Traffic-free road boosts business in Marsascala

The much-needed fillip that Marsascala is yearning for to stimulate tourism in the area was put to the test last weekend with the launch of a pilot project for the pedestrianisation of Triq ix-Xatt.

According to feedback received by the locality's mayor Mario Calleja and the Marsascala Bars and Restaurants Association, the experiment proved to be quite successful with bars and restaurants registering good business as they were allowed to extend their seating areas outdoors.

After further studies and consultations with the various authorities, this initiative could be extended to cover all weekends during the summer months.

Some of the outlets also provided entertainment, creating an atmosphere witnessed in other localities popular with both locals and tourists such as Buġibba and the St Julians/Sliema area.

Coinciding with the project were the Iljieli Skalin activities, reaching their climax on Marsascala Day, September 7.

The activities were spread over a whole week and included a crafts, models and folklore exhibition, variety programmes, band marches by St Anne Band Club, a bowling tournament, a musical evening featuring In-Nafra, Etnika, Ġużeppi Spagnol, the Paul Curmi Dancers and Joe Chetcuti, a vintage car show and a classical evening with the participation of the Amadeus Choir and the Mandy Ballet Academy, among others.

The activities were coordinated by Alfred Debono in conjunction with Godwin and Connie Cini.

To mark the occasion, the council gave various awards including Ġieħ Marsaskala to Marsascala parish priest Fr Martin Micallef and Fr Joe Abela of Żejtun who is well known for his pastoral work in the parish.

Other awards went to Maria Laura Mifsud, Patricia Debono, Joyce Chetchuti, Clifford Chetchuti, Albert Felice and Joe Sant. The council also made cash donations to persons with special needs.

Fr Govann Cefai Camilleri, a missionary in Peru, was given €1,760 raised during a concert held in Marsascala in aid of a clinic being built in Peru. Fr Cefai Camilleri was aslo given a Marsascala banner to be displayed at the entrance of the clinic as a sign of bondage between the two peoples.