Final Preparations Underway For 1st Edition of Ħsejjes Tax-Xelter In Senglea

Final preparations are underway for the first edition of Ħsejjes tax-Xelter, an initiative that will open part of Senglea’s historic shelter to the public on Sunday, 25th October.

The event will bring the history and memories of the Second World War to life through historical reconstructions, personal accounts and interactive experiences, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of life in the shelter during wartime.

The announcement was made by Minister for Local Government and Public Works Alison Zerafa Civelli, together with Senglea Mayor Clive Pulis and Director for Strategy and Implementation for Local Government Marisa Pisani.

Minister Alison Zerafa Civelli said the initiative highlights the importance of ensuring that investment by local government creates tangible benefits for communities while preserving Malta’s historical and cultural heritage.

She said the Government remains committed to supporting local councils as they continue investing in their communities, including by improving spaces and services while protecting the heritage that makes each locality unique.

Senglea Mayor Clive Pulis thanked the Ministry for its support and the funds allocated to the Local Council, which helped make it possible for this historic site to become more visible and accessible to the public.

During Sunday’s event, visitors will be able to experience a recreation of wartime life through historical reconstructions showing the realities faced by people who sought shelter during bombing raids.

The activity will also focus on personal memories from residents who experienced the war, with Senglea residents sharing stories and recollections connected to their time inside the shelter. Through interviews and first-hand accounts, visitors will be able to learn more about how the conflict affected the daily lives of the community.

The experience will be further enhanced through virtual reality (VR) technology, allowing visitors to explore footage from inside the shelter and discover the site from a different perspective.

Through Ħsejjes tax-Xelter, Senglea Local Council aims to make this historical heritage more accessible while strengthening awareness of the locality’s history. The first edition will provide the public with an opportunity to explore the shelter, hear the stories linked to it and better understand the experiences of those who found refuge there during one of Malta’s most challenging periods.

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