Crowds turn out for baby Jesus procession in Valletta

The procession ended with a ceremony at St John's Co-Cathedral

Last night saw families take part in a procession through the streets of Valletta, celebrating the baby Jesus as part of a long-standing Christmas tradition.

Crowds of people passed through the streets of the capital last night, holding aloft an illuminated model of the baby Jesus in his crib, set atop a wooden dais.

Crowds took part in the procession through the nation's capital. Photo: St John's Co-Cathedral/Facebook.Crowds took part in the procession through the nation's capital. Photo: St John's Co-Cathedral/Facebook.

The procession began at 5.30pm, ending with a ceremony at the Co-Cathedral of St John featuring a novena – a traditional Christian devotion – led by Bishop George Frendo, readings and traditional Christmas carols.

The co-cathedral described the event as an opportunity for “moments of prayer, reflection and devotion, in the heart of Malta’s capital city”.

People of all ages took part. Photo: St John's Co-Cathedral/Facebook.People of all ages took part. Photo: St John's Co-Cathedral/Facebook.

In a Facebook post, the Valletta Cultural Agency (VCA) called the event a “very beautiful tradition”, noting it had been “discontinued for some time” before returning on Thursday night.

The tradition was originally started by St George Preca (1880-1962).

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