Annual Festa Il-Victoria
Save the date for the 2024 Annual Festa - Sunday, September 8th! More details to come soon.
History of the Festa
Each September 8th the Maltese gather to celebrate Our Lady of Victory, Maria Bambina. September 8th is the Birth of Our Lady, the Mother of God and is tied to two important dates of victory and rebirth in history. The first victory is known as the Great Siege of 1565. This is where the Ottoman Empire was set out to crush Christianity in Europe and established base in Malta. For five months the island defended the shores and on 8 September 1565 the remaining Turkish army left Malta. Then again during the Second World War, after three years of withstanding bombs from the Italian air force, the Maltese people and British forces defended the islands and the siege was truly lifted on 8 September 1943 when Italy ceded.
Celebration
The Maltese American Benevolent Society has been hosting the Festa Il-Victoria for the past 13 years. This is a day of joyous celebration. The day begins with a Mass at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church followed by festivities at the Maltese American Benevolent Society in Detroit, Michigan. Traditional Maltese dishes are served as well as American cuisine. In addition to food, there are Maltese vendors and a 50/50 raffle. This event is the pinnacle of Maltese Celebration in Detroit.
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On September 10th, 2023, we held our 14th annual festa. The day started with Mass at Most Holy Trinity. The club paraded the statue of Our Lady of Victory, commissioned in Malta, and blessed by Monsignor Kosanke. The day was warm and nice with a large turnout. Rabbit Stew and Baked Macaroni were the highlighted Maltese dishes. Our vendors included Rachel Cini-Darin with Petite Patriots, Paul & Maria Galea with homemade Maltese cheese, Sandy Chavarria & Cina Reyes-Garay with handmade crafts, Easther Martinez with homemade Maltese & Italian cookies, and Michele Sant Angelo (Hooked on A Flame) with candles, wax melts & soy items . Overall, it was a great event! The 15th annual Festa will take place on September 8th, 2024. Be on the lookout for more details!
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Take a look at the 2023 Festa Booklet by clicking on the middle picture below!
A special thank you to the following people:
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Earrings for Statue of Mary - donated by Eleno Sammut & Joe & Lisa Said
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Ring Presented to Monsignor Kosanke - donated by Eleno Sammut & Lou Grech Cumbo
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Eight Vinyl Blue Banners - donated by Tanya Caruana
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Four Long Cloth Banners - donated by Eleno Sammut & Lou Grech Cumbo
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Saint Red Banners - donated by Malta Band Clubs (St. Helen, St. Anthony, The Duke of Connaught)
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Rabbits for Festa Dinners - donated by John & Grace Caruana
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Desserts Donated to Club for Cash Sale - donated by Mary Anne Hart & Peggy Gladstone