Re-enacting the Passion during the Holy Week rituals in Malta

Abstract

Examines the Good Friday procession in the Maltese Islands, and describes the various activities centered around Holy Week to give an idea of the importance of this period for the Maltese, and the intense quality of its theatrical aspects. Indicates the commemoration of the episodes of Christ's passion, death, and resurrection during Holy Week is not merely a representation of religious events. Suggests the staging of these ceremonies, then and now, generates a unifying force for the community by allowing its members to participate directly, not only as watchers, but as actual organizers of the events. Mentions these ceremonies enable each community to place its village or town on show, and it provides a possibility for all the community to participate either as bearers of statues, biblical characters, musicians in the local band or spectators.