The official external celebrations kicked off today when the St. Joseph Band played a set of marches from Garden Street to the Main Square. The band march started at 8.00pm, ending in the main square two hours later. The Ghajnslemizi than packed arch-parish church for the traditional 'ħruġ'. Many were seen singing and clapping as the huge protective glass door of the niche was unbolted and opened wide, and the titular statue of Our Lady of Loreto was seen emerging forward into the crowded church. Devotees of all ages and all walks of life filled up the church to witness the emotional transfer of the statue as it was carried shoulder high along the naves and then placed in the main aisle with the St Joseph Band playing 'Ave Maria' followed by ''Innu Marcia' and 'Viva x-Xemx'.

Most of the youths then spent the rest of the evening at the St Joseph Band Premises.