Prison Bakery Serves Up Maltese Easter Traditions: A Story Of Redemption In The Holy Week

Every year during the lead-up to the Holy Week, prisoners in Malta open up a bakery that bakes qagħqa tal-appostli, or apostles’ ring bread which is very popular at this time of the year.

Around 1,000 of these are produced daily from one of the oldest and largest prison bakeries in the country, bringing delight to customers and redemption to the convicts who bake them.

Hailed for its high-quality baked goods, the prison bakery plays a crucial part in the rehabilitation process, as prisoners are given the opportunity to learn a trade during their incarceration.

This not only provides them with peace of mind but also allows them to develop useful skills for when they are released.

Easter is a particularly busy time for the bakery nestled within the Corradino Correctional Facility. As well as the special Holy Week bread, the inmates whip up traditional Maltese Easter sweets such as ‘figolli.’

Prison guards then sell these products in front of the prison at a kiosk, with the profits given to voluntary organisations.

Prison official Mario Aquilina, who works with the prisoner bakers, said that the inmates anticipate this time of year, eager to learn how the specialty Easter products are made, and keen on having something new to be taught.

Their work at the prison bakery not only benefits them with newly acquired skills but also gives them a chance to give back to the community while serving their time.

The bakery will continue to serve up its popular Easter treats to the public until noon on Easter Sunday.

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