Marsaxlokk is the oldest fishing village in Malta. It just takes 35 minutes by bus to get from Valletta to Marsaxlokk. The 27 bus route to Marsaxlokk costs 50 cents of a euro and is well worth the trip. If you go on a Sunday there is an open air fish market and can even get a taste of the local catch from the small restaurants in the area.
There are some 60 events throughout the year; most of these take place during the summer months. The Maltese festa has a long established tradition and relate to religious celebrations.
Valletta with its 25 churches, which date back to the knights of Malta offers the best possible insight into the culture of these feasts in Malta. Some statues which are taken out on these special occasions, date back to the fifteenth century. Streets are decorated with brightly coloured banners and offer a festive and vibrant celebration. The grand finale of these festivities is the fireworks display which draws a huge crowd.
The pictures show the life size statue of St Rita being carried by a team of man. This is an exhausting exercise and is a tradition which dates back to centuries. Pictures were taken in Old Bakery street Valletta minutes away from Maison La Vallette.
It is always good to plan your holidays to coincide with a special event. If you are interested in classic cars May is the month to plan your holidays. Valletta Grand Prix and Classic Car event transforms the streets around Valletta Bastions into an exciting venue which will take you back in time with such classics as Alfa Romeo, Jaguars, MG’s and many more. You will be able to meet up with the owners who are passionate about their prized possession. The classic car race is an exhilarating event in itself; with a timed race which takes place around Marsamxett harbour area with the magnificent bastions as the back drop.
Hastings Gardens is the best place to spend a lazy afternoon. This is a public garden in Valletta, Malta and is located on top of the bastions West side of the City Gate. The garden offer the best views of Floriana, Sliema and Manoel Island. Here you will also find the monument in honor of Francis, Marquis of Hastings who was governor of Malta under the British rule. Lord Hastings died in 1827 and is buried in the secluded garden. It is truly worth a visit and is just a few minutes walk from Maison La Vallette.
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When you go off the beaten tourist track you will come across a surrealist landscape which takes you by surprise. The still Mediterranean waters extend as far as the eye can see with sudden interruptions of a Dali landscape. All this is to be found just ten minutes walk below the bastions very close to Fort st. Elmo in Valletta. It is a place where you can fantasize about the Great Siege and the battles that took place on these very shores.
Marsaxlokk is the foremost fishing village and, perhaps, the most picturesque seaside locality in Malta. Fishing nets are often spread on the quay to dry in the sun and, quite often, sturdy fishermen can be seen mending these nets. These activities, together with the modest houses by the quayside, lend the place charm and serenity.
Most of Malta’s fish supplies are caught by fishermen coming from this port. Swordfish, tuna, and the popular ‘lampuki’ are caught in abundance between spring and late autumn. On weekdays, the catch is taken to the fish-market in Valletta, but on Sundays fish is retailed by fishermen in the open on the quay.
Fish restaurants have opened to meet the ever-increasing demand. The tourist influx to Marsaxlokk has also attracted many hawkers and souvenir vendors.
The boats used by the fisherman are colourful and have the iconic ‘evil’ eye emblem on the sides to ward off bad spirits.
These pictures were taken on a spring day and show the catch of the day.
The Siege Bell is situated near the Lower Barrakka Gardens, and is a Memorial to the people who died during World War II. Malta was severely bombed by the Axis powers during the war.