The two Franciscan churches of Saint Mary of Jesus (Ta’ Giezu) in Valletta and Rabat are the venues of traditional processions with statues and biblical pageants related to the Passion of Christ. The Valletta procession as we know it today is the oldest one in the Maltese islands, dating from 1646, while the Rabat procession also contains some statues which date to the 17th century.

In the Maltese Islands these processions within the Paschal Triduum are very significant. Many people attend the church liturgical celebrations on Holy or Maundy Thursday (commemorating the Last Supper and the washing of the feet of the apostles), with the old tradition of visiting 7 churches to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. On Good Friday afternoon, round about 3pm the solemn celebration of the Lord’s Passion takes place, followed by the processions. On Saturday night the celebration of the Solemn Easter Vigil introduces the joyous Easter season. It includes the liturgy of the new fire, the liturgy of the word, the liturgy of baptism and the Eucharistic celebration.