During the Roman period, an exorcism rite was used to get rid of lemures from people’s houses. These lemures or malignant dead were believed to be restless spirits who were not provided with a proper burial or funeral rites, and so they sought revenge on the living.

Heritage Malta is inviting the public to attend and participate in a performance which will include a Roman exorcism rite and a search for paranormal activity at St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat tomorrow.

This event, for participants aged 16 and over, will shed some light on the Romans’ belief towards death, evil spirits and how to get rid of them. This Roman exorcism rite has nothing to do with the Catholic exorcism rite as we know it today. In fact, the ancient rite has also a comic aspect.

Participants will also be able to join the ghost hunters of Malta Paranormal in their search for paranormal activities in the catacombs.

Roman snacks and nibbles will be served after the tours which take place at 7 and 8pm.

Tickets on a first come, first served basis, are available from all Heritage Malta museums and sites and online at https://shop.heritagemalta.org/index.asp?eventid=487 . Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and take a torch.

More information on www.heritagemalta.org.