More fireworks for the saints : ritual and the quest for identity in Malta

Abstract

Seen over a period of a century, or even just several decades, the celebration of public rituals in Europe is changing. We are all aware that there are fewer religious processions and that even the enthusiasm for certain public secular events is declining. On the other hand, some celebrations are increasing, or being revitalized. Weddings, birthday celebrations, neighbourhood feasts, carnival and, in the south of Europe, the celebration of Holy Week and of parish patron saints are expanding. What precisely is taking place in the realm of ritual? To what extent are the changes that are occurring related to other developments taking place? To answer these questions I shall focus on a small segment of Europe, Malta. What exactly is happening there? Why is it occurring? What relation is there between the Maltese case and developments taking place elsewhere in Europe? [Excerpt]