The applause, honour and praise where showered on the St Joseph Band as it proudly represented Ghajnsielem during a 4-Day trip in Sicily for the feast of St Paul in Palazzolo Acreide near Siracusa.

Such were the comments of the 'Liberta' newspaper of Siracusa which featured a full page article related with this trip adding further praise for the performance during a musical program on the 29th of June, Feast day.

The strong 80-people delegation arrived in Sicily on the  28th of June. During the same evening, the band marched around the village carrying flags and proudly waving the Maltese and the Band's flag. A musical program was played on the 29th of June. The last two days were dedicated for shopping at several large shopping malls and open markets and also excursions in Noto, Catania and Siracusa.

Many were definitely impressed by the feast celebrations especially the spectacular fireworks, the shouts of the people, the firecrackers and the bells making so much noise that makes one hear nothing! There were some touching moments such as when the St Joseph Band played 'Viva x-Xemx' as the statue of St Paul passed in front of the Maltese delegation just before the procession ended.

The band has been invited by UNESCO representative Dr. Ray Bondin. The delegations included over 50 bandsmen, members of the executive committee and supporters. Mayor Francis Cauchi and Archpriest Can. Frankie Bajada were also present.

Ghajnsielem.com is bringing you a 10-minutes video with the highlights and over 150 photos.