Petards drive expat out of Malta

Andrew Cachia

Aug 30th 2009, 11:29

unfortunately or fortunately, the Maltese economy is different to Uk, Germany, sweden etc being totally dependent on foreign investment and tourism therefore dependent on foreigners including expats. obviously you can't please all but the mentality of " if you donty like it go back to your country) if ridiculously stupid dangerous and reflect the frame of mind of people who are living in a box. if these individuals go back home, we could face a situation of loss of jobs income etc. Malta is competing with other countries who offer similar and most cases better opportunities for holiday makers and others seeking new pasteurs in warmer and more friendly countries. have a look at the reviews of Maltese hotels on booking.com and the feedback is alarming including feedback of a well known 5 star hotel. going back to the fireworks the problem here is not fireworks itself but the noise levels which certainly need to be regularised. and what is the purpose of the loud bang at 8.am on sunday moring? dont we have enough noise during the week...crains trucks bowsers jiggers drills etc

G Falzon

Aug 30th 2009, 10:46

@ Ivan Falzon / Claire Farrugia and ALL those in favour of noisy petards
You all have a look at backpage The Sunday Times 30th August 2009. Is this what you are for? Is this acceptable to you by any stretch of excuses? In the village where I live, several water cisterns (wells) are cracked and start leaking and we have had master masons and architects attributing this to petards. There were several instances when glass panes in closed windows got shattered. Can someone come up with just ONE benefit for the excessive sound of petards? Do not tell me "These are the soul of Malta"!

G Falzon

Aug 30th 2009, 10:07

@Claire Farrugia: "As a Maltese living abroad, i can write a book about intolerance we Maltese have to endure when we live abroad, so why should it be otherwise in Malta? " In answer to your question, first and foremost, because two wrongs do not make a right. This is a "fundamentalist" mentality, existent in many religions: an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth". Yes, this is not Old Biblical. We have these fundamentalists all around.

Emelia Caruana

Aug 30th 2009, 01:57

Yes get rid of these Bomb sounds many people I spoke with hate them its a stupid past time and bad for tourism and for ones hearing babies children working peoples .......its time MALTA and the MALTESE people get together in the streets and DEMAND that the DEAFENING GOVERNMENT ban these disgusting PETARDS wake up to youe rights as HUMAN BEINGS stand up and make your voice heard ........NOW

G Falzon

Aug 29th 2009, 14:26

@ Ivan Falzon / Claire Farrugia etc
Why do you talk as if Malta is yours and only yours?! Leave aside Mr Nilsson and other expatriates. What about the thousands Maltese, to use your line of thought, who similarly are disgusted about the sounds of petards, including babies and seriously ill (even dying) Maltese? Not to mention the poor animals.

Kevin Zammit

Aug 27th 2009, 07:41

This is why I love Marsaskala. Due to where I am located in a valley and without a major festa there are a very minimal amount of bangs.

I hate them ... complete idiocy and has nothing to do with tradititon. Or better still has as much to do with tradition as getting completely wasted while jumping up and down in 40+ in the middle of a square.

f vincenti

Aug 24th 2009, 12:35

BAN THE BANG
the 'money up in smoke' attitude and the deafening noise during the day is driving everyone nuts. besides, its adding more pollution into our already choked, noisy & hot summer air. surely the church can intervene and ask it's dedicated members (and the committees of the festi) to start putting the village money into something more environmentally friendly? Or better still, use the money to help out local charitable institutions with a sweeter outcome for all?

Peter Korsten

Aug 20th 2009, 12:56

Now I happen to have stood in a direct line behind an F-16 that took off and had its afterburner full open. Even at maybe a hundred metres, it's an incredible amount of noise. You really have no idea.

I also happen to live in Attard, next to Lija, and whilst the petards are loud (as are the ones of Zebbug for that matter), claiming that a petard from Lija at 300 metres is as loud as standing five metres behind an F-16, is not only ludicrous; I think it's actually physically impossible. It would mean immediate and irreparable hearing damage to everyone within Lija and neighbouring areas. It would have damaged buildings close to the explosion.

Personally, I have a phobia for explosions, so it's one part of Maltese culture I'm not fond of, although it's kind of OK if I'm in my own home. If I'm in the street, though, it frightens the living daylights out of me.

But this debate is not helped with unrealistic numbers pulled out of thin air.

Andrew Azzopardi

Aug 15th 2009, 12:59

it seems nobody has a for arguement for the petards.

Let's get rid of this useless noise - just sign the petition below

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/banthepetards?e

Joe Fenech

Aug 14th 2009, 17:45

"EU Ombudsman but he was told that the issue falls under national jurisdiction. " Don't they know that in a banana republic, laws are inexistant !!!! We are as lawless and corrupt as an African country!

Alex Ellul

Aug 14th 2009, 15:28

@SylvanaZD: Can you provide me with two lists; one of nuisances that we Maltese should tolerate and suffer endlessly and another one of those that we shouldn't tolerate. That way I would be able understand your cryptic statement saying that tolerance has become scares in some citizens.

Andrew Azzopardi

Aug 14th 2009, 13:14

I'm so sorry to say that many (not all) of the maltese commenting are acting really childish. So what if it has been tradition for years on end? I think several other traditions that where beautiful disappeared.
1. Tell me one positive thing about petards? they are neither pretty, beautiful nor nice to hear - they are absolutely worthless!!
2. what about the money spent on the petards? there so many other ways to attract tourists and Maltese alike - what about piazza concerts?
3. Do not misquote me!! i am all for the colourful beautiful fireworks which is part of our culture and is enjoyable for all to see.

Mr. Nilsson does not want us to stop tradition - he is suffers from noise.
My Girlfiends mum also suffers - she is now partially deaf
My Nephews and nieces cry their eyes out throughout the noise
One CANNOT have a converasation or a meeting when at work and in the vicinity (believe me its embarrassing and annoying)

please understand everyone that suffers - is it worth losing your hearing over this?

claire farrugia

Aug 14th 2009, 10:16

i wonder who is deluded here, do you honestly think that tourists will stop coming to malta?
most tourists want to see different destinations anyway so at least once they will come to malta and they might like the fact that the sun shines in winter and come more than once

claire farrugia

Aug 14th 2009, 01:00

@Marianna Galea Xuereb
I do not think it is the arguments that everything ought to be tolerated that brought certain state of affairs in Malta, i think it is the way people stick to a certain political party and for their own interests do not criticize things as long as their party is in power, at least there is a big tendency to that in Malta and because we are so small and everyone knows everyone or is in some way related

W Spencer

Aug 13th 2009, 21:12

I wonder how Malta would fare, if the wishes of some of the deluded people on here came true, and ALL Foreign Companies relocated to cheaper Countries, and Tourists actually stopped coming to Malta ??

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Aug 13th 2009, 20:28

IT SEEMS TOLERANCE HAS BECOME VERY SCARCE IN CERTAIN MALTESE CITIZENS!!!!!!!!!!!

Marco Cancedda

Aug 13th 2009, 18:05

Well, your laws clearly state that:

"No aerial fireworks shall be discharged on any day and times other than those indicated in the Police Permit"

( http://docs.justice.gov.mt/LegalPub/Legal_Publications/Legal_Notices/English/1998/243.pdf )

Don't know if there is any update on that law/regulation.

So I wonder if the guys who are "entertaining" us with their explosions have this permit, and in that case the Police would be the only responsible for that. Not to speak about all the other things stated there...

Marianna Galea Xuereb

Aug 13th 2009, 16:05

@ Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

The perverse arguments that absolutely everything ought to be tolerated for one reason or other has reduced Maltese society to the despicable state that it has sunk to.

Sound pollution (or any other type of pollution for that matter) ought not to be tolerated.
Fire works and petards do not just cause sound pollution but also air and water pollution. It is no co-incidence that so many Maltese feel their asthma and other respiratory conditions worsening after fireworks sessions in nearby villages and towns.

Alex Ellul

Aug 13th 2009, 14:44

@Sylvana_ZD:Tolerance has limits: These limits are bounded by the law of the land and wrapped in decency and respect towards others and the self. Unnecessary inconveniences should never and can never be tolerated. Trying to justify unnecessary loud noises by kind tolerance is disrespecting oneself and family.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Aug 13th 2009, 13:15

Well, Mr Alex Ellul, I am prepared to tolerate incoveniences caused by others as I am aware that I, like all other human beings, must surely irritate others with something which I might do!! Nobody is perfect!

Alex Ellul

Aug 13th 2009, 12:41

@Sylvana_ZD: In some countries and cities, airoplanes cannot land or takeoff between 10pm and 7 am, so as not to inconvenience residents and rodents. This law is tolerated by the airlines. They only operate during daylight hours. In Malta residenets and rodents have to tolerate the egoists and the arrogant, whoever these maybe, whether Schumaker imitators on the road, fireworks (read explosives) entusiasts, hunters or hawkers who honk there compressed air horns at 6 in the morning etc etc. Noise noise noise.

claire farrugia

Aug 13th 2009, 06:48

@joseph psaila
it is not the comments of some maltese in the times of malta that are keeping tourism away, it is the financial crisis, tourists choose the best value for money and Malta has to be more competitive by offfering a better product at more competitive prices . even though i am maltese and would love to come to malta more often as a tourist, the current situation in germany is such that we are getting paid less for doing the same work, so a holiday abroad is something most people cannot afford at the moment

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Aug 12th 2009, 18:56

Mr Alex Ellul, by tolerance I meant that we have to put up with certain inconveniences created by others. As mentioned in an earlier comment, I have to put up with aeroplanes passing over my residence all through the day and night. Not to mention having to put up with loud music coming from a nearby discotheque over the weekends. Well people have to travel and teenagers have to enjoy themselves. That is tolerance, Sir!

Mr Mario Tabone you are attributing your going round in circles to me. Well, we will let readers decide. They will also decide who of us is in the wrong!!

Mario Tabone

Aug 12th 2009, 15:43

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin. Yes, european laws will certainly change some of the traditional ways that we are used to. That cannot be helped. However , you keep going around in circles with your arguments and will not accept that you are wrong. As I said previously I dont intend to get into a personal slanging match so therefore I wish you all the best and will let other readers try and reason with you as now this argument is starting to get slightly boring.

Alex Ellul

Aug 12th 2009, 07:09

@Sylvana_Z_D: Your comment: "...tolerance plays an important role." Tolerance works both ways. The problem is that the explosion lovers expect that we, that those who can appreciate beauty wherever it exists, such colour fireworks, tolerate the loud bangs even if these are detrimental to our own health, while these explosion lovers will never tolerate the 'silent' majority. This is a recipe for disaster. Regarding traditions, loud ear shattering bags are not traditional at all. These types of explosions were introduced after the second world war, due to the availability of unxploded aerial bombsm but especially the British Forces leaving behind unxploded armoury on and around the islet of Filfla during the 50's and 6's. These bombs were literally disemboweled by 'madmen' for their explosive material which was then utilised for the production of ear-shattering petards. A few of these mad men even died when residual bombs exploded while being defused or opened up for the explosive material. So, please do not keep on harping on tradition. In the old days, when money did not fall from heaven but was earned through very hard work in fields, the few petards during the 'festa tar-rahal' were fired during the holy procession.

claire farrugia

Aug 12th 2009, 06:58

@Henry pisani
"the attitude of many Maltese is to view foreign guests as ATM machines"
this is not only an attitude of Maltese, in most touristic regions and in all countries of the world you are much more welcome if you have the necessary cash
you see in this blog too, many Maltese defended this swedish man and the problems he has with petards, but not many Maltese defend the Africans who come to us illegally where they spent all their money to pay for the trip to come here and then had nothing left. I am not a racist, as some people seemed to insinuate in this blog, I think people who really need help in Malta should get it and have a right to it in fact, whether they come here legally or illegally is not so relevant, nobody should be beaten or experience any sort of violence because of his colour. so i distance myself completely from any racist attitude.

Alex Ellul

Aug 12th 2009, 05:44

I would say that Mr. Nilsson is rather lucky; he has another place where to take refuge. I don't have an option. I have to bear it out the whole summer. I just cannot understand how and why the authorities can allow a continuous string of bangs (not coloured fireworks, but just plain stupid very loud bangs) during the dark hours, after 9 pm yesterday Tuesday 11th August. The state must intervene. The government, that entity that is supposed to be governing the place, must explain clearly to the pyrotechnic enthusiasts that respect towards society is imperative. It will find a large SILENT majority behind it.

Joseph Psalia

Aug 11th 2009, 18:39

This is a comment just for some of the Maltese readers. Do you know just how racist and horrible you sound with your comments?
You do realise that Malta gets most of it's income from 'foreigners', and the Times of Malta.com is accessible from everywhere in the world. You are not only exposing your ignorance, you are literally keeping tourists away.

Always the same fallacies expounded by the ignorant: Malta is safe (have a look at the averages, not the totals, and you'll see that in Malta one is more likely to get shot or stabbed than in London).

smifsud

Aug 11th 2009, 17:33

Petards must be abolished full stop ....Fireworks is here to stay forever full stop. ...

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Aug 11th 2009, 17:24

Mr Mario Tabone, "This means that european laws will take precedent over some traditional ways of life wether we like it or not". Is this your way of confirming your previous statement of: "I promise you there are very few people who love and advocate Maltese traditions like I do"?!! Well, Sir, you really baffle me!!

As for your spending 30 years abroad, does this make us, Maltese who preferred to stay in our lovely Island, unable to decide how thing should be in Malta?!

Finally, Sir, as I have commented in my first comment below, tolerance plays an important role in such things. Well, foreigners might have to put up with certain inconveniences the same way, we locals, do!!

Mario Tabone

Aug 11th 2009, 11:27

Well Sylvana Zarb Darmanin, It looks like all hope is lost for you. You persist in living in what you call the good old ways which is a shame. In case you don't realise things have changed and we must try and progress. This means that european laws will take precedent over some traditional ways of life wether we like it or not.
You talk about patronising foreigners. Well that is a matter of opinion. It might just be a case that I can understand their ways a lot more than you having spent the last 30 years working and living abroad and travelling all over the world.
Like I said before, all we have to do is accept the fact that these foreigners have rights too and we need to give them the curtosy of being able to put their point of view forward without being abused personally or as a nationality by fellow Maltese who tend to get a bit over zelous !!!
People all over the world who read these columns will think a lot more of Malta and its people if we are seen to be gracious in our comments.

claire farrugia

Aug 11th 2009, 10:23

@s.keyes
ma nafx meta ha jkolli cans nigi malta ghax il germanja kulhadd jahdem b'ilsienu barra, avolja qed nimmissja hafna l-bahar u x-xemx, gawdihom inti minfloki hu pacenzja

claire farrugia

Aug 11th 2009, 09:57

at moses mula
also in Sweden they need many people in the work force, especially in the health sector, so to encourage migration of certain professions to Sweden, like nurses and doctors they are offering lucrative offers, where one learns Swedish without paying and certain other benefits, and the pay in Sweden is of course much better for doctors and nurses. in fact in Germany many nurses and doctors are leaving for countries like New Zealand, Sweden, Norway etc. etc.

claire farrugia

Aug 11th 2009, 09:50

@Moses Mula
sorry, but you cannot expect the Maltese state to pay foreigners for learning maltese, far from it. I learnt German for eight years, and it was all paid from my own pocket, five years before going to germany and three years after.....but some Germans are still dissatisfied with the level of my German.....of course the standard of living in Sweden is much higher than in malta, i never doubted that, did I??? Maltese is the official and court language of Malta and also an established EU language. And everybody has to accept it in Malta. There are many people who appreciate Maltese in Malta too by the way.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Aug 11th 2009, 09:04

Well, Mr Mario Tabone, you did not give me that impression from your comments!

Furthermore, I wonder whether patronising foreigners bother you as well! If you are a reader of The Times, I am sure you are aware of the many foreigners who constantly try to dictate to us to ban this or that! In my opinion, that is what I call offensive! I recall when people used to say "Ahjar niekol bicca hobz biz-zejt u nghix Malta" or "Malta l-ghira tal-barrani". Soon enough, Malta will lose its traditional way of life, thanks to pressures from certain foreigners!

S Keyes

Aug 11th 2009, 07:42

@ claire farrugia

Ok fair enough. When your back let me know on here and we can organise something.

Moses Mula

Aug 10th 2009, 22:39

@ To that person, I forgot her name now, who said that foreigners in Sweden have to learn swedish to get a job, you are right, but that is for the simple reason that in Sweden the swedish language is respected while in Malta a lot of people consider English as their first language rather than Maltese. Probably this is done by some of those who always shout ` out with the foreigners` and are so proud of their `maltese identity`. And by the way the swedish tax payer has paid thousands of swedish kronor so I could learn Swedish. I am certain that a large number of Maltese would not feel happy that their tax money would be paying for a for a maltese course being done by a foreigner. And yes the taxes are high over here, much higher than Malta, but so is the standard of living.

claire farrugia

Aug 10th 2009, 20:16

@s.keyes sfortunatament qieghda il germanja u ma nafx meta ha nkun malta, imma kieku niehu kafe mieghek u niddiskuti mieghek bla problema.

Alfred Mifsud

Aug 10th 2009, 18:11

Well said Henry Pisani. The attitude of too many Maltese is to view foreign guests as ATM machines.

John Borg

Aug 10th 2009, 18:05

Claire Farrugia: it seems that ten years of living abroad has taught you nothing. As we say in Maltese, hmar mort u mija gejt".

Henry Pisani (Oz)

Aug 10th 2009, 15:03

I have learned my lesson as a returned migrant and i always say this to foreigners who chosen Malta to enjoy thier retirement especially many from the old country Britian, they are welcomed in my country any time, but and only but - if anything thing is said or critized against the maltese way of life, beit fireworks, festas, talking out loud so everyone can hear them or what ever takes their fancy, that to the Maltese is like starting world war 3 especially when a guest complains. best to keep stumm as their favourite saying seems to be WELL U KNOW WHERE THE DOOR IS - GET OUT.but not before you spend all your here first! (LOL).Boy they love money first and foremost.

Mario Tabone

Aug 10th 2009, 14:59

Sylvana , I am sorry but you are wrong. I promise you there are very few people who love and advocate Maltese traditions like I do. What I disagree with is fellow Maltese being offensive and becoming personal when contributing to a debate. That is ignorance which shows us all up and gives us all a bad name.
As for you Claire, while I try not to get involved in personal slanging matches I really don't believe that you know what you are talking about !!! What is wrong with a foreign company owning a property with pool and letting their employee live in it? Have they not paid for it? Has a Maltese person somewhere along the line not made some sort of profit from it? Does it matter what foreigers earn from their company and are they not spending their euros here in Malta ? Anybody is entitled to express an opinion but ultimately no one single person can change the laws of the land on their own.
All I ask is that we are curtious to each other after all we have to live together.

S Keyes

Aug 10th 2009, 14:13

@ Claire farrugia

Grazzi tal-kumment imma ejja nitkellmu bl-ingliz.

I would be happy to meet if it will go someway towards you thinking that foreigners are not all bad. Lets have a coffee so you can see things from our point of view.

Best regards

claire farrugia

Aug 10th 2009, 13:03

prosit li ghamilt il klassijiet tal-malti. nispera li tghallimt kliem ohra apparti il-kliem li qed jigik f'mohhok. Jekk trid tipprattika l- Malti niltaqghu xi darba meta nkun Malta. kellu bzonn xi barranin ohra jiehdu ezempju minnek.

Corinne Vella

Aug 10th 2009, 12:41

IGalea:

*Victor Axiak* had said that noise levels need to be controlled and, if necessary, excessive noise stopped completely.

IGalea - I hate foreigners trying to tell us what to do.

S Keyes

Aug 10th 2009, 12:28

@Mario Tabone
THANK YOU!! Finally someone on here with some common sense. Mario all comments should go via you first!!!
@ claire farrugia
For your information I have taken a full course of Maltese classes. Also for your info many of my Maltese friends say I am more Maltese than some of the Maltese at the extent I have submerged myself with the Maltese and their customs. I have a good deal of words in Maltese I am currently thinking that I couldnt write on here.
@ lgalea - Your comment makes no sense. By definition if it was a foreign company it would have to employ at least a small number of foreigners. Please grow up and see reality. For whatever reason foreign companies are here and here to stay if its for Tax reasons or cheaper labour or access to foreign markets so get used to it. We pay allot of taxes and contribute a great deal to the economy and the fabric of society. Many of us love Malta for the same reasons you do. I fail to see why your so angry!!

Chris Calleja

Aug 10th 2009, 12:24

Interesting but true....the only incredible thing is there are no available instruments that read 156dB, unless you want to sell about two villas to buy the setup and your name has NASA on the back. Two this means that at 300 meters there was a pressure of 1261.9 Pa, how did the guy measuring this manage to stand up? For proper attacks against petards organize yourselves with truthfull facts. Some how its always a case of extremes. There is no need to attack foreigners for this either, and then try and tell them that you have a better standard of living than them. Its stupid, and way down synchronized idiocy. Petards can be regulated in way as not to disturb and still be fun for the enthusiasts.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Aug 10th 2009, 12:18

Mr Mario Tabone, you are being insultive towards Maltese individuals commenting below while expecting us to refrain from giving our opinion!! You write "There is freedom of movement and supposedly freedom of expression" YET you accept that THERE SHOULD BE NO FREEDOM FOR THE MALTESE TO ENJOY MALTESE TRADITIONS AND CULTURE!!

Finally, Sir, to your: "I am Maltese and proud of it and it grieves me when I see my fellow county folk degrading themselves with such comments", I say: I AM MALTESE AND PROUD OF IT AND I WILL ALWAYS DEFEND CO-CITIZENS FROM BEING TRAMPLED UPON OR BEING TREATED ANY INFERIOR TO OTHER EU CITIZENS!!!!!!!!

claire farrugia

Aug 10th 2009, 12:15

@mario tabono
i lived in germany for ten years and in malta for 23 years, and i can tell you from experience as a foreigner in germany you have no right to give constructive feedback either without the germans jumping on you and telling you go back to your country if you do not like it. i am not a racist at all, what i do not like is the arrogant attitudes of some foreigners in malta, they achieve better pay than the maltese, in Germany no foreigner would even dream of achieving and earning more than a foreigner. They do not have to learn Maltese, in Germany everyone has to learn German to work here, very few exceptions are possible. And live here in houses with swimming pools payed by their companies or wonderful flats at the cost of their company and then they complain......that is what I do not tolerate

Mario Tabone

Aug 10th 2009, 11:56

As usual, we cannot accept constructive criticism. We go on about ex-pats and foreigners and tourists as if they have no right to express their opinion or in fact a right to be in Malta. Well fellow Maltese wake up, we are part of a much bigger place than Malta itself. There is freedom of movement and supposedly freedom of expression. You don't realise the damage you are doing to our country with stupid comments about other nationalities etc. You of little minds that don't care about anybody else but your selfish selves. This is not just about petards,hunting,roads,noise etc.This is pure ignorance and intolerance of other decent human beings who like it or lump it have a right to live in Malta as part of the european community which we benefit from, and these people have a right to express their feelings without being abused with near racist comments on a website or in a newspaper. I am Maltese and proud of it and it grieves me when I see my fellow county folk degrading themselves with such comments . These should be automatically filtered and not given the time and space on this media.

claire farrugia

Aug 10th 2009, 11:15

@s keyes
i have nothing against the EU membership, we are in now and there is nothing to do about it, of course i am aware of the jobs created, what i am against is arrogant people who think with that foreign companies with their investments are saving the island and that the Maltese do not have the necessary brain power and intelligence to see things from all perspectives. The maltese in sweden have to learn swedish in order to work there but i bet none of you speak a word of maltese!!!!!!!!!

claire farrugia

Aug 10th 2009, 11:08

S.keyes
how dare you tell us we need to wake up and see the opportunities and responsibilities....
are you assuming we are sleeping, and that we do not have the brain power that you Swedish do???????????? you should excuse yourself for that comment, I find it very unfair

Chris Abela

Aug 10th 2009, 10:20

@ Claire F and S.Keyes
Apart from being in favour of the murtali (check the fbook groups ;-) ), i also work for a foreign betting company ... in fact im Mr. Nilssons colleague. On this point youre both right, these companies benefit but also maltese do. The point here is another though - we are talking about murtali and how noisy they are. Foreign companies have nothing to do with it - but on the other hand uncultured foreigners cannot pretend that we ban our traditions due to some tinnitus suffering patient. CONTROL it we can - and be prudent towards others but all this started due to a facebook group who dreams to totally BAN it .. no freakin way mates !!!

lgalea

Aug 10th 2009, 10:06

S Keyes
If the foreign companies are really creating jobs for Maltese workers then they should have an all Maltese staff and there would be no problem with their foreign staff not linking our way of life.

lgalea

Aug 10th 2009, 10:04

Corinne Vella
Did I say he is?

S Keyes

Aug 10th 2009, 10:00

@ All the negative people on here...

...Its not just foreigners who dislike the petards a large amount of Maltese hate them too. But of course you fail to see that as it would require for too much brain power to develop a rounded argument other than 'foreigners go home'. You need to wake up and see the opportunities and responsibilities that E.U membership gives you.

claire farrugia

Aug 10th 2009, 09:59

i do look at the bigger picture as well believe me
first of all the maltese do not sit at home and do nothing, the social security benefits here are too low for that, it is not worth it , we are not in Sweden here, where there are high social security beneifts
and what about the probems these gaming companies are causing in terms of addiction????and the money the maltese are losing in this respect for the profit and gain of foreign companies
i am sure the tax you would have to pay in Sweden and the costs for your company would be much much higher too than what you pay in malta

S Keyes

Aug 10th 2009, 09:51

@ claire farrugia
you're missing the point! These foreign companies are CREATING jobs. Would you rather have a Maltese person sat at home doing nothing or WORKING for a foreign company? A job that was CREATED by that foreign company. Also many Maltese are earning very high salaries with some of these companies. I also have lots of Maltese friends who work ABROAD and earn huge amounts. You really need to begin to look at the bigger picture!

lgalea

Aug 10th 2009, 09:49

Ms P M Graham
You are right

S Keyes
Interfering foreigners have absolutely NO right to dictate to us on our customs and traditions.
If you don't like them you know the standard answer.
You will not hold us to ransom.
This is apart from myself not agreeing with the big bangs.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Aug 10th 2009, 09:48

The Maltese are indeed becoming a dull lot!!! NO to petards, bbq's on the beach, hunting, trapping, etc. etc. and YES to abortion!! What has become of TOLERANCE! Well, I happen to live in a part of the Island where aircrafts pass during take-off and landing!! Do you expect me to campaign against this?! Well, using certain individuals' line of taught, that is what I should do BUT I happen to enjoy common sense and know the meaning of tolerance!!

Finally, I am fed up of foreigners meddling in our traditions! Whenever I visit other countries, I always respect their way of life. Well, it is expected of them to do likewise!!

claire farrugia

Aug 10th 2009, 09:43

and a maltese worker gets paid much less than a swedish worker, that is why it is in your interest to set up companies here

claire farrugia

Aug 10th 2009, 09:39

@s.keyes
yes you set up companies here to avoid paying the taxes in your own countries......but definitely not for the benefit of the maltese:-))). more for your benefits

S Keyes

Aug 10th 2009, 09:19

It really saddens me the mentality of some of the people on here. Do you have any idea how much foreigners ( especially the Swedish ) contribute to the island in terms of taxes, job creation and spending power. They didnt come here as builders and plumbers taking Maltese jobs. They came here setting up IT companies and Betting companies that employ MANY Maltese people. The company I work for employs a vast majority of Maltese. Jobs that wouldn't of been here had a foreign company not been set up here!! We all pay taxes and contribute to the economy we deserve a right as everyone else on this rock, regardless of where you come from!

Michael Neville Cassar

Aug 10th 2009, 09:01

For those who are in favour of these petards which I call boom boom . Would it not be much nicer by displays of fire work then this irritating noise , I hate these petards so much that I keep away from all the feasts, the problem is so great that there is no place where I can escape this horrible sound not even with locked doors and windows.

claire farrugia

Aug 10th 2009, 08:28

@C.Cassar
i agree with you 100%, most of the things you said, the same applies to Germany and other European countries. as a foreigner in germany, i am laughed at if i try to change somehting and they tell me immediately if i dont like or accept something, i should go back to my home country (before i finish my statement most of the time). So why are the foreigners in Malta expecting something different? they know how foreigners are treated in the countries they come from, especially if they are not blonde and look natives of that country. even though I am maltese and european, i am often mistaken for an Arab or someone from Turkey cause I am quite dark and you can imagine what problems I get. So please either accept it how it is in malta, accept the friendliness of the people (which is unique in Europe) and the sea and the sun, and all the things i am missing while living in Germany

Karl Axisa

Aug 9th 2009, 22:40

@C Cassar

What do retail outlet and petards have in common may I ask? Keep focused please. As to tradition...well yes we used to live in caves but managed to progress.

As to me getting a life...well I'm trying to, but the petards firing around me week in week out have more than frayed my tempers....add that to the heat....

John Borg

Aug 9th 2009, 22:17

This isn't about tradition any more (if it ever was). It's about whether a handful of people can continue to act in an irresponsible, dangerous and inconsiderate manner against the rest of us. The situation doesn't even bear comparison with hunting. that other alleged Maltese "tradition". In this instance, all that the majority of Maltese are aksing for are fireworks that do not explode with an excessive and unhealthy amount of noise. All it would take to fix this problem is to have a law which clearly prohibits "murtali tal-bomba".

Edric Micallef Figallo

Aug 9th 2009, 22:03

"I have full respect for traditions, but this doesn't make sense. There is a line between traditions and insanity. We had the Vikings, but we moved on. I can't tell the Maltese to change things... but this must surely have an impact on the lives of many people." - Many in Scandinavia today still proudly recall those Viking times in reenactments. That is a part of your culture and heritage, which we do not contest. At times that same heritage is used for touristic purposes, and that is good. I like Viking history even though parts of it are not so fine and civilised. I refer to Viking illiterates that raided Catholic monasteries slaying the inhabitants and looting the property, something that cannot surely be compared to petards in Malta. By the way, murtaletti in Malta preceded your stay in our islands. Next time do inform yourself better rather than attempting to change our traditions by applying with the EU Ombudsman, rights or not.

I live in the main street of Nadur. I get to witness funerals, processions, festa and the infamously load Carnival. I do not complain, it is part and parcel of living there, I respect that.

Galea C

Aug 9th 2009, 21:45

Perhaps Mr Nillson would prefer to set home in Palma de Majorca and feel better re bombs going off? Seeing a couple of puffs in the sky followed by bangs made him feel unconfortable since he thought we were under attack. It is possible that in Palma de Majorca he will not see the puffs and hear the bangs..........no time to see and hear them by the time one realizes taht they went off!! Good luch Mr Nillson.........

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20090809/twl-third-bomb-blast-rocks-majorca-41f21e0.html

John Betts

Aug 9th 2009, 21:35

Ms Farrugia, whether I am an expat, have a Maltese passport, am an immigrant or Maltese does not matter one jot. Migraines are not caused by petards, but the pain is exacerbated by the noise and the blast whatever my nationality is. Magnified. Made worse. More painful. Can I be clearer?
And if you or anyone really wish to know, my surname is British, but I am the eighth generation born in Malta; but I suppose that still makes me a foreigner: "John Betts does not seem to be a Maltese name, how come you are Maltese".
Ganni Betts (is that better?)

John Azzopardi

Aug 9th 2009, 20:19

Janet Bates, obviously you did not grow up in Malta. The petards are part of our maltese festa and they have been so since I can remember and I am 45 years old. The way you ask the question is very condescending.

Ms P M Graham

Aug 9th 2009, 20:03

Janet Bayes:

I understand the Petards are a mark of respect as in a gun salute?

A Build up to the Feast?

I am sure I will be corrected if I am wrong :)

John Azzopardi

Aug 9th 2009, 19:56

@Corine Vella, petards and fireworks are part of our culture. Go to any festa and you see for yourself the joy that is derived from these displays and the thousands of people glued to the sky watching them. Even the hundreds of tourist that attend them. So please stop lecturing and giving Malta and Gozo a bad name on these petards and fireworks.

As for another comment by another person about tourist. Tourists are an important part of our economy, but it is not fireworks that will keep them from returning, but bad service and the building jungle or noice pollution like music or the building going on around them.

At the end of the day, we cannot please everyone, let's get real here.

Janet Bayes

Aug 9th 2009, 19:48

Please dont just ignore my questions. That is so rude. Does ANYONE know what part of the religious festival the petards represent? What they are for? Why they are used??
I have never taken part in ANY religious festival anywhere that uses explosives.

Ms P M Graham

Aug 9th 2009, 19:42

What is so wrong with "Ex pats",or "Foreigners" giving their opinions regarding the Country they live in and subscribe to, whether by choice or relocation??

What's the problem??

Some of the comments here are downright rude and ill thought out. Seems some here would prefer a Malta free of all but Maltese?

For what it's worth, I have heard more Maltese born and bred, complain about the petards than Ex Pats and those same people who believe the Church has actually lost control of Feasts and the whole ideal and meaning of said Feasts.



Thank goodness for reality and that comments here are very much in the minority.

Ivan Falzon

Aug 9th 2009, 19:35

@corinne vella ...I have no problem with people objecting to anything, be it petards or any other thing, but it had to be a foreigner to come forward on a sunday newspaper blowing things out of proportion. Well Corinne, I had enough of the Tyrells, Martinellis and Co of this world. I'm only expressing my opinion, you can well disagree, and I will respect that, but I'm tired of people trying to butt in our way of life.

J Fenech

Aug 9th 2009, 18:41

I'm not an avid festa fan. But the village festa is here to stay irrespective of what foreigners try to pontificate. They are an integral part of our nation's identity and draw thousands of visitors, be they local or foreign. What needs to be controlled is excesses. Having said all that, as many pointed out, we can do without the daytime bangs which jolt you out of your bed. There's nothing spectacular in those.

Stephen Florian

Aug 9th 2009, 18:26

All this talk will get us nowhere. We have to contact the European Health and Safety organisation based in Bilbao Spain, and let them know what is happening. So look them up and write petitions if need be. The Maltese PN Government alongside with prominent faces in the PL present and past Leadership echelons have direct interest in keeping things as they are. There is big money and votes involved and for every 1 Euro worth of gunpowder there is approximately 5 Euros profit, no taxes and no obligations. Do you remember how much gunpowder was descretely thrown away when inspections started after the Naxxar tragedy....? Are we sure this has now stopped? The bangs from the Lija fireworks could be easily heard from Tarxien, and half of Malta was covered in smoke but they get away with it because they believe they are God's gift to mankind and to make matters worse the press continues to boost their ego by means of articles and colourful pictures. Next to the fireworks factory are three schools and residences with human beings and their day to day life and not all might be well. Materdei in nearby.

Michael Mifsud

Aug 9th 2009, 18:25

@ C Cassar: Assuming you have no idea how the decibels are measured, Joakim is right and here is a good graph http://www.dangerousdecibels.org/hearingloss.cfm (Putting fireworks at 145 db)

Janet Bayes

Aug 9th 2009, 18:25

I am sure our yearly fireworks displays are not going to stop because a Foreigner decided they want peace and quiet

No-one is complaining about the firework displays - - its the petards people have a problem with.
None of this is to do with the mans nationality, or the fact that he has chosen to return to his native Sweden. Its to do with the intolerable noise, at uncivilised hours, waking children, upsetting animals, stopping hens from laying, making dogs bark because their hearing is more sensitive than ours ( which I imagine is how this man feels). Can you explain, can anyone explain, what these petards are about?Why are they used? What part of the religious festival do they represent? If you can explain, instead of slagging off the foreigners, it might help us to understand better the place we have chosen to make our home in?? Then we might all be able to "rub along together", and become more tolerant of each others "funny little ways".

Shaun Grech

Aug 9th 2009, 18:21

this really isnt about a 'foreigner telling us what to do'! defensiveness never got us anywhere- petards have and continue to be a nuisance (and a health hazard) to many maltese (see recent facebook pages 'ban the petards' and couple more) who have been complaining (mostly in private and simply because most of us have given up on things like these changing- simply because they have always been there or because some other group bullies its way through maintaining the status quo for their own pleasure and that of their mates). Bus drivers and the quality of the service provided and hunting remain perfect examples. They have always been there, there are quite a few of them, politicians cling on to their votes and may even be scared of them....so the rest of the nation remains confined to frustrated silence. Its the attitude of 'after all no one sent for them' (Igalea) that remains part of the problem in our ailing tourist sector, and at the most basic of levels in respecting each other.

Corinne Vella

Aug 9th 2009, 18:14

Igalea: Prof. Asciak is not a 'forriner'.

Robert Callus

Aug 9th 2009, 17:49

I've never been to a country where any foreigner is hated so much. Any foreigner who dares voice his opinion is seen as either interfering or even 'spying' quoting the FKNK.

Isn't it possible he is giving some good advice. Or just exersising his own right to freedom of expression?

Adrian Cardona

Aug 9th 2009, 17:43

foreigners foreigners foreigners...to many of you lot here the word still strikes terror into your blessed little hearts doesn't it?....
May Malta be filled with more people like Mr Nilsson.

Vincent Galea

Aug 9th 2009, 17:40

So much talk about noise pollution, noise levels, electronic noise , petards and whatever.
The jeweler came to my mind. He doesn'i make any noise but he has little suitcase and there are the millions..
We must learn how and when to embrace silence.

Corinne Vella

Aug 9th 2009, 17:33

John Azzopardi: Noise is detrimental to everybody - even to John Azzopardi. Some noises are unnecessary and can be avoided. The explosion of petards is one of them.

Clair Farrugia: Other than those who create them - and those who make money out of them - I have yet to meet a person who actually enjoys petards and their mind shattering, nerve wracking sound. Why should anyone adjust to the noise? Indeed, how is one supposed to do that? Moving to Germany is not an option open to everyone.

C Cassar: You are being disingenuous. Petards - plural - are fired in a barrage that carries on for several minutes as often as three times a day, and sometimes more often than that. They are an annoying, pointless, utterly useless waste of money and an inconsiderate encroachment on everyone's peace of mind.

James De Giorgio & Ivan Falzon: Most of the objections to petards are made by Maltese people.

W Spencer

Aug 9th 2009, 16:28

@ John Azzopard & Claire Farrugia

" Why should we change our way of life because someone does not like what they see "

Because John & Claire, as you are obviously not aware, the MAIN industry in Malta is tourism, and the main scource of income is from foreign tourists and holiday makers.

Whether you like that fact or not, it is not good for tourism, if you tell every tourist / holiday maker who makes a complaint or constructive critisism about Malta, to go home or don't come back again !!! Otherwise unemployment figures in Malta will rise greatly, as it has done in Spain, due to the decline in tourist & holiday maker numbers.

Malta needs tourists / holiday makers, more than they need Malta.

Janet Bayes

Aug 9th 2009, 15:59

Why should we change our way of life because someone doesn't like what they see.

It's what we can't see that is the problem. We can only here them!! :):):):):):)LOL.
Seriously, no-one is asking you to change your way of life. I will ask why these petards are even necessary? What purpose do they serve? Why are they necessary to the celebrations?? Are they a waste of financial resources that could be better used for the good of the locality?

C Cassar

Aug 9th 2009, 15:41

@ Karl Axisa: if you went to the UK and asked for the tradition of the retail outlets to be closed on Sunday's you would get laughed at and told if you don't like it go somewhere else. It's a tradition in the UK, so why should they change? It annoys alot of people because they don't have a single quiet day out of any of the 7 days of the week. Constant traffic jams caused by a money grabbing culture. I decided to leave the place because I preferred the real culture in Malta. What exactly is that? It's this:

1) In Malta, I'm safety wherever I go. London for example is the stabbing & shooting capital of Europe.
2) In Malta families are tolerated in every public place. In the UK, forget it in the evenings if you have kids.
3) In Malta traffic really isn't an issue when compared to much of the south east of the UK, constant delays and high fuel costs
4) Malta celebrates it's culture, which is a strong catholic one. (I'm not a catholic). The UK celebrates nothing except making money.
5)....etc........

So, a few noisy petards? Get real.

Wilfred L Camilleri

Aug 9th 2009, 15:32

Those who are sanctimoniously picking on the fact that this guy is a foreigner are way out in left field. This has absolutely nothing to do with whether the complainant is Maltese or a foreigner. Petards have no redeeming value. They are just annoyingly loud bangs that do nothing to add to the value of a parish feast. The should be banned outright. I have nothing against the beautiful night-time fireworks which are a joy to look at. Let's get real here, the only people that like these useless fireworks are the fanatics.

Bertie Decelis

Aug 9th 2009, 15:28

I met a tourist yesterday who was delighted by the fireworks display of Lija. The most type of fireworks he liked were obviously the petards and the multi break shells because he "doesn't see them anywhere in Europe" and "would come again to see them".

Next Friday night 14 August there are 7 St. Mary displays on our island, all being full of those you call egoist people and those "few" tourists that come here on purpose. I think that the true egoists are those who are trying to impose there boring lifestyle on others. So continue to say Malta is good for nothing, while ignoring that we are the best in the world for fireworks, with all their components.

But I'm thinking at this moment, is this the level of Journalism we deserve. Please try to show the real picture and not your dreaming picture.

Malta the world capital of fireworks. Well done to all our voluntary pyrotecnichians!

s.theuma

Aug 9th 2009, 15:26

This has nothing to do with being Maltese or not. Summer has become a nightmare, I can imagine what Ms Pace was feeling and yes I am more then sure that a glass panel broke for her. The massive Explosions used where terrible. The one on Thursday noon sounded more like Naxxar was being attached. I'm sorry to say but peple who are writing and saying that this is our culture and if you don't like it leave, are just a bunch of people who need to stop and think what they might be doing to others.
Yes, true, we can leave, but then again, why should we. Do we come behind your doors disturbing you? or scaring your children or killing your pets, come on I'm sure that we can do without the morning and noon blusts or if that matter any blust.

Your enjoyment for a week, could mean pain for others for a lifetime!!!

Stefan Zammit

Aug 9th 2009, 15:03

@R.Cassar

If the argument of tradition does not hold, your points definitely do not prove your statement. Cannibalism and sacrifice are immoral, cannibalism is not simply unhealthy, it's way above petards at a feast. In the case of the UK, fox hunting was banned there to protect foxes, as bird hunting was partially banned here.

Petards are not blasted for more than 2hours in a row (with several breaks). If that disturbs you, you're the lucky guy and have very nice neighbors, live in a quiet road, constructions are miles off and have never been to a disco.

Raymond Sammut

Aug 9th 2009, 14:54

Here is an excerpt from the The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association site:

Quote:
Hazardous Noise

Sounds louder than 80 decibels are considered potentially dangerous. Both the amount of noise and the length of time of exposure determine the amount of damage. Hair cells of the inner ear and the hearing nerve can be damaged by an intense brief impulse, like an explosion, or by continuous and/or repeated exposure to noise.

Examples of noise levels considered dangerous by experts are a lawnmower, a rock concert, firearms, firecrackers, headset listening systems, motorcycles, tractors, household appliances (garbage disposals, blenders, food processors/choppers, etc.) and noisy toys. All can deliver sound over 90 decibels and some up to 140 decibels. :Unquote

The bit most pertinent is: "the hearing nerve can be damaged by an intense brief impulse, like an explosion".

Once that nerve is damaged, this damage will be irreversible. Hearing loss is so gradual that it cannot be noticed unless regular measurements are made by an audiologist.

To me it seems that the government has a duty of care. Laws, and their effective enforcement, are needed in order to protect the health of the citizen (and of residents).

David Seychell

Aug 9th 2009, 14:45

"Joakim Nilsson cannot take the racket."

And neither I.

Paul Caruana

Aug 9th 2009, 14:25

The issue of noise pollution is one of the many areas where sadly, there is little political will to set things right, as of course the political powers that be are more interested in getting votes than doing the right thing.

If this were a civilized country, noise pollution that exceeds a certain dB level, as measured close to an urban area, from whatever source, be it petards or an improvised open air conert/disco/lejla maltija whatever would be banned outright. Anyone applying to perform potentially noisy activities would be expected to pay for an indipendent person to attend such events with a dB meter in hand (it could be just a police officer, who I believe is already supposed to be present for certain such events anyway). Once noise levels exceed these parameters as would be established by law , the organizers should be ordered to tone it down.

It sounds so simple to implement, but of course in Malta.......

Maurice Debono

Aug 9th 2009, 14:02

Well my friend sorry to bud in but i too suffer from tinnitus but that is due to the many years i spent bell wringing at our local church especially during our summer Festa, and i am not leaving just because of petards, sorry but it doesn't wash with me thats a poor excuse, now had you said that you are getting cheesed off from our little way of life i would have believed it but since you decided to say TA TA i say good luck to you, you are free to go. I am sure our yearly fireworks displays are not going to stop because a Foreigner decided they want peace and quiet, if thats what some people want then i suggest to stay where they are and stop bitching at our humble feasts. PS. Dont' go to Spain, Sicily, some Places in OZ as they all do like wise, or maybe prefer to hybernate in an Igloo in a remote part of Sweeden. Fireworks display club.

lgalea

Aug 9th 2009, 13:59

I don't like the big bangs but I hate foreigners trying to tell us what to do.
If they don't like our customs and traditions they are free to leave.
After all no one sent for them.

J Farrugia

Aug 9th 2009, 13:58

If this expat wants to leave our country, he is free to do so. We will not be dictated by foreigners. If they dont like it here get out. Maltese people never dictated to others how to change their ways of life even if we dont agree with them. Foreigners can take their agendas elsewhere but not here.

John Azzopardi

Aug 9th 2009, 13:36

If they want to go, then they should go. Before they come or even visit, they should always get information as to what makes Malta, Malta. We are a noisy place. Period. If they don't like it, they should not come to Malta. If we go to Sweden or anywhere in the world and don't like something, what do we do. We have to deal with it. Each country in the world is unique, has it's own way of life, culture and foreigners should know what they country they are visiting or planning to live in is all about. We maltese like all other countries out there are unique. Why should we change our way of life because someone doesn't like what they see.

Paul Barrett

Aug 9th 2009, 13:26

@ James De Giorgio

Actually the saying is/was YELLS, BELLS AND SMELLS not bangs, bells and smells.

Perhaps the yells were due to having to shout because everyone was suffering from hearing loss LOL

I love the fireworks, they are a work of art but the bangs are excessive, unnecessary and detract in a big way from an otherwise excellent tradition.

claire farrugia

Aug 9th 2009, 13:20

@john betts
sorry but John Betts does not seem to be a Maltese name, how come you are Maltese, you might have a maltese passport maybe?sorry about your migraine, i know that when you have a headache tara kollox u tisma kollox ikbar, but migraine and tinnitus are conditions which do not come from petards, so linking one and the other does not make much sense
you described the attitude of some as one of unreasonable intolerance, i have nothing against foreigners on the contrary i have many foreign friends. But everyone has to adjust to the country one is living in and accept the good and the bad things there, and whoever doesn't want to adjust, today with the European Union, one can choose to live in any European country. So that is no problem.
As a Maltese living abroad, i can write a book about intolerance we Maltese have to endure when we live abroad, so why should it be otherwise in Malta?

Robert Callus

Aug 9th 2009, 13:02

@Joan Betts
100% agree with you. I'm Maltese and extremely loud noise gets me extremely irritable and nervous, especially if prolonged. Thus I just avoid activities where it is present. I attend an occasional Rock concert, and always try to find the area where there is the least noise.
However there is no refuge from the petards (together with bus horns, car without silencors etc)

I also agree with you on this attitude some have against anyone who is not completely Maltese 'go back' if you don't like it. As if this is paradise and if there something you don't like, it must be your problem.

Some even have this attitude towards tourists, instead of trying the best to please our main source of income. Ex a tourist complains about over-development in Malta and writes a letter on the Times that he dislikes this. Instead of taking his suggestions and try to improve what we have, we start finding all the defects his own country has!

josephine de maria casabene

Aug 9th 2009, 12:59

I am Maltese, and very happy to live on this little rock. I am proud of Maltese traditions and Malta's heritage. Having said that, as much as I enjoy fireworks (air and ground), I HATE being woken up with a series of loud bangs or having to comfort my children when they cry because some selfish people, with no respect whatsoever, decide that they have a right to jeopardise my family's hearing at all hours! There is absolutely nothing pleasant about petards. They are nothing but senseless explosions intended to make everyone jump out of their skin! They are let off by people with the IQ of a peanut and with so little imagination that they cannot think of anything else to do to fill up their day. It is such a shame that we have driven somebody away from our country. I do not think that this gentleman would have come to live here hadn't he seen the beauty of our country - he complained about something which many Maltese complain about too. That doesn't make him patronising - it just distinguishes him from many Maltese who, sadly, are complacent although highly annoyed!

Karl Axisa

Aug 9th 2009, 12:34

@all I just cannot understand why when a foreigner expresses an opinion there are always some who blast the comments to smithereens. Foreigners' comments are simply a point of view from a different perspective.

I hate it when comments such as,"all Maltese like petards and fireworks" for this is not true...I hate petards and the uselessness of the explosion....it is utter nonsense. The problem with the guys who manage fireworks is that they cannot make a distinction between the colourful and artful fireworks displays that are enjoyed by most..(I dare say by all if the petards at the end are removed) and the bone shaking, ear splitting, nerve fraying darn petards.

I sometimes muse about the fireworks entusiasts as a bunch of eight/ten year olds peeing agains a rubble wall and comparing their dingalingos teasing one another," mine is bigger than yours na na na na nanna (sorry ladies you may be out of track on this)....except that now its with the petards ...ours blasts more than yours etc. etc.

I cannot understand what sort of culture/heritage lies behind the use of petards. If one aspect of our culture does not respect us then we can do without it.

C Cassar

Aug 9th 2009, 12:28

If this swdish guy had skin that was sensitive to the sun, he would realise tha Malata wouldn't be an ideal place for him. I'm sure that he also avoids the loud music in Paceville if he truly has tinitus. Therefore, he should move somehwhere else in Malta if it bothers him so much. The petards can be heard across much of Malta but it is only if you are directly underneath them that they are quite loud. As for comparison with an F16, that's complete rubbish. An F16 will produce a level of 200 decibels at a range of 5 feet, so a petard will not produce anything near 156 decibels at 300 feet. The petards are more likely to produce around 90 decibels and that is only for a split second, unlike the F16 engibe. Again, bad information just to make headlines.

Of course Joakim Nilsson has never been to a night club where continuous 100+ decibel noise is the norm for many hours non-stop.

This gus must be having a laugh, no?

Jonathan Cini

Aug 9th 2009, 12:23

Petards drive expat out of Malta...
But, if the journalist wanted to be credible it would have been worth spending some time searching and surfing to find how many tourists come IN Malta cause of our local traditions hux?
Yes, I agree that some of the big bangs should be reduced to NOT an acceptable, but a FAIR level. And when amendments take place, this crusade against fireworks can go bathin' in our seas.
BUT, but the distance should be respected by all. These prophets cannot tell us to reduce fireworks when they, they themselves stand in the distance, illegally, within the limit imposed by law from the discharge point.

Janet Bayes

Aug 9th 2009, 12:19

For goodness sake. Why is it thought ot be alright to slag someone off just because they are not of maltese descent? Anywhere else talk like this could see you in a cell, on a charge of inciting racial hatred.
We ALL chose to live here in these maltese islands. We ALL have the choice to go live elsewhere.
As an ex-pat, I accept that there are some things that happen here that I dont like. One of them is the excessive waste of money on noisy petards. Much better to put the money into a PROPER firework display, at night, to be appreciated by all those that can see it. IMO much better than some horrid loud bangs that no-one can see but everyone can hear.
As for the slagging off of ex-pats, that happens wherever we go. We are used to it. Doesn't mean we have to like it.
BTW - - - To Mr. Nilsson, I wish you all the peace you can find - - here or elsewhere. Tinnitus is a horrid disability to live with. Bless you and yours.

claire farrugia

Aug 9th 2009, 12:11

@Adrian Cardona
i did speak up in germany about a couple of things but achieved NOTHING.....
the reaction was one of indifference because according to the authorities i was the only one complaining about this thing and nothing was done, even when i complained about something else, where more people were complaining not just me, i still achieved NOTHING
before one moves to a country, one should inform oneself and have trial periods living in that country, both in summer and in winter, to see if one tolerates everything there. If there are things like this which are not compatible with one's health, one should reconsider the decision of moving into that country, as simple as that

Adrian Cardona

Aug 9th 2009, 12:05

@Mario Tabone
in fact that's exactly what petard-opposers want....eliminate the loud useless bangs and keep the colourful displays. No one wants to lose the fireworks tradition here...the vast majority appreciate the ground fireworks and the air displays. What is objectionable is the loud noise early in the mornings and late at night...they have nothing to appreciate...just a loud bang in the sky which annoys most people, and, as Profs Axiak noted, is damaging our cultural heritage.

R.Cassar

Aug 9th 2009, 12:05

This excuse of saying "it's a Maltese Tradition" does not hold water.


In former New Guinea there was a tradition of cannibalism.
The Aztecs used to party with human sacrifice.
And recently 2004 in the UK fox hunting was banned...a pure British tradition.


Traditions and culture are forged by societies as they evolve.
We Maltese just like any other society evolve.
Thus if healthwise, economically, and ecologically excessive noise becomes unacceptable then so be it.

John Betts

Aug 9th 2009, 11:53

The attitude towards expats living in Malta expressed by some in their response to this article is one of unreasonable intolerance. Yet if this point were ignored (and it should not), what about Maltese sufferers of tinnitus, migraine, or any sensitivity to noise due to physical or psychological conditions etc.? I am Maltese and suffer from migraine. Why should I be exposed to this noise, which contributes little to local culture and a great deal to the pounding felt in the head by some migraineurs? Should I be forced to leave the country because of petards if the intensity of my migraines increases to the point of making this unbearable? I am lucky in that my migraines are brief in duration, but attacks can last for several weeks - or the entire summer season. Should one suffering from this condition have to spend summer traveling around the island (or beyond) to avoid local petard barrages?

Quite apart from the health and sociological aspects, Prof Asciak's point in the article on the damage to cultural heritage is an extremely valid one which should be seriously considered.

mario bezzina

Aug 9th 2009, 11:52

i still cannot understand why these simple minded people live amongst us. they like noise and i suggest that they should be educated to reach the level of normal people at least. please consider that you have relatives and members of your own family that do not like noise, so do not be selfish.

James De Giorgio

Aug 9th 2009, 11:50

You know what, I would find it objectionable if I were in Sweden to abide by so many customs that our local mentality here would consider immoral. So would I dare oppose them? Nah, if I'm not happy I ought to return to Malta.

Mr Nillson, maybe you took the best course of action, stay away from Malta in Summer!

Our culture, however noisy, is not up for sale.

The English used to call us an island of bangs, bells and smells. They're still the biggest tourist market. And I darn bet my head that tourism won't be around were it not for the afore mentioned bells and bangs. Keep your character Malta!

Mario Tabone

Aug 9th 2009, 11:49

As a young teenager growing up in Malta quite a few years ago I was always getting involved with the local Festa preparations along with a group of my friends. This included amongst other things setting off firework displays including petards.
Unfortunately Malta has over the years become more and more densely populated and there are very few remaining towns or villages with the luxury of vast open spaces to indulge in this experience.
I can therefore appreciate both sides of the coin here. People like myself who enjoy the spectacle of fireworks and others who are against it.
I think the main problem seems to be noise levels more than anything else . Normal petards are or tend to be set off during the daytime and all you really get from them is a puff of smoke and a very loud bang. The other fireworks which tend to be set off in the evening are the beautiful colour ones.
Could a compromise not be reached ? If we do away with the plain petards it releases more funds for the colourful displays at night and also pacifies people who are against fireworks in general.

Steve Borg

Aug 9th 2009, 11:46

Here we go again... the typical Maltese reaction whenever a foreigner dares to air some (justifiable) criticism. Aren't the outrageously loud petards something most of us can't take any more in this day and age? Why are we so fast in lynching someone because he's a foreigner? When are we going to rid ourselves of this superiority complex, merely brought about by our small island mentality? Let's grow up - and really stand up to those who feel they can do as they please during festa time.

Adrian Cardona

Aug 9th 2009, 11:22

The usual comments ....did you even read what Claudette Pace wrote? Did you read what the Archdiocese's Environment Commission chairman Profs Victor Axiak said? Or all you care about is jumping on the first word a foreigner says to lynch him? What a typical micro-island mentality you have.
Most Maltese hate the loud bangs too...the useless white explosions in the sky which give pleasure only to those neanderthal 'dilettanti' who think the island is their little playground.
@Claire Farrugia, if you are in Germany and something is destroying your health, I'm sure you would speak up and complain as well, if you had any sense.
@Ivan Falzon, if your 'enlightenment' is enjoying terrorising people with usuelss bangs early in the morning....i'll stay in my medieval darkness, thank you very much.

claire farrugia

Aug 9th 2009, 10:47

while i am sorry for this man's hearing problem, nobody is obliging him to choose to live in malta, if he doesnt like the way it is in malta, why move to malta in the first place? i moved to germany cause i didnt like certain things in malta but foreigners cannot expect us to change to accomodate them, nobody in germany would change anything to accomodate my needs as a maltese citizen either.

Ivan Falzon

Aug 9th 2009, 10:38

let them go....what really bugs me are these expats that come here and want to show us the way to enlightenment.