Maltese keep their promise to the King of Spain

A Maltese falcon will tomorrow start its journey from Malta to Spain after it is handed over by the 'Grand Master' to the Spanish Falconry Guild's Chief Falconer to take to the King of Spain.

The ceremony, which will be held at Victory Square, in Vittoriosa, was an annual event when Malta was ruled by the Knights.

The tradition of giving a falcon to the King of Spain started in 1530 when Malta was handed over to the Knights by Emperor Charles V. This continued until the Knights left Malta in 1797, more than 200 years ago.

Charles Galea, from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, which is organising tomorrow's re-enactment, explained that at the time, falcons were legally protected and offenders were imprisoned. He said the Maltese falcon was considered to be a superior type of falcon.

After being handed over by 'Grand Master L'Isle Adam', the falcon will head to Madrid, via Majorca and Valencia.

Mr Galea said the falcon was being brought over by the members of the Royal Falconry Guild and was expected to arrive last night.

Tomorrow's re-enactment will start with a defilé, made up of an In Guardia troupe and the falconers, from the Couvre Porte, Vittoriosa to St Lawrence church at 9.25 a.m. Mass starts at 9.45 a.m. and then members of the congregation will go to Victoria Square, adjacent to the church, where the re-enactment will take place at 11 a.m.