Holy Week and Easter in Gozo is a time when faith, tradition, and community come together in a way that is truly special. As Easter weekend in Gozo approaches, the island comes alive with centuries-old customs—from solemn processions and street-based Passion plays to quiet moments of personal pilgrimage. Staying at Maria Rosa Suites, right in the heart of Victoria’s historic core, means being perfectly placed to experience it all. With most churches just a short walk away and some of Gozo’s most revered processions passing right by our doorstep, you’ll find yourself immersed in the deep-rooted traditions that make this time of year so meaningful.
Good Friday Processions: A Solemn Display of Devotion
Solemn Good Friday processions, where religious statues are carried through the streets in deep reverence are a tradition for this time of year. This photo was taken in front of Maria Rosa Suites.
On Good Friday in Gozo, various villages, including Victoria, Nadur, Xagħra, Xewkija, Qala, Għasri, and Żebbuġ, hold solemn processions to commemorate the Passion of Christ. These processions feature life-sized statues representing episodes from the Passion, carried by pallbearers through the streets. Participants often dress as biblical characters, Roman soldiers, and other historical figures.The processions are accompanied by local bands playing funeral marches, enhancing the somber atmosphere.
This year’s processions passing in front of Maria Rosa Suites are as follows:
Thursday 17th April at 7pm – St. George’s Basilica Good Friday Procession
Friday 18th April at 6pm – Gozo’s Cathedral Good Friday Procession
Holy Week Penitential Practices: Expressions of Faith and Sacrifice
A penitent walks barefoot, dragging chains in front of Maria Rosa Suites during the solemn Good Friday procession in Victoria, Gozo, one of the island’s most revered traditions.
A notable tradition during these processions is the participation of penitents who carry heavy wooden crosses or drag chains, sometimes walking barefoot. This act of penance is a profound expression of personal faith and sacrifice, reflecting the deep spiritual connection of the Gozitan people to the events commemorated during Holy Week in Gozo.
Stations of the Cross at Għammar Hill: A Spiritual Pilgrimage
One of the 14 Stations of the Cross at Għammar Hill, Gozo, where pilgrims reflect on Christ’s Passion during Holy Week in Gozo, set against the island’s countryside.
Facing the Ta’ Pinu National Shrine, Għammar Hill is adorned with 14 Carrara marble statues representing the Stations of the Cross. Created in the 1970s by Gozitan sculptor Alfred Camilleri Cauchi, these statues offer a unique pilgrimage experience. Unlike traditional stations, this path follows biblical events, providing a reflective journey for those who traverse it. It is worth noting that you can actually get to this site (Ta’ Pinu and Għammar Hill) by doing a leaisurely 40-minute walk from Maria Rosa Suites. Of course, you can also use public transport, with a bus stop situated a 1-minute walk away from Maria Rosa Suites.
Our Lady of Sorrows: A Historic Devotion
The oldest feast dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows in Gozo is held at the Church of St. James in Independence Square, Victoria. Organized by the Confraternity of the Sorrows, which historically included members from professional spheres and now uniquely comprises female members, this event features a penitential pilgrimage led by the Bishop. The procession, accompanied by a devout statue, draws large crowds.
Traditional Church Drapings: Symbols of Mourning
One of the solemn Good Friday statues at St. George’s Basilica in Victoria, Gozo, displayed during Holy Week with traditional black drapings as a symbol of mourning and reflection.
Historically, during Holy Week, Gozitan churches were draped in black cloth as a sign of mourning for Christ’s death. While this tradition was largely abandoned following the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, some churches continue this practice, maintaining a visual symbol of reflection and sorrow during this solemn period.
Visiting the Seven Churches: A Lenten Tradition
A beautifully adorned altar at St. Francis Church in Victoria, Gozo, prepared for the Seven Church Visits tradition during Holy Week, a solemn Lenten practice observed by locals and visitors.
On Maundy Thursday evenings (and Good Friday mornings), many faithful participate in the tradition of visiting seven churches, known as the Seven Church Visits. Some choose to visit seven different village churches by car, while others come to Victoria, Gozo, to complete the tradition entirely within the town due to its numerous churches.
Funeral Marches: The Soundtrack of Holy Week
Throughout Holy Week, Gozitan philharmonic societies perform funeral marches during sacred music concerts and Good Friday processions. These sombre compositions, sometimes dedicated to recently deceased individuals, enhance the reflective atmosphere of the events, resonating deeply with participants and spectators alike.
Cultural Displays: Expressions of the Passion
The Church of the Nativity of Our Lady (Savina) in Victoria, Gozo, beautifully lit during Holy Week, located just around the corner from Maria Rosa Suites.
The streets of Gozo during Holy Week are adorned with symbols of Christ’s Passion. Crosses and other decorations are illuminated, and small exhibitions of Good Friday statues are displayed behind windows and doors. These displays, curated by local enthusiasts, showcase the island’s commitment to preserving and honouring its rich traditions.
Where to Stay in Gozo During Holy Week and Easter
For those seeking a truly immersive experience of Holy Week and Easter in Gozo, staying at Maria Rosa Suites Boutique Bed and Breakfast offers the perfect location. Nestled in Victoria, it provides easy access to religious celebrations, cultural events, and the most captivating processions in Gozo. With a blend of comfort and history, Maria Rosa Suites ensures a memorable stay in the heart of the island’s spiritual and cultural traditions.
Experiencing Easter in Gozo offers a profound insight into the island’s cultural and religious heritage. The blend of solemn rituals, historical traditions, and community participation creates an atmosphere of deep reflection and unity. Whether you’re attending a Good Friday procession, visiting the Stations of the Cross at Għammar Hill, or simply soaking in the festive yet reverent spirit of Easter weekend in Gozo, this is a time when faith and tradition intertwine seamlessly. For visitors seeking an authentic cultural experience, Gozo during Holy Week provides a unique opportunity to witness and partake in centuries-old customs that continue to define the island’s identity.
