Fireworks: in praise of Floriana, Gudja

The way in which the Floriana local council has organised the five festivals of ground fireworks, all of them on the eve of the feast of St Publius, who is theirs and Malta’s patron saint, earns them due credit both from the Floriana residents and the Floriana business concerns.

Year in year out, thousands of fireworks’ and feasts’ enthusiasts gather on the Granaries to witness the elite of ground fireworks, the best in musical programmes, the impeccable Church decorations and the religious functions.

Having had this opportunity, and in addition to the above I also feel that I should air my appreciation towards the team of hard workers of the Our Lady of Consolation Fireworks factory of Gudja, for their genuine efforts in presenting the winning show as judged by the international jury assisted by a local ground fireworks’ expert, Michael Brockdorff.

Considering that the Gudja village embraces a handful of residents compared to other much bigger towns and villages which compete in these festivals, it is very encouraging to note that the Gudja factory workers, who have participated four times, have won first place in two of the Maltese pyrotechnic tradition festivals, namely those of 2009 and this year’s which was held on May 8.