The ever Catholic Maltese love their village feasts (as anyone who’s heard 9 am petards can attest) but none more than Santa Marija.

However, a group of men have just taken their dedication to a whole new level after forking out €17,000 to carry the statue of Santa Marija during the evening procession in Mġarr.

The ‘auction’, aired on Facebook, shows two teams battling out on the church parvis for the honour.

The €17,000 fee is a record on the €14,000 offered last year. Wistin Vella heads the winning group of twelve who will have the privilege of carrying the statue.

“U viva Santa Marija,” a local priest is heard saying once the bidding war is over.

The funds will go towards charity, the church’s maintenance, and the organisation of the feast.

The tradition dates back all the way to 1923. Mġarr celebrates the feast of Santa Marija the Sunday after 15th August.

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