Festi: aspetti storiċi u folkloriċi tal-festa ta’ San Filep f’Ħaż-Żebbuġ

Abstract

This study of the history and folklore relating to the titular feast of Żebbuġ is based on unpublished material in parish archives and other authentic documents, supplemented by existing literature and perusal of newspapers. Interviews with "festa" organizers and village elders yielded data for comparison between modern and old feast celebrations. Some pertinent aspects of popular art are also covered. Section 1 outlines the historical background of Żebbuġ centring on its parish church. Sections II and III deal with the relevant holy relics and with the internal feast respectively. Section IV covers the development of external feasts in Malta, while Section V studies the societies contributing to their organisation. Segtion VI gives details of "festa" decorations while Section VII discusses "featapartiti" and their rivalries. Various folkloristic aspects included in Section VIII clinch the whole work.