The streets of Xagħra and Għajnsielem came alive this weekend as both villages celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with devotion, music, and community spirit. The annual festa is one of the highlights of the summer calendar in Gozo, drawing locals and visitors who gathered for Mass, processions, and the traditional festivities that follow.
In Xagħra, the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was carried through the village to the sound of the parish band, with homes and balconies decorated in banners and lights. The air was filled with marches, fireworks, and the smell of festa food as people lined the route to pay their respects and join in the celebrations.
Across the island in Għajnsielem, a similar atmosphere took over. The parish church held solemn religious services throughout the day, followed by an evening procession that wound through the village center. Members of the band clubs performed, and the sky lit up with fireworks that reflected off the harbor, adding to the sense of occasion.
For both communities, the feast is more than a religious observance. It is a moment that brings neighbors together, honors tradition, and keeps the identity of the village strong. As the celebrations drew to a close, the sense of pride and togetherness was clear, with many already looking forward to next year’s tribute to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
