One of the most commonly heard ċuqlajti of Holy week is the very large revolving wooden clapper which is usually rotated in the belfry in order to be heard around the town or village. It is more common in Malta than in Gozo, and is not found in any church in Valletta. The type of construction is a hollow, equilateral cross with a number of solid wooden mallets, sticks, or a large flap hinged into each space. When rotated manually or swung from side to side, these appendages crash against the sides of the cross shape. It can usually be heard instead of bells, calling the faithful to the Good Friday function, and during Good Friday processions.
These large instruments are/were to be found in Mdina, Għargħur, Msida, Haż-Żebbuġ, Siġġiewi, Ħal-Qormi (San Ġorġ), St Paul's in Rabat, Żejtun, Ħaż-Żabbar, Għarb (Gozo)....
Mdina Cathedral ċuqlajta 2001:
A few of these instruments are now being turned mechanically/electronically rather than manually. One of these is that in Żejtun seen and heard in this video. It is played on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Thanks go to the 'Ġimgħa l-Kbira, Żejtun' facebook page 2026.
Din hija l-iżjed ċuqlajta komuni u l-akbar li tindaqq fil-kampnar tal-knisja flok il-qniepen. Dawn l-istrumenti insibuhom L-Imdina, Har-Għargħur, L-Imsida, Haż-Żebbuġ, Is-Siġġiewi, Ħal-Qormi (San Ġorġ), San Pawl ir-Rabat, iż-Żejtun, Ħaż-Żabbar, l-Għarb (Għawdex). Dejjem kienu jiddawwru bl-idejn (per eżempju fil-Katidral tal-IMdina), jew bil-ħbula kif isir f'Ħal Qormi San Ġorġ. Illum il-ġurnata hemm ċuqlajti li jiddawru b'mekkaniżmu, kif isir fil-parroċċa taż-Żejtun u xi bnadi oħra.
Din ir-reel tidher fuq il-paġna ta' Facebook tal- 'Ġimgħa l-Kbira, Żejtun'. Ħajr lilhom:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1318206610168365
