Silent City turns noisy

The playful sound of the flute fluttered through Mdina's paved streets yesterday as horses trotted around and men and women in mediaeval costumes injected the city with colour.

Flowers lined the bridge that ushered visitors into a Mediaeval Mdina that contrasted with the usually Silent City.

Throughout the weekend the city, which was Malta's capital until the mid-1500s, came boisterously alive with a series of animated events.

Visitors of all ages, both locals and tourists, clicked away at their cameras to capture sword fights, jousting tournaments and archery displays.

Other curious onlookers gathered around fire jugglers or had a go at holding a falcon or other birds of prey.

The city also served as a stage for various exhibitions, lectures, performances and games that included a human chess tournament.

The public also got glimpse into traditional mediaeval trades, ranging from pottery making to the milking of goats, and a taste of food from the era.

The Mediaeval Mdina festival was organised by the Mdina local council in collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority and other entities.