Malta Revealed: Unveiling Island Life
I never knew that…..
But you probably did. As we all know, even me, there are 54 cards in a deck of playing cards, but do you know why? Let me explain.
There are 2 Joker cards, 1 of which represents the sun and the other, the moon. The remaining 52 cards are the number of weeks in a year, and the 4 suits, hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades, are the 4 seasons of the year.
Each suit contains 13 cards which is the number of weeks each season lasts (not sure about that, but it sounds plausible). If you add up the value of all the cards in a suit, it comes to 91, and if the 2 Joker cards are regarded as having a value of 1 each, then using 1 joker, the total is 365, the number of days in a year. If you add the 2nd joker, the total is 366, the number of days in a leap year.
Here are the maths;
91 x 4 suits = 364 + 1 joker = 365.
91 x 4 suits = 364 + 2 jokers = 366.
How clever is that?
Games and Pastimes
These play an important part in the local Maltese culture. I have already told you about Bocci (bowls), and here are a couple more that I have heard about.
Dghajsa Races
Often just called the National Regatta, are traditional boat races that take place in the Grand Harbour of Valletta on the 31st March and the 8th September each year. The races involve traditional Maltese boats called ‘dghajsa’, pronounced in English as Garge-Sa, which are rowed. Although I haven’t seen it, I am told that it is an event that attracts both competitors and spectators.
Fenkata
This seems to be a strange pastime, but Fenkata is a traditional Maltese feast centred around rabbit dishes. It is a social gathering where family and friends meet to enjoy a meal typically consisting of rabbit stewed or cooked in various ways. Fenkata is not only about the food but more about socialising and celebrating Maltese traditions.
A Fenkata is usually held away from the home, at a simple no frills establishment in a rural village. Picture wooden tables pushed together and chairs running along the side, with a large family, group of friends or colleagues sitting together ready to feast.
There will be wine, lots of it, and there will be messy fingers because using a knife and fork is out of the question.
The most common starter is spaghetti with rabbit sauce, and while waiting for that, you might be offered fried offals garnished with herbs and perhaps some snails. In Malta, in contrast to France, snails are a farmer’s dish. The main course will be chunks of rabbit meat served with fries or roast potatoes and some vegetables.
Spaghetti with rabbit sauce is made with a rich tomato sauce with garlic, peas and herbs. Fried rabbit comes with lots of garlic and seasoning, while rabbit stew is made by simmering the rabbit meat in a rich wine with tomato sauce and bay leaves.
Fenkata portions tend to be massive and highly likely to put you into a food coma. Although Fenkata is a feasting of sorts, in Malta, gluttony seems to be a national sport.
Għana
This is a form of traditional folk singing in Malta. It is performed in a style known as ‘spirtu pront’ or ‘improvised poetry’, where singers create verses on the spot while accompanied by a guitar, lute, or accordion. Għana sessions are popular in local bars and festivals and provide an insight into Maltese culture and history.
The Maltese people take pride in their cultural traditions and enjoy taking part in these activities, which serve as a way to connect with their history and heritage while providing entertainment and enjoyment for all.
Utilities
As an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta gets its gas, electricity, and water through a combination of domestic production, imports, and various infrastructure systems.
Gas
The country primarily relies on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for its gas needs. LPG is imported, and the primary source of LPG for Malta comes from North Africa and other Mediterranean suppliers. The gas is then put into cylinders which are available to buy and are replaced by trucks who travel round the island. For general cooking uses, a cylinder can last for about a month before it is empty.
Electricity
The primary source of electricity generation is the Delimara Power Station, which consists of two main units: Delimara 1 and Delimara 2. Delimara 1 is a traditional oil-fired power plant, while Delimara 2 is a combined cycle gas turbine plant. These power plants use fossil fuels and natural gas to produce electricity.
Malta is also connected to the electricity grid of Sicily, through an undersea cable known as the Malta-Sicily Interconnector. This allows Malta to import electricity from Sicily when needed and export excess electricity when it has a surplus. The interconnector, which was completed in 2015, cost €182 million (about £155 million), and the total length of the cable is 120 km (75 miles).
Delimara Power Station
Renewable energy sources are also being increasingly integrated into Malta's electricity mix. Solar panels are installed on some rooftops and in solar farms across the country, harnessing the abundant sunlight Malta receives. Wind turbines are also being used, primarily onshore and in coastal areas, and these renewable sources help diversify Malta's energy mix and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Water
As Malta faces water scarcity due to its limited freshwater resources, it has to rely on a mixture of methods to meet its water needs.
Desalination plants are a crucial component of Malta's water supply infrastructure. These plants use reverse osmosis technology to convert seawater into freshwater, making it suitable for consumption and other uses. Desalinated water accounts for a significant portion of Malta's water supply.
Malta also taps into groundwater resources through wells and boreholes. However, over extraction of groundwater has led to the depletion of aquifers, so this source is being carefully managed and supplemented with other sources.
To conserve water and reduce strain on the water supply, rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Malta. Many buildings have systems in place to collect rainwater, primarily for non drinking, but for uses such as irrigation and flushing toilets.
Efforts are underway to promote water conservation, including public awareness campaigns, leakage detection programs, and the implementation of water-saving technologies.
The Feast of the Assumption
Also known as the Feast of Santa Marija, it is one of the most significant religious events in Malta and celebrated on the 15th of August each year to honour the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven. It is also a public holiday.
The Feast is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm, and the celebrations typically last for several days, with the main events occurring on the 14th and 15th of August. The feast is celebrated in 7 towns and villages across the island.
The Feast of the Assumption in Mosta 2022
During the festivities, the streets are decorated with banners, lights, and statues. The main attraction is a grand procession featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary, which is carried from the church and paraded through the streets either on the shoulders of men, or on a float, with the procession accompanied by marching bands.
Malta is renowned for its elaborate fireworks shows, and the Feast of the Assumption is no exception. Spectacular fireworks will light up the night sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
In addition to the religious and cultural events, the Feast of the Assumption also features traditional music, folklore performances, and various forms of entertainment. Local artisans and craftsmen showcase their skills, and traditional food stalls offer a wide array of Maltese delicacies.
The Feast of the Assumption holds great religious significance for the predominantly Catholic population of Malta. It commemorates the belief that after the completion of her earthly life, the body and soul of the Virgin Mary was taken into Heaven. It is a time for devout Catholics to express their faith and devotion to the Virgin Mary.
National Anthem
The National Anthem of Malta is called ‘L-Innu Malti’, which translates to ‘The Maltese Anthem’ in English. The lyrics of the anthem were written by Dun Karm Psaila, a Maltese priest and poet, and the music was composed by Robert Sammut. ‘L-Innu Malti’ was officially adopted as the national anthem of Malta in 1945.
Translated from Maltese into English, these are the words.
Guard her, O Lord, as ever Thou hast guarded
This Motherland so dear whose name we bear
Keep her in mind, whom Thou hast made so fair.
May he who rules, for wisdom be regarded
In master mercy, strength in man increase
Confirm us all, in unity and peace.
Filming
Malta has become a popular destination for film makers due to its various landscapes and historical architecture. The country's picturesque locations have been featured in numerous films and TV shows, and here are some notable film locations used in Malta which you may or may not know about.
The capital city Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well preserved Baroque architecture. It has served as a backdrop for several productions, including ‘Assassin's Creed’ (2016) and ‘World War Z’ (2013).
Mdina, (the ‘Silent City’), offers a unique backdrop for historical and fantasy films. It was prominently featured in the first season of the popular TV series ‘Game of Thrones’, as the setting for King's Landing.
Located in Anchor Bay, Popeye Village is a tourist attraction and film set originally built for the 1980 musical film ‘Popeye’ starring Robin Williams. The village is still a popular spot for visitors and has been used in various productions, including ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ (2002) and ‘Swept Away’ (2002).
Although the Azure Window, a natural limestone arch on the island of Gozo collapsed in 2017, it was one of Malta's most iconic film locations. It appeared in films such as ‘Clash of the Titans’ (1981) and ‘Game of Thrones’. Despite the arch's absence, the location still offers stunning coastal landscapes that continue to attract film makers.
Situated in Kalkara close to the Grand Harbour in Valletta, Fort Ricasoli is a 17th century fortress that has been used as a filming location for numerous movies and TV shows. It appeared in ‘Gladiator’ (2000) and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ (1998).
The Blue Grotto, a series of sea caves and rock formations on the southern coast of Malta, provides breathtaking natural beauty. It has been featured in films like ‘Troy’ (2004) and ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ (2003).
Mellieħa Bay, also known as Ghadira Bay, is a popular sandy beach located in the north of Malta and has been used as a film location for various movies and TV series, including ‘Troy’ (2004) and ‘By the Sea’ (2015).