It’s a feast that brings joy and Peace amongst us, it gives us an identity because it is part of the village and has a place in the hearts of our children. This love for the Annunciation grew through the years, and it’s our duty to work hard and celebrate the feast as it should.

We show this from the street and church decorations – our houses the ringing of the bells, flags and marches. The fireworks display and band marches, which are seen during the whole week.

When the Society began on the 19^th of April 1920 by the name of Circolo San Gabriele, its main goal was to take care of the external feast decorations in honor of the Annunciation. The members always did their best to increase and improve the decorations along with the statues representing the prophets. The club had the "bandalora" which was embroidered with gold and in the midst of it was the Society’s emblem- the tower standing on a cloud and with the words Fortitudo Dei meaning the Strength of God.

During the years the village people decided that they should have a band of their own. We know that in 1936 there was a small band which greeted the Governor Carter on his visit to Balzan. In 1952 Gabriel Caruana was determined to fill up the place. He fulfilled his dream together with the first Band master Carmelo Briffa. Forty students came from all over Balzan to learn, along with band players which already used to play in other Bands to form part of the new St Gabriel Band.

The Band took part in many anniversary programs, and the club’s archive began to fill itself with various band marches of different composers. Since the Band was set up it always took part in the feast of the Annunciation, the most liked march is the one with the statue of St Gabriel.  This statue was done by the initiative of Gabriel Pullicino in 1993. With the help of Gabriel Ebejer money for the Tube Bells and Timpani was collected which were used for the first time on the 25^th March during the statue’s entry into the church during the millennium procession.

After the Band was formed in1952 the need for bigger premises was being felt since the Band brought more activities to the club and the society needs space to keep all the decorations of the upper part of Balzan. In 1957 the present building was bought this was the fifth place for the Society.

Although the Society has a large building, the need of space is still needed. The forming of the new sub committees, Youth and Women makes the club need more space. These two committees have organized many activities. Today although the Society has large premises, the founding of the two new committees has brought the need of more work space, so the committee has decided to build a basement and hall.

I wish to extend my greetings to all those who visit this website. I also would like to thank all those who have helped in creating this informative website which I’m sure is interesting to all the Balzan emigrants and feast enthusiasts.