Taunts, Tables And Loud Music: Holy Week Procession Organisers Blast Shameful Disruption In Valletta
Organisers of Valletta’s Holy Week processions have slammed the “shameful” disruption” that took place during last week’s traditional Easter activities, including obstruction by restaurant tables and chairs, loud music, and taunts from bystanders.
“Participants were not just obstructed by owners and patrons of catering establishments. Music was played outside the churches as people were praying and we were taunted,” a spokesperson for the Archconfraternity of the Miraculous Crucifix and the Franciscan convent, which manages the Ta’ Giezu church, said.
“One man even thrust his hand into a lady’s face after she asked him to move aside to allow the procession to proceed through the crowded street.”
Organisers blasted the “blatant disregard” of permits issued needed for the procession to take place in a serene atmosphere, as is expected on the religious and sombre day.
Procession organisers questioned why the authorities couldn’t uphold the law if permits were issued, as is done for other public manifestations like Carnival.
This isn’t the first time the religious group found that their permits were not respected and enforced.
An e-mail was sent to alert police and the Lands Authority, responsible for issuing the permits, that their procession was not respected during the evening of Our Lady of Sorrows on 31st March.
Police responded on 2nd April, copying the Lands Authority into the correspondence, confirming that breaches had occurred and that no enforcement officers from the Authority had been on site.
Despite calls from the police for Lands Authority to ensure enforcement, breaches recurred again on Maundy Thursday, when Catholics traditionally make visits to the seven churches because of a lack any officers on the scene.
“The Holy Week processions are a long-standing cultural tradition in Malta, which attract scores of faithful and onlookers. Do the authorities, who are going to great lengths to promote religious tourism, really wish to sell our enviable heritage down the river for a few pieces of silver?” the spokesperson said.
“We are not anti-business. We live alongside the hustle and bustle and noise every day. We are just appealing for common sense to prevail on three evenings of the year that have a special place in the hearts of many Maltese.”
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