No more Monday blues

Last Monday was rather special. As usual it was a great summer day in Malta, with the hot sun pounding down onto our shoulders and the bluest sky ever. It happened to be L-Imnarja, a traditional feast appreciated by one and all.

June 29 means different things to different people, however, L-Imnarja, or the feast of St Peter and St Paul, immediately brings to mind the traditional spirit of this much-revered feast.

Maltese historian Ġużè Cassar Pullicino associates L-Imnarja with the devotion to St Paul. In fact, up until the 17th century, this feast was celebrated by the locals with a pilgrimage to the crypt that lies underneath the parish church of Rabat. A procession would pass through Rabat and finish at the Mdina Cathedral, which is dedicated to St Paul.

The word Mnarja is derived from luminarja, meaning lights and refers to bonfires found around the island. Until the 17th century, the feast was celebrated by the locals with a pilgrimage to the crypt that lies underneath the parish church of Rabat. A procession would pass through Rabat towards the cathedral in Mdina.

While the feast is celebrated in rural villages in Malta and Gozo, many opt for something relaxed with family and friends at beaches or simply at home. However, Buskett still remains the reference point when one mentions the word Imnarja. And Buskett is exactly where I want to take you. On the day, an interesting point was made by Minister George Pullicino. He stated how important it is in today's modern world for the various trades to keep updated. This may well lead to keeping up with the evolution of the supply-demand chain, local as well as foreign, with all the changes it goes through as years progress.

The reminder that our entry into the European Union opened doors and new horizons was spot on. Another interesting point was that preparations are underway for local action groups to be set up, under the EU's programme Leader. Thanks to this local action group, villages and NGOs can unite, creating an opportunity for them to be involved in improving their territory, whether it is tradition, the environment, culture or agriculture. I couldn't but think what a perfect example this is of how the EU is brought down to a localised level.

But apart from the culture, agriculture and the rest of that stuff in Buskett, last Monday was even more special as this is the Pauline year. As a Belti myself, I am used to attending the feast of St Paul in winter, continuously looking at the grey sky to see to what extent I would get soaked. But this week it was simply fascinating to see the statue being carried in the stifling heat. However, there was perhaps a more predominant issue that made the event ever grander. The statue of Floriana's St Publius entered the capital city for the first time. As the statue of St Publius was carried through City Gate, the statue of St Paul did the usual tour of our magical city. This was a symbolic moment that reminded us of St Publius welcoming St Paul to Malta in 60AD.

This was a unique unifying activity. Although there were a number of dissenting voices that believed this event could be troublesome, due to the football rivalry between the two towns, it was not marred by any incident. It was a smooth and pleasant event, with crowds gathering from Freedom Square to St John's, all through Republic Street and spilling onto adjacent streets.

While looking at the two statues next to each other, accompanied by the devout behind each statue, I kept thinking how this was indeed proof of nothing but maturity. Although hot-headed rivals in sports, this was a demonstration of all united in celebration and respect for each other.

Some months ago I wrote an article entitled Smile You're Arrested, in which I spoke of the ridiculous events that led to some Maltese being taken to court for celebrating in a totally acceptable manner at the Nadur carnival. Well, time has passed, and we are witnessing how our nation has matured, with deep respect for each other's culture and mutual understanding. This as opposed to what certain authorities did in Nadur. All in all, it was indeed a memorable Monday. I wish there could be more of them, with no sign of Monday blues!

Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.

david@davidcasa.eu, www.davidcasa.eu