The Għasri Feast 2026 celebrates Christ the Saviour and is one of the most distinctive village festas on Gozo. Held in the island’s smallest village, the feast combines religious traditions, processions, live music, community events, and fireworks in a setting that feels more intimate than many of Gozo’s larger celebrations.
While Victoria, Nadur, and Xewkija often attract the biggest crowds, the Għasri feast offers a quieter and more authentic experience where visitors can enjoy the atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed.
Quick Overview
Location: Għasri, western Gozo
Dedication: Christ the Saviour (Is-Salvatur)
Main Feast Day: Sunday, 7 June 2026
Peak Celebrations: Friday to Sunday
Highlights: Solemn procession, band performances, fireworks, village decorations, parish celebrations
Best Time to Visit: Sunday evening from 7:00pm onwards
What Is the Għasri Festa?
The feast honours Christ the Eucharistic Redeemer, known locally as Is-Salvatur.
For local families, the celebration is one of the most important events of the year. Streets are decorated, homes display feast banners, and the village square becomes the centre of activity throughout the weekend.
Although Għasri is the smallest village on Gozo, its feast remains an important part of the island’s summer festa calendar.
At the heart of the celebrations is the titular statue of Christ the Saviour, sculpted by Michael Camilleri Cauchi. Commissioned in 1980, the statue was completed in 1982 and remains one of the focal points of the annual feast.
Full Programme for Għasri Feast 2026
Friday, 5 June 2026
8:00pm – Iklafest Fundraiser
The annual Iklafest fundraising event takes place in Pjazza s-Salvatur. The evening includes entertainment by the Joy Givers Group and marks the final day of the traditional triduum celebrations.
Saturday, 6 June 2026
6:30pm – Concelebrated Mass
Bishop Anton Teuma leads a concelebrated Mass with the participation of adolescents and young people from the parish. During the celebration, the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion will be administered.
7:30pm – Procession with the Blessed Sacrament
A procession with the Blessed Sacrament leaves the parish church and moves through the village streets. The procession is led by Mgr Michael Mintoff and accompanied by the Visitation Band of Għarb.
8:45pm – Band Concert
The Visitation Band performs a musical programme in Pjazza s-Salvatur.
10:00pm – Audiovisual Show and Fireworks
The evening concludes with an audiovisual presentation and a ground fireworks display organised by the Fontana Fireworks Association.
Sunday, 7 June 2026 – Feast Day
9:00am – Pontifical Mass
The principal feast Mass is concelebrated by Bishop Anton Teuma. The Lauda Sion Parish Choir provides the liturgical music under the direction of maestro di cappella Ivan Attard.
6:30pm – Evening Mass
The final Mass before the feast procession.
7:45pm – Solemn Feast Procession
The procession with the statue of Christ the Eucharistic Redeemer leaves the parish church and passes through the decorated streets of Għasri.
The procession is led by Mgr Michael Mintoff and accompanied by the Visitation Band of Għarb.
During the Procession
The Allegro Clefs Band performs a musical programme in Pjazza s-Salvatur.
After the Procession
The Visitation Band presents a further musical programme in the village square.
10:30pm – Parish Celebration and Fireworks
The weekend concludes with a festive gathering at the parish centre followed by fireworks.
What to Expect During the Feast
Traditional Village Atmosphere
Unlike some of Gozo’s larger festas, the Għasri feast remains deeply local.
Visitors can comfortably walk through the village streets, watch the procession from close range, and enjoy the celebrations without the large crowds often found elsewhere on the island.
Religious Traditions
Faith remains at the centre of the celebrations.
The Masses, processions, and parish events continue traditions that have been passed down through generations and remain important to village life.
Music and Band Performances
Band music is a key part of every Gozitan festa.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy performances by the Visitation Band of Għarb as well as the Allegro Clefs Band in the village square.
Fireworks
Fireworks form part of both Saturday and Sunday evening celebrations.
The displays may be smaller than those seen during some of Gozo’s largest festas, but they add to the festive atmosphere and can be enjoyed from several viewpoints around the village.
Visitor Tips
Arrive Early on Sunday
The procession begins at 7:45pm, but arriving around 7:00pm allows time to explore the decorated streets and find a good viewing position.
Parking
Parking is generally easier than at larger village festas. However, some roads near the church square may have temporary restrictions during the main celebrations.
Photography
The best photographs are often taken shortly before sunset when the limestone buildings begin to glow in the warm evening light.
Family Friendly
The Għasri feast is suitable for families and visitors looking for a relaxed introduction to Gozo’s festa culture.
Why Visit the Għasri Feast?
The Għasri feast offers a different side of Gozo.
Instead of large crowds and busy streets, visitors experience a celebration that remains closely connected to the village community. The combination of religious traditions, music, fireworks, and local hospitality creates an atmosphere that feels genuine and welcoming.
For travellers looking to experience an authentic village festa in Gozo, Għasri is one of the best places to start.
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Explore Gozo MaltaFAQ
When is the Għasri Feast 2026?
The main feast day takes place on Sunday, 7 June 2026. Celebrations begin on Friday evening and continue throughout the weekend with religious services, processions, concerts, and fireworks.
What is the Għasri feast dedicated to?
The feast honours Christ the Saviour, known locally as Is-Salvatur or Christ the Eucharistic Redeemer. It is one of the most important religious celebrations in the village calendar.
Is the Għasri feast suitable for visitors?
Yes. The feast is welcoming to both locals and visitors. Its smaller size makes it easier to experience than some of Gozo’s larger festas while still offering traditional processions, music, and fireworks.
What time does the main procession start?
The solemn feast procession begins at 7:45pm on Sunday evening and passes through the decorated streets of the village before returning to the parish church.
Where is Għasri?
Għasri is located in western Gozo between Victoria and the coastal area of Wied il-Għasri. It is the smallest village on the island and is known for its peaceful rural setting.
