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RELIGION IN THE MALTESE ISLANDS
| The official Maltese religion is Roman Catholic,
claiming to represent the belief of 97% of the Maltese population.
Like all European countries, Malta allows freedom of religious
expression, so that there is a minority of Protestant, Greek
Orthodox, Muslim and Jewish believers. |
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Services for all religions are
held in Malta. In particular, the Roman Catholic Church holds
services in the major European languages in a number of churches
on the island, such as the Church of St Agatha, Republic Street,
Valletta and the Chapel of Our Lady of Victory in Valletta,
the capital city.
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Religion is integrated into the
culture of the Maltese islands. Besides the numerous churches,
chapels, alcoves and statues one can see in and around Maltese
towns and villages, one of the greatest attractions is the
Maltese village feast dedicated to the celebration of the
village's patron saint.
During the whole week of festivities, one can enjoy band
marches with dancing in the streets, confetti throwing, a
great variety of fireworks which each village prides itself
with and competes with other towns for the best show, and
also the costly outdoor decorations which are so elaborate
that the actual decorations start approximately one month
prior to the feast week. The festivities culminate on Sunday
when the statue of the patron saint is carried in procession
around the village. |
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