The Cross on the altar

The church at Naxxar. Good Friday statues are also displayed on the sides.

It is customary in Maltese churches that the Cross is placed on the main altar during the Lenten season. It is usually a large life-size crucifix, which in some parishes is taken down on Good Friday during the afternoon service, and placed on a bed with the hands of Jesus folded down on the sides. 

The old St Julian's, Lapsi church decorated on Palm Sunday.

As you can see from these two churches, the imposing figure of the crucified Jesus dominates the main altar and provides a perfect atmosphere for meditation on His passion and death, especially during Holy Week. Side walls are also decorated with black tapestry, which are taken down after Good Friday and usually replaced with red tapestry for the Easter season.