I read Charles Coleiro’s letter about a water carnival with great interest (The Sunday Times of Malta, June 30). I fully concur that something along these lines should take place in the Grand Harbour on September 8 in conjunction with the traditional Regatta.

Historically there are some mentions of such an event over the past years where the dghajsa would be decorated like the main carnival floats held in Valletta every year. There seems to be very little information as to any carnival-type water activities. I could only find a reference in a book entitled The Royal Tour 1901.

A crew member, petty officer Harry Price on HMS Ophir wrote an account of their Royal Highness’s voyage around The British Empire. I quote part of his account as to what happened while in Malta on the evening of departure:

“As the evening drew on, weird craft began to make their appearance on the water, most of them resembling animals and birds, the best product being a swan and a whale; the elephant, crocodile, sea serpent, lion, camel and dragon being very good. At 8pm the whole fleet illuminated and in the background 500 star rockets ascended simultaneously, the harbour now presented a sight the likes of which I had never seen before all the animal were lit up as were all the bastions”.

This must have been a sight to behold and how wonderful it would be if it could be repeated as part of the September 8 celebrations this year or in future years. In Malta we are blessed with a wonderful natural harbour which sadly we make very little use of.