Zejtun

It is one of the sixty-eight local councils that make up the current territorial organization of the Republic of Malta, which came into force in 1993. Żejtun is traditionally known as Città Beland, a title conferred by the Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of Malta, Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim in 1797. Before that, the village was known as Casale Santa Caterina, named after its patron saint and parish titular.

The old urban cores, called Bisqallin and Ħal Bisbut, largely retain their narrow medieval streets and ancient boundaries.

The feast of Saint Gregory was one of the principal traditional feasts on the islands, involving a procession composed of confraternities from all the parishes on the islands. Recent studies have concluded that the procession was first held in 1543 by Bishop Cubelles, in response to a papal call for prayers for peace. Originally the feast was held on 12 March, later moving to Easter Wednesday. The modern procession begins at the Chapel of Saint Clement, which is just over a kilometer away from the church of Saint Gregory. Traditionally, after the ceremony those in attendance go to the nearby harbor of Marsaxlokk for their first swim of the year.

Another important event taking place in the town during the year is the feast of St Catherine of Alexandria, which is now celebrated in summer. On this day Żejtun’s two rival musical bands perform in Gregorio Bonnici Square. The anthem dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, which is played during the feast, was written by Emmanuele Palmier-Cecy, and was composed by Don Lorenzo Mifsud.

Żejtun boasts many chapels such as the one dedicated to Saint Clement, Our Lady of Good Counsel, the chapel of Our Savior, the chapel of The Assumption, the chapel of the Holy Spirit, Saint Angelo, Saint Nicholas, Our Lady of Mercy, Our Lady of Lourdes, and St Mary of Ħal Tmin.

Malta Holy Week is known worldwide for its Catholic traditions and the passion with which the population experience it, staging events and processions that leave both tourists and locals amazed. It is relevant to point out that there are more than 360 churches in an archipelago of just 300 square kilometers.

Żejtun hosts one of the most important Good Fridays on the island of Malta, representing a moment of special cultural relevance. Żejtun Holy Week is part of the Southern Regional Council, made up of a total of twelve localities that have in common, among other things, the celebration of the procession of the Virgin of Sorrows.