In pictures: Pilgrims ride to Żabbar on feast of Our Lady of Graces

Pilgrims, on their motorcycles and bicycles, made their way to Żabbar on Sunday morning as the town celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Graces.

The tradition dates back to the 1950s. 

Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

On Sunday morning those on bicycles gathered in Rabat while those on motorcycles met in Mosta. The two groups then rode in unison to the Żabbar church as the town's parish priest blessed the pilgrimes. 

The motorcycle pilgrimage dates to 1951, while cyclists were allowed to join the journey in 1955.

Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The original idea came about after two MUSEUM (Society of Christian Doctrine) members heard of a pilgrimage by motorcyclists to honour Our Lady of Graces in Italy and proposed a similar event for what was planned to be a one-off event.

Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

However, after a two-year hiatus, a year dedicated to Our Lady was announced by Pope Paul VI. The pilgrimage was reintroduced, this time to become an annual event.

The pilgrimage was cancelled or postponed on four occasions. In 1976, an election led to the cancellation of all festivities in Żabbar and, in 1984, the event was postponed after an explosion on a patrol boat led to the deaths of five soldiers and two police officers. In 2020 and 2021, the event was cancelled due to COVID-19.

In 2003, the Vatican announced that Our Lady of Graces in Żabbar was to become the patron of motorcyclists and cyclists.

In 2007, the children’s pilgrimage began.

Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Among the pilgrims this year were prime minister Robert Abela, and Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri.

Prime minister Robert Abela among the pilgrims. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli