Xewkija Feast of St. John the BaptistFesta ta’ San Ġwann Battista

Held on the Sunday closest to June 24th each year, Xewkija’s Feast of St. John the Baptist is a quintessential Gozitan village festa centered around the parish church (a 17th-century rotunda) 1. The town is decorated with grand wooden banners and lights. A distinctive feature is the towering ceremonial umbrella erected in the square, symbolizing protection of the saint’s statue from the sun 2. Festivities include solemn Masses, evening band marches through the streets, fireworks, and the unique 'Galotoly disa' tradition of walking up to the statue in the church as part of the opening night. Concludes with a bonfire or 'ħruq tal-fanal' lit at midnight to celebrate the Nativity of St. John.

St. John the Baptist is the patron saint of Xewkija, and the feast is Xewkija’s main cultural event. The custom of carrying illuminated statues and banners dates back to the Knights’ era, fostering community identity through religious devotion and festive competition between bands 1. The festival’s umbrella (‘l-umbrella’) and elaborate illuminations highlight local craftsmanship in festa decorations, a hallmark of Gozitan village traditions.