march from the balcony in your room at AX The Saint John.
An English mass will be held at 3.45pm followed by a procession with the statue of St Paul at 5.30pm. Another procession is held at 9.30pm together with religious celebrations.
Book your stay at AX The Saint John to be close to all these religious festivities.