September 8: a wonderful day in Senglea

September 8 is a historic date indeed in the Maltese islands and Senglea celebrates the feast in a very traditional way.

Indeed, it could be said that time has stood still for many years as celebrations have not changed in any big way compared with other towns and villages around the island.

The atmosphere is electric seeing the petite statue being carried around the narrow streets and down steps. Thousands from all over the island attend to show their devotion and thanks for victories and the end of many a conflict which our forefathers were involved in.

Legend has it that the unique statue was in its original life an old galley figurehead that found its way to Malta tied to an Italian schooner, during that time Senglea did not have a titular statue, and the locals thought the figurehead would make a fitting one. There was some reluctance on the part of the Italian captain to leave his bounty behind, however, every time he tried to leave the Grand Harbour, a big storm brewed up causing him to abandon it. The locals interpreted this as a sign that the wooden figure had found a permanent home in Senglea.

Having very proudly adopted Senglea as my home I find it somewhat difficult to explain the feelings that course through the majority of the residents on the days building up to the crescendo of September 8. Maltese and foreigners alike are totally mesmerised by the statue’s beauty and the rays it emits cover everybody present.

One just cannot conclude without mentioning the icing on the cake, so to speak: Senglea were yet again crowned champions of the Regatta! What a great delight to be part of such festivities, living in one of the most wonderful historic places of Malta.