Light festival in Birgu - Lichterfest in Birgu
Ok, I know it's Saturday so talking about last weekend may seem a bit weird, but I really want to share this experience because it was very special to me.
Last Saturday I went to Vittoriosa for the Birgufest. I guess many cultures have some sort of a light festival. Whether it's connected to lighting candles, making huge mosaics on the ground or carrying lanterns around, there are many different variations of it. I was especially curious to see how the Maltese celebrate it not only because I love light festivals but also because it was taking place in Birgu, one of Malta's oldest and most historic places. It's located at the Grand harbor and is said to be one of the most picturesque and beautiful places on the island. Which is a big compliment as there is a number of very very pretty places in Malta.
I went to Birgu around 7 o'clock, the sun was still shining, it was still hot. But you could already tell that it would become very crowded. I was lucky to be able to go there by car as the buses I saw on the way there were totally crammed. We walked along the harbor for a little while and enjoyed the sun set. I don't have words to describe the view to be honest. The boats with their masts, peacefully swaying on the calm sea, the ancient limestone buildings in the background against the lilac orange sky, people quietly walking along the promenade. You don't even want to talk with a view like that. It's breathtakingly beautiful.
After the walk we went up to the fortification. The old part of town is on a hill with big walls separating it from the rest of the place. It reminded me a little of a medieval town but was also quite unique and different. In the old town the people living there had decorated the alleys with lantern, lights and chimes. They were hanging from houses, windows, balconies. On the ground you had jars with candles lining the walls of the buildings. The inhabitants had opened their blinders so visitors could look into their decorated living rooms, also lit with candles and fairy lights. Local bands were playing, there were food stalls and carts offering drinks, sweets, handmade jewelry, crafts and many other things. You could also see a lot of traditional Maltese art like hand-woven carpets and blankets, lace and paintings. Museums and shops were open. It was very crowded but somehow still quiet and peaceful at the same time.
The atmosphere was so special. It's exemplary for the Maltese, I'd say. They are an exceptionally kind and warm-hearted people. I don't think I've come across a place where it seems that everyone is content and friendly. You get greeted by strangers on the street. Drivers wait and let you pass with a smile on their faces. Shop assistants make polite small talk that doesn't give you the feeling of meaningless conversation. You get smiled at a lot. It's magical. And not only on special occasions like the Birgufest.
On this particular Saturday I fell in love with Malta all over again.
Some impressions of Vittoriosa/Birgu. I didn't take any photos of the lights festival though - not only because it was pretty crowded but also mostly because I wanted to take it all in and enjoy it. I guess, you'll just have to go there yourself to see it.
I went to Birgu around 7 o'clock, the sun was still shining, it was still hot. But you could already tell that it would become very crowded. I was lucky to be able to go there by car as the buses I saw on the way there were totally crammed. We walked along the harbor for a little while and enjoyed the sun set. I don't have words to describe the view to be honest. The boats with their masts, peacefully swaying on the calm sea, the ancient limestone buildings in the background against the lilac orange sky, people quietly walking along the promenade. You don't even want to talk with a view like that. It's breathtakingly beautiful.
After the walk we went up to the fortification. The old part of town is on a hill with big walls separating it from the rest of the place. It reminded me a little of a medieval town but was also quite unique and different. In the old town the people living there had decorated the alleys with lantern, lights and chimes. They were hanging from houses, windows, balconies. On the ground you had jars with candles lining the walls of the buildings. The inhabitants had opened their blinders so visitors could look into their decorated living rooms, also lit with candles and fairy lights. Local bands were playing, there were food stalls and carts offering drinks, sweets, handmade jewelry, crafts and many other things. You could also see a lot of traditional Maltese art like hand-woven carpets and blankets, lace and paintings. Museums and shops were open. It was very crowded but somehow still quiet and peaceful at the same time.
The atmosphere was so special. It's exemplary for the Maltese, I'd say. They are an exceptionally kind and warm-hearted people. I don't think I've come across a place where it seems that everyone is content and friendly. You get greeted by strangers on the street. Drivers wait and let you pass with a smile on their faces. Shop assistants make polite small talk that doesn't give you the feeling of meaningless conversation. You get smiled at a lot. It's magical. And not only on special occasions like the Birgufest.
On this particular Saturday I fell in love with Malta all over again.
Some impressions of Vittoriosa/Birgu. I didn't take any photos of the lights festival though - not only because it was pretty crowded but also mostly because I wanted to take it all in and enjoy it. I guess, you'll just have to go there yourself to see it.
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