Celebrate the Maria Bambina festival for 9 days in Mellieha
The Mellieha Village Festa celebrations begin at the end of August. The statue of the Mother of God (Maria Bambina) is removed from the vault. A nine-day ‘in-Novena’ period begins. In addition to the four titular statues of Maria Bambina, there are 14 lovingly crafted statues in the church square. The main statue for the feast of Maria Bambina was created by sculptor Pietro Paolo Azzopardi. Built around 1860, the statue is restored every few decades. Most recently in 2022 for six months in a specialised workshop in Senglea and Xagħra.
How does the Feast of Maria Bambina in Mellieha get celebrated?
Every evening from 8 p.m., there is a lively programme of music and entertainment on the church square in Mellieha. On many days, the march of the band ‘Il-Marc ta’ Fil-Ghodu’ (the morning march) through various streets of Mellieha takes place from around 7 pm. It is a highlight of the festival for many people in Mellieha. Mobile kiosks offer Maltese pastries such as Mqaret, Maltese Honey Rings, Peanut Brittle Nougat or Pastizzi. In addition to the filled pastries with nougat, peas or cheese, there are drinks, hot dogs, ice cream, burgers, kebabs, fries and many types of fast food. The day ends daily with the traditional Maltese fireworks display. On some days there are the Maltese ground fireworks giggifogu. And if you still haven’t had enough of celebrating, you can use 9 September as an ‘extra holiday’ Xalata on Malta’s largest sandy beach, Mellieha Bay.
What is the highlight of the Feast of Maria Bambina?
At 7pm on 8 September, thousands of worshippers and spectators await the Maria Bambina in Mellieha in front of the Paris Church. A magnificent fireworks display lasts almost four hours. The bells ring for around 15 minutes. The Archpriest of Mellieha Dun Joe Caruana and other priests approach the gate of Paris Church. At the end of the bell ringing, the band plays the patron saint’s hymn. Now the priests begin the 3-hour procession through Mellieha. They are followed by the life-size statue of the Virgin Mary carried on their shoulders. The procession is accompanied by thousands of believers and tourists. The church is reached at around 10 pm. The bands play the hymn of the patron saint and other Marian hymns. The statue enters the Paris Church with the collective singing of Ave Maria. The fireworks display ends at around 10.30 pm.
What is the difference between the feast of Mary’s birth and the Immaculate Conception?
On 8 December, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the conception of the parents Joachim and Anna, their daughter Mary, the mother of Jesus of Nazareth. This day is nine months before the Feast of the Nativity of Mary (Feast of Maria Bambina).
The official name for Mary’s election or the Immaculate Conception:
Solemnity of the Virgin and Mother of God Mary conceived without original sin (Sollemnitas In Conceptione Immaculata Beatae Mariae Virginis).
It is not a virgin conception. Mary is without the stain of original sin from paradise, the bite into the apple of the forbidden tree. This sin is to be passed on to all people. Through the Immaculate Conception, Mary is free for God and the good.
Pope Clement XI has prescribed the celebration of the Immaculate Conception for the Catholic Church since 1708. On the Sunday of Advent, the celebration of the Immaculate Conception is postponed to 9 December.
The age of papal infallibility
Pope Pius IX enshrined this belief on 8 December 1854:
The Blessed Virgin Mary was preserved pure from every stain of hereditary guilt at the first moment of her conception by a unique gift of grace and privilege of Almighty God in view of the merits of Christ Jesus, the Saviour of the human race.
Since the dogma by Pope Pius IX, the pope has been practically infallible. A pope passes judgement ex cathedra on matters of faith and morals. On 18 July 1970, a council passed the constitution ‘Pastor Aeternus’ with two dissenting votes. Surprisingly, Napoleon III started the German-French war the next day, which interrupted the Council.
Celebrate the Maria Bambina festival in Mellieha and experience nine days of music, entertainment and culinary delights on the church square.
FAQs - Do you have questions about the Feast of Maria Bambina? We give you the answers!
Where can the Maria Bambina be seen outside Malta?
The name Maria Bambina is said to have originated in Milan (Italy) in 1007 AD. There, the church of Santa Maria Fulcorina was dedicated to the birth of Mary. It later became the Cathedral of Santa Maria Major in Milan. Bronze letters Mariae Nascenti (Mary, the Child) adorn the main entrance. From Milan, the name Maria Bambina spread all over the world. In Rome’s San Rocco church, for example, the altar is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Maria Bambina (source themarianroom.com/maria-bambina/). Other sources report that Mary’s birth has been celebrated since the 5th century.
Was Maria Bambina Maltese?
No, Maria Bambina is the Maltese term for the Mother of God as a child. A name that has stood for the Mother of God in Milan since 1007 at the latest. Malta was converted to Christianity by St Paul around 60 years after Christ.
Why is Feast of Maria Bambina (Birth of the Virgin Mary) celebrated on 8 September?
8 September 1565 marked the end of the Great Siege by the Ottoman Empire. This victory is dedicated to the birth of the Virgin Mary.
Is Feast of Maria Bambina a public holiday in Malta?
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