A memorial in honour of Manwel Dimech will be held at Castille Square, Valletta, with the participation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and historian Mark Montebello who will be launching a new publication on Dimech who died in exile in Egypt.

Today marks the 96th anniversary of Dimech’s death. This year’s memorial begins the final countdown towards the first centenary of his death in 2021.

Dimech’s life story, his philosophy and his untimely end continue to fascinate.

Identity has always been a key issue among people. However, during these last few years, with the clash of cultures and the proliferation of widespread migration, the issue of identity has acquired a much more critical and vital standing, both in Europe as a whole and also in Malta.

For this reason, the role played by significant historical protagonists in the fostering of our national identity is today seen as pivotal to people’s distinctiveness and belonging.

On this occasion, an abridged version of Dimech’s biography in Maltese will be officially launched. The book, Jien Manwel Dimech – L-istorja ta’ Hajti, written by Mark Montebello, illustrated with authentic pictures of Dimech and documents related to his exile.

The event will be held today at Castille Square at 6pm. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat will address the gathering together with the author of the new book. The public is invited to attend.  Proceedings will be in Maltese.