| This is the statue of Our Lady of Graces worshipped at Zabbar Parish.
This artistic figure was sculptured in wood by artist Mariano Gerada.in
1897. This masterpiece has attracted thousands of pilgrims and tourists,
both for its devotion and for its beauty. |
L-istatwa tal-Madonna tal-Grazzja |
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This is the same statue shown above. The difference is that the
above is a medium shot, while this gives a full length of the statue, together
with its artistic silver pedestal. The previous photo shows the statue
in its niche where it rests all year long. The photo on the side was taken
when the statue is prepared for the nine days of the feast. |
| While during the day the sanctuary of Zabbar is an architectural
beauty, during the night it is another beauty. During the 9 days of the
feast the sanctuary is furnished with a skeleton of lamps, making it stand
marvellously in the middle of the city. |
Il-faccata tal-knisja bil-lejl |
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Our Lady of Graces is also the protector of the cyclists. Thus the
villagers organize a pilgramage with bikes and motorcycles, which begins
at the other end of the island. The bikes leave from Rabat while the motorcycles
leave from Mosta. Originally this used to be held on Saturday afternoon
just after the morning colourful demonstration with the local bands, however
for safety reasons it is now being held on Sunday morning. |
| This is Hompesch Gate which is a triumph arch built as a monument
for the last Grand Master of Malta Ferdinand von Hompesch. He visited Zabbar
in September of 1897 during the feast. In a week's time he ordered Zabbar
a city, and it bears his name till today - Citta' Gratiosae Hompesch. |
Bieb is-Sultan |
