Hundreds of people turned up at Bisazza Street in Sliema this morning to soak up the festive atmosphere as the area became a pedestrian zone.
Balloons were festooned across the street, stilt walkers and comedians mingled with shoppers and children enjoyed games and face-painting in the street, previously one of the most traffic congested.
The pedestrian zone was inaugurated yesterday by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Resources Minister George Pullicino. It has been paved with lava slabs, wires have been taken underground and fountains have replaced cars in the small square.
Traffic, meanwhile, is being deviated through the Tigne' tunnel, which was opened this morning.
See also
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110606/local/tigne-tunnel-to-open-for-traffic-tomorrow.369277
and
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110607/local/People-the-sole-traffic-as-street-opens.369388