The Brimbank community will come together for a weekend of festivities to mark the 41st year of the Festa Santa Marija Assunta in Deer Park.
The traditional procession is a part of the Festa Santa Marija Assunta, celebrated on August 15 each year and marks the ascent into heaven by the Virgin Mary.
It will take place on Thursday, August 15 from 6.15pm, and the service nn Maltese and English will include a presentation of flowers to Santa Marija and the carrying of the statue, with a celebratory mass accompanied by the M.W.F. Philippine Choir.
Following the service The MMG Concert Band of Victoria will be playing Marian Hymnal Marches. This is held at the St Peter Chanel, 800 Ballarat Road, Deer Park.
Then on Saturday, August 17, the Luxor function centre on Sydenham Road will play host to the annual Santa Marija Assunta dinner dance from 6.30pm.
Music will be played by DJ Dominic and traditional Maltese band Philharmonic Society inc.
On Sunday, August 18, the festivities will return to the St Peter Chanel, for a Festa Day service at 2pm, and a procession parade from 3.30pm.
Organiser Frank Galea said the celebrations pay tribute to the Maltese culture so many locals feel great nostalgia, with a strong Maltese community in the area.
For tickets to the dinner dance, contact Frank: galeafrank@ymail.com
Gerald Lynch
