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VICTORIA will once again be at the centre of Gozo's Santa Marija celebrations this Satur- day, with religious traditions, band marches and fireworks taking over the Cittadella and surrounding streets Gozo is gearing up for one of the busiest days of its summer calendar, as Victoria prepares to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady on Saturday, 15 August. Known locally as Santa Mari- ja, the feast is both a major religious occasion and one of the highlights of Gozo's festa season, drawing residents and visitors to Victoria for a day of celebrations around the Ca- thedral of the Assumption in the Cittadella. The Feast of the Assumption is also a national public holi- day, with this year's celebra- tion falling on a Saturday. Victoria's celebrations are given a distinctive backdrop by the medieval Cittadella, where the Cathedral stands at the heart of the festivities. As the day progresses, the historic centre takes on the familiar atmosphere of a Mal- tese festa, with streets dec- orated for the occasion and crowds gathering around the fortified city. The celebrations combine the religious side of the feast with some of the more recog- nisable traditions of a Gozitan festa, including music, proces- sions and fireworks. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 14 AUGUST 2026 • ISSUE 106 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday CONTINUES PAGE 4 €1.00 Personal Loans NEW BOAT? All loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from the Bank. The term of the loan must not go beyond re rement age. Issued by Bank of Valle a p.l.c. 58, Triq San Żakkarija, Il-Belt Valle a VLT 1130. Bank of Valle a p.l.c. is regulated by the MFSA and licensed to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta). Compe ve Interest Rates Gozo gears up for Santa Marija festa Gozo traffic accidents rise by 4.5% in second quarter LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt CONTINUES PAGE 5 A total of 302 road traffic acci- dents were reported in Gozo be- tween April and June, according to the National Statistics Office Road traffic accidents in Gozo increased by 4.5% in the second quarter of this year, with 302 in- cidents reported between April and June, according to figures published by the National Sta- tistics Office. The number of accidents rose by 13 compared to the same pe- riod last year. However, no road fatalities were recorded in Gozo during the quarter. Of the 302 accidents, 246 in- volved no injuries, representing a decrease of 11 cases, or 4.3%, compared to the second quarter of 2025. On 15 August, the statue is carried shoulder-high through the streets of Rabat during a procession led by the Bishop of Gozo (Photo: Daniel Cilia)