The 12 keywords Malta

1. #Acan

It is a braided pattern of small golden balls adorning pieces of Maltese jewellery. It is attributed a Portuguese origin, the only country where similar works can be found. This work requires a special skill and skill that justifies the high price of these true works of art, as the tighter the weave, the heavier the object.

2. #Carnival

Dating back to 1535, this tradition is still very popular, especially in Valletta and Victoria (Gozo). Parades, music and dance are on the program. Floats and costumes are the subject of competitions. The king of the carnival and his chariots are accompanied by decorated horse-drawn carriages. And the balconies are taken by storm, to have a front row seat

3. #Maltese Cross #

It was introduced to the Neapolitan coast by the merchants and citizens of Amalfi, who set up a hospital on the island for the Knights returning from the Crusades. Its four branches recall the cardinal virtues: Justice, Prudence, Moderation, Courage. At the extremities, its eight points indicate the eight nationalities of origin of the Knights.

4. #DagDaghjsa (daissa)

The daïssa is a typical Maltese boat, brightly coloured, which looks like a gondola without a tail. Fishermen's boats, with less slender shapes, are called luzzu (or luzzijiet). They are characterized by their "eyes of Osiris", painted on the front of the boat. Less numerous today, these wooden boats are carefully maintained

5. #Lace

Called bizzilla, this typical art from Malta and especially from Gozo was imported by the Knights. After its decline, it was revived in the 19th century by taking up the fashion of Genoa, derived from the Venetian tradition with its rosette motifs and spirit stitches. This tradition will then be copied by other countries: France, Spain and England.

6. #Ftira

This is the name of the traditional Maltese bread. Round in shape, this sourdough bread is baked in a wood-fired oven and must be shaped by hand by the bakers. Often topped with olive oil, capers, tomatoes, tuna or onions, it is one of the most typical snacks, which has just been incorporated into the intangible heritage of UNESCO in December 2020.

7. #Globigerin

Whether you arrive in Malta by boat or plane, you will soon be fascinated by the island's soft colour. This colour is that of honey, that of globigerine, a stone used to build the sumptuous ancient palaces as well as the modern houses of the endless horizontal residential suburbs. It is one of the symbols of the archipelago.

8. #Identities

You will be very surprised by the insistence of the islanders to define themselves as Maltese or Gozitain. When you arrive in Gozo you will simply have the impression of being in another country: wilder landscapes but above all customs and habits that claim to be different from those of Malta, such as a taste for work and small economies.

9. #Prehistory

It is truly the most original wealth of Maltese heritage. But the great surprise comes from the finesse of prehistoric art as it was practiced by the tribes of the island at that time. The zoomorphic and geometric friezes of Tarxian, the fish of Bugibba, the Sleeping Lady or the Venus of Malta are a delight to the eye

10. #Tal-kantuniera

It is the equivalent of our "corner café" and a true institution of the Maltese districts and villages. Often small in size, they are sometimes affiliated to a football club, bocci (Maltese petanque) or a political party. With a basic and authentic decor: plastic tablecloth, frame with the Blessed Virgin, photos of football teams and fake flowers

11. #Ulysses

The hero of theOdyssey spent seven years as a prisoner on the island of Gozo, a captive of Calypso. The daughter of the titan Atlas gives him an enchanted cave and offers him immortality if he decides to stay. Moved by the tears of Ulysses, Zeus sends Hermes to order Calypso to release him. She will then help him return to his homeland, Ithaca.

12. #Virgin Mary #

Its popularity is extraordinary and it is revered in all walks of life and at all ages. In August, weeks are dedicated to it in many villages in Malta and Gozo, and on this occasion, people gather every evening in the main square to recite the rosary. Young people will also be seen displaying his image on their T-shirts