Ghajnsielem is today celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto. This morning Gozo Bishop Mario Grech led a pontifical concelebrated Mass attended by hundreds of Ghajnselmizi. see pontifical mass photos

The feast reached its climax in the evening. At 5.30pm, Sannat's ‘Santa Margerita’ Band played marches from Hamri Street while the St Joseph Band started an hour later from its premises.

As the statue of Our Lady of Loreto emerged from the main door of the church thousands of people started clapping and chanting 'Ave Maria'. The glitter of joy in the eyes of the Ghajnselmizi and their sense of pride was certainly visible. The 'Viva x-Xemx' accompanied a grand daylight fireworks show (kaxxa tal-ħruġ) which lasted over 10 minutes. A joyous note from the new set of eight bells also played the 'Ave Maria'

The St Joseph Band accompanied the statue around the main streets while the Leone Band entertained the crowds in the main square until 10.15pm. The traditional 'Kaxxa tad-Dhul' again wowed the crowed as a number of fireworks were simultaneous displayed from several private roofs creating a spectacular effect which you can relive in one of the videos below. The piazza was once again literally covered in colours.

After the triumphal re-entrance of the procession, the antifona was played once again. The festivities came to an end when Archpriest Frankie Bajada presided over the final rendition of the liturgical antiphon in honour of Our Lady of Loreto. He delivered the Eucharistic Benediction to the thousands of faithful that crowded the church. 

The celebrations ended with the traditional 'Marc tal-Hdax' which this year was performed by Kercem's St Gregory Band.

See also more photos including stunning aerial fireworks photos by Norbert Cauchi