Christmas Eve Procession

{{short description|Component of Christmas celebrations in Malta}}

A procession on Christmas Eve is a common part of Christmas celebrations in Malta. The tradition originates in a procession led by Saint George Preca ({{Langx|mt|Dun Ġorġ}}) in Hamrun in 1921, and spread across the island over the next two decades.{{Cite book |last=Cassar-Pullicino |first=Joseph |title=Studies in Maltese Folklore |publisher=University of Malta |year=1992 |edition=2nd |pages=41}}{{cite web |last1=Rossitto |first1=Andrea |title=100th anniversary of first procession with Baby Jesus |url=https://tvmnews.mt/en/news/100th-anniversary-of-first-procession-with-baby-jesus/ |website=TVM News |access-date=25 January 2024 |date=23 December 2021}} In order to curtail mishaps of crowd impacting, spectators are encouraged to watch the procession from windows and balconies.{{cite news |title=No barriers for traditional baby Jesus procession - Fearne |url=https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/no-barriers-for-traditional-baby-jesus-procession-fearne.921832 |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=Times of Malta |date=18 December 2021 |language=en-gb}}

The procession of the Baby Jesus was not held by the Archdiocese of Malta for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed in 2022. Children dress up as figures from the Bible, accompanied by the singing of Christmas carols.{{cite web |title=Procession of baby Jesus returns after two years |url=https://church.mt/procession-of-baby-jesus-returns-after-two-years/ |website=Archdiocese of Malta |access-date=18 January 2024 |date=24 December 2022}}