Good Friday Processions And Hooded, Chain-Carrying Men – A Look Back In History
Among the Holy Week activities in Malta, Good Friday processions stand out as the most popular. These processions transform streets into open-air theatres, paying homage to Roman Catholic beliefs surrounding suffering, death, and resurrection.
In certain towns like Victoria, Żebbuġ, and Mosta, hooded penitents adorned in white cloaks can often be spotted carrying crosses or dragging chains on their feet.
A video captured by the Instagram account Rural Malta captured a snippet of a past Good Friday procession that was held in Gozo.
The tradition of men dragging chains in Good Friday processions has its origins in the earliest processions held in this country, which date back to the time of the Knights of St John.
Muslim slaves who had converted to Christianity were allowed to participate in these processions. They would still be wearing chains on their feet.
Subsequently, this tradition continued with men dragging chains either as an act of penitence or as a vow of thanksgiving for blessings received.
Are you going to the Good Friday procession today?
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