GLOBETROTTER — malta

Malta is a country located between Europe and North Africa. It has been ruled by Britain for nearly 150 years. The country achieved its independence on 21 September 1964 from UK. English is an official language along with Maltese. The country is mainly known for its fine crafts like handmade lace, hand woven fabrics, blown glass and silver filigree. Folk traditions in music are also very strong. One of the main events held is The Feast of St Pauls Shipwreck on 10 February. It commemorates the mishap that brought the apostle to Malta in 60 AD. Other events include the Feast of St Publius, a feast season on the first Sunday after Easter. The Feast of Sts Peter and Paul on 28 and 29 June. The attractions of Malta are Valletta, Gozo, Mdina and Hagar Qim. Valletta is a capital city described as ‘the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen’. It is a small and beautifully preserved 16th-century walled city with series of squares surrounded by palaces and cathedrals. Mdina is a 3000 year old city famous for the 11th-century Roman Catholic Sicula-Norman Cathedral, one of the few buildings to survive an earthquake in 1693. Museum of Roman Antiquities is also there which exhibits on the island’s 1000 years under Roman rule. Hagar Qim and the other Neolithic temples on Malta are the oldest known human structures in the world. Maltese cuisine includes Pastizzi — savoury cheese pastries, Timpana — a macaroni, cheese and egg pie and Fenek — rabbit fried or baked in a casserole or pie.