Comino Santa Marija Feast (Boat Pilgrimage)Festa ta’ Kemmuna (Santa Marija)

The Festa ta’ Kemmuna is a two-day religious celebration on Comino dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Santa Marija). It revives a centuries-old tradition with a boat pilgrimage of the statue from Gozo to Comino, followed by outdoor Masses, a traditional feast dinner, and live Maltese folk and band music 1 2. Food stalls, fireworks, and processions transform the tiny island into a lively village square party. Attendees can expect a solemn Mass and statue procession in the early evening on Saturday, followed by communal dining and entertainment. On the preceding Friday, the feast opens with historical reenactments at Santa Marija Tower and local crafts/stalls 3 2. The celebration emphasizes local customs such as boat blessings and the return of the restored 1948 statue of St. Mary to its chapel 2.

This feast marks the Assumption of St. Mary and is organized by Għajnsielem Local Council. It was revived in 2016 after a 40-year hiatus to preserve Comino’s unique religious heritage 1. Historically, Comino’s only residential area was centered around Santa Marija Tower, and the feast originally took place there. Today the local committee maintains this tradition to reinforce community identity across the two islands. The event blends solemn liturgy with the rustic charm of a village festa, reflecting communal agricultural and maritime aspects of Gozo and Comino life 2 1.