Cyclists and motorcyclists from across Malta have continued a tradition stretching back 75 years as they made their way to Ħaż-Żabbar in honour of Our Lady of Graces.
The annual pilgrimage returned on Sunday, 13 September, coinciding with the titular feast of Our Lady of Graces and a particularly significant anniversary year for the Żabbar sanctuary.
Participants travelled towards the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces, where the pilgrimage was scheduled to arrive at 12.30pm before a short celebration on the church parvis. The official 2026 feast programme marks this year as 75 years since the pilgrimage began in 1951.
Members of Għaqda Kultura u Armar Marija Annunzjata of Tarxien were among those taking part, continuing an annual tradition for the organisation.
A tradition dating back to 1951
The pilgrimage has its roots in 1951, the same year in which the titular painting of Our Lady of Graces was solemnly crowned.
This year’s pilgrimage therefore forms part of a wider anniversary for Ħaż-Żabbar. September 2026 marks 75 years since the coronation of the titular painting, an occasion being commemorated through a special programme of religious celebrations at the sanctuary.
Decades after the pilgrimage first began, the sight of cyclists and motorcyclists travelling towards Ħaż-Żabbar remains part of the feast tradition, bringing together faith, community and generations of participants from around Malta.
