We were captivated. Wroclaw’s Cathedral Island was being transformed into a magical place and lit up, bit by bit, by the lamplighter.

He silently held a long rod, like a fairy’s wand, and touched the lamps, which steadily breathed life. The shadows in the streets danced by the flickering lamplight.

Needless to say, we had purposely booked this tour, like others, to watch this elegant gentleman illuminate the city’s street lamps in the most romantic setting.

This, coupled with the island’s fine architecture and honoured history, make this place unforgettable not only for the art lovers but also to the faithful who constantly frequent the sacred grounds away from the bustle of Main Market Square, which offers yet another vibrant experience.

Pondering upon this tradition, which has survived the ravages of time, Anton Buttigieg’s poignant words in his poem Il-kebbies tal-fanali (the lantern lighter) come to mind : “Kull fl-għaxija kif mal-għabex tnin u tmut saħħet il-jum, jiġi Majsi bis-sellum, u jixgħelli taħt it-tieqa fanal ċkejken li tal-lejl itaffi d-diqa” (loosely translated: every night, as the day starts fading away at dusk, there comes Majsi with his ladder and he lights up a small lantern right below my window, easing the sadness of the night).

Where has our Majsi gone?