Malta celebrates Santa Marija feast

As has become tradition on the Maltese islands, 15 August brings celebrations, fireworks and blue-clad feast revellers.

The date marks the day Malta was saved from starvation and critically low supply of fuel during World War II, with the arrival of British-manned American convoys.

Celebrations of the feast are characterised by fireworks and Catherine wheels dominating the night skies in many villages, as well as religious processions, food stalls, horse races, bands, parades and all-night parties.

Golden Bay (Photo: James Bianchi/mediatoday)

For some, the feast celebration is not just about the big processions and parades, but also about enjoying the relaxing sun and sea at the beach.

But how did the Maltese come to this much-loved feast?

In the midst of World War II, as Malta was the only barrier to the Nazi’s invasion of North Africa, being the United Kingdom’s only foothold in the Mediterranean. Add to this, an Italy under Moussolini’s reign in such close proximity, the Maltese islands bore witness to heavy bombings by sea and air from 1940 to 1942.

As a result, food, fuel and fighting supplies were running critically low, setting the wheels in motion for Malta to ultimately surrender. This was sure to happen by the end of August 1942.

However, 14 merchant ships, led by the Ohio, a British-manned, American vessel in Operation Pedestal, were on their way to Malta with much-needed supplies. But only a few days away from Maltese shores, the convoy was bombed by bomber planes and submarines, prompting the Maltese, with their hopes fleeting, to pray to Santa Marija for a miracle.

On 14 August, a day before The Feast of the Assumption marking the ascent into heaven by the Virgin Mary, three ships sailed into port, with the Ohio, which was carrying a large supply of fuel, reaching the island the following morning, though half underwater.

The vessel was greeted with crowds cheering and waving both British and American flags. The Maltese firmly believed it was divine intervention that brought the vessel to harbour, thus saving the nation from starvation and surrender to the Germans.

Soon after the events of that day, the ships became known as the Convoy of Santa Marija.