Zabbar bicycle and motorbike pilgrimage returns post COVID hiatus

Sep 11 2022

Thousands of bicycle and motorbike riders took to the streets from Mosta and Rabat in a pilgrimage dedicated to ‘Our Lady of Graces in Żabbar’.

The pilgrimage, a tradition which dates back to the 1950s, officially resumes after a two-year break imposed due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

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With motorbikes leaving from Mosta at 9am from Ġnien l-Għarusa al-Mosta, cyclists take off from Rabat, next to the Mdina Gate playground. The pilgrims will be following a painting of Our Lady of Graces.

The tradition is set to originate from a recommendation made by two MUSEUM members who heard of a pilgrimage by motorcyclists to honour Our Lady of Graces in Italy. Despite being proposed as a one-time event, the tradition stuck.

The pilgrimage was cancelled or postponed on four occasions. First in 1976 due to an election, in 1984, following the deaths of five soldiers and two police officers after a patrol boat explosion, and more recently due to the pandemic.

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Photo Source: Times of Malta

Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral confirmed for 19th of September: President George Vella to attend

Sep 11 2022

The date of the Queen’s funeral has been confirmed for the 19th of September, with King Charles III approving a bank holiday.

The monarch passed away on September 8th, 2022, with her son, formerly known as Prince Charles, ascending to the throne on September 10th.

During the proclamation, King Charles III confirmed there will be a bank holiday on the day of the Queen’s funeral. The date of the funeral has yet to be formally announced, but following tradition, it takes place 10 days after she passed away.

This would mark the 19th of September, 2022, as the date of the funeral. First, Operation Unicorn is set in motion as a result of the Queen having passed away at Balmoral Castle, Scotland

Malta’s President George Vella is also set to attend the funeral, revealing that he is awaiting more details to be released so that he can honour her memory and pay his respects.

Members of the public will be able to pay their respects at Westminster Hall, with the state funeral taking place at Westminster Abbey before the graveside service at St George’s chapel of Windsor Castle.

Millions are expected to follow the service, with thousands also set to make their way to London and join the royal family in their mourning of the Queen. A two minutes’ silence will be held at midday across the country on the funeral day.

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The fight for equality never ends says Prime Minister as he joins Pride March

Sep 11 2022

Joining the Pride March in Valletta yesterday, Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the fight for equality never ends.

‘Today’s celebration is one which highlights the massive achievements made and the will as a country to continue to achieve more’ he said, in reference to Malta’s ranking as one of the EU countries with most supportive LGBTIQ+.

Hundreds, from members of the LGBTIQ+ community as well as friends and allies, walked through the streets of Valletta yesterday, donning the Pride colours and celebrating the diversity of gender and sexuality.

According to Allied Rainbow Communities, an estimated 12,000 people marched yesterday during the event, making it one of biggest Malta Pride March yet.

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Motorcyclist grievously injured after Rabat accident

Sep 11 2022

Police were informed earlier today at around 0500hrs of an accident which occurred in Triq Buqana, Rabat.

Preliminary investigations showed that a collision had occurred between a Keeway Logik motorcycle driven by a 65-year-old Rabat resident and a Mercedes Benz driven by a 26-year-old Pembroke resident.

The motorcyclist was given immediate medical attention on site and taken to Mater Dei Hospital, where he was certified as having suffered grievous injuries.

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