The Senglea Marittima 2011 is being held this weekend, at significant locations within Senglea.
Senglea is one of the jewels in the crown of the Three Cities. This promontory, which juts out into the Grand Harbour, has unique land and seascapes that lend themselves perfectly to hosting this festival.
Tonight, the main church’s square and adjoining streets will revive the Knight’s era through the ambient happenings purposely set up for the festival. Highlights include an Italian settecento corteo accompanied by the sbandieratori from Siracusa. The latter will be followed by the majestic entrance and visit of Grand Master La Senglea and his entourage to Senglea.
The 4th September Square and its surroundings will depict the pre-World War II culture and environment, the re-enacted World War II fear and destruction and the post-war battered slow regeneration. The latter will be relieved by visitors through a specific set-up of light and sound effects, authentic audio projections and live performances by Senglean participants, the Malta Command WWII and the Old Military Vehicles.
Tomorrow’s schedule is jam-packed from the morning with different activities including displays, re-enactments, parades, band marches, exhibitions and more.
Throughout this day, Senglean societies and previous Eden award-winning localities including Nadur, Santa Luċija Hamlet of Kerċem and Mellieħa will be participating with street and corner arts from the centre right down towards the seafront.
A focal point of activities will be the Maċina, an imposing building overlooking Dock No.1 creek, which has been used for different purposes since the 17th century. Suffice to say that last year almost 5,000 patrons visited this unique venue.
Over the festival’s three days, the Maċina will host static exhibitions, including the art exhibition titled Azure and Ochre featuring the works of established and upcoming artists, audiovisual displays, lectures and performances.
A creative public installation entitled A Dream for the Three Cities will provide an interaction with visitors of the festival, especially ones who live in the Three Cities, known as Cottonera. Also, there will be The French Connection Seminars which will take place tomorrow between 2 and 4 p.m. and Sunday between 3 and 5 p.m.
Sunday will be entirely dedicated to marine activities, such as water sports and displays, and the renowned Maċina re-enactment at the Maċina itself and its waterfront surroundings.
Bookings for the seminars available at: www.faa.trolleymania.com