Għaxaq is a village in the Southern Region of Malta, with a population of 5,538 as of November 2021. The surrounding areas are predominantly used for agriculture. The village’s name likely originates from the surname of a local noble family, Axiaq, who were feudal landholders in the 14th century, or it may be derived from the Maltese word meaning delight.
Għaxaq
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Għaxaq
BACKGROUND
WHAT TO SEE
The village’s main church is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, popularly known in Maltese as Santa Marija, which is therefore the village’s patron saint. Celebrations take place annually from 30 July to 15 August. A secondary feast is celebrated on the week before the first Sunday of June. This is dedicated to Saint Joseph, husband of Mary. He is also the saint patron of the church. During these feasts the village is decorated with highly artistic statues and colourful lights and banners.
A house in Għaxaq known locally is Dar tal-Bebbux. The house, dating back to the 19th century, belonged to Indri Dimech, who started to decorate its façade in 1898 with hundreds of snails and seashells which he sourced from Maltese and foreign beaches.
The property includes three niches, the one on the side elevation relates to the crucifixion, whilst the other two, located on the main façade hold the statues of St Joseph and St Andrew.
It is unclear where Dimech got his idea from, but some suggest that he adopted similar practices when living abroad.
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
Ghaxaq is renowned for its unique Good Friday procession, which takes place on Palm Sunday evening—a week before Easter Sunday—and serves as a major highlight of Holy Week in Malta. This solemn period is marked by religious observances such as the blessing of palms, church services, and public displays of devotion. The procession in Ghaxaq begins at 5:30 p.m. and mirrors other Maltese traditions by featuring a parade of statues that depict scenes from the Passion of Christ. Participants often dress as biblical figures or walk as penitents, creating a reflective and reverent atmosphere that signals the beginning of Holy Week in the village.
