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The Election of Grand Master Alof De Wignacourt
This year the festival happened to coincide with the 400th Anniversary of the election of Frenchman Alof De Wignacourt to the post of Grandmaster of the Order of St John.

The reenactment in the streets of Valletta, culminating in Great Siege Square, took place on Sunday 22nd April.  The clouds above threatened to spoil the spectacle, but luckily held back ...

The Grandmaster was normally chosen amongst the highest-ranking knights of the Order - who would have invariably had illustrious careers achieving distinction in their virtues and merits.  The proceedings took place in the Conventual Church of St John.

Following the election a detachment of the military militia would march down Strada San Giorgio, now renamed Republic Street. 

The Grandmaster's Carriage
The Grandmaster would arrive in his Carriage. In some instances the horses were removed, to be replaced by individuals from the crowd who would draw the carriage amidst cheers and applause.

The Knights congregated in front of the magisterial canopy.  The Grandmaster's Palace, now the Official Seat of the President and the House of Representatives is seen in the background.