The old naval city of Senglea revived its maritime roots this weekend in a festival that brought together tradition, folklore and history.

Appealing to all senses, the event offered the sights, sounds and tastes of Malta's maritime past. Men, women and children of all ages took advantage of the good weather and strolled along the Senglea seafront where, among other things, women were making lace. Expertly handling bobbins and pins and dressed in traditional garb, the women sat in the shade provided by colourful fishing boats.

There was also a demonstration at the Maċina when a pair of sheerlegs was used to remove the masts of a ship. Il-Maċina was used to mast and demast galleys during the reign of the Knights of St John and later vessels belonging to the British Royal Navy whose Medi-terranean base was on the island.

The masting and demasting as well as the taking on board and offloading of cargo and stores from ships was carried out by means of sheerlegs, which were two wooden poles, later made of iron, used as a lifter.

The festival, which started on Saturday evening and was concluded last night, was organised for the second year running by the Senglea local council.

On Saturday evening, the narrow alleys were lit by candles and filled with music from the various dance and singing acts while the air rang with musket fire during re-enactments on Sunday. There were also static displays of ropes and knots, Maltese balconies and Royal Navy ship badges.