Fun Facts You May Not Know About: Balzan!

Grab a seat and let me whisk you away to Balzan, a small but delightful village in central Malta full of stories, songs, and sunny squares!

A Village Grows Around a Church

Balzan began as a tiny cluster of homes and farms back in the early 1400s, around 1419–1420. It was part of Birkirkara until 1655, when the people asked for their own parish—and on 14 August 1655, Balzan became an independent parish with its very own local church!The Grand Church with Six Mighty Bells

The Parish Church of the Annunciation is the heart of Balzan. Its foundation stone was laid on 23 December 1669, and the building was blessed by 1695. It was later formally consecrated in 1781. The church was built in the shape of a Latin cross, with a beautiful dome and a single belfry that holds six massive bells. The biggest bell, installed in 1949, weighs a whopping four tonnes, making it the third largest bell in Malta!

A Name from the Past

How did Balzan get its name? Some say it comes from a Sicilian family called Balzan, while others believe it means “tax collector” in old Maltese! Either way, the name stuck and the village grew around its community charm.

A Village with Music and Celebrations

Every July, Balzan’s streets come alive with a festa celebrating the Annunciation. There are parades, fireworks, and music from the village band clubs like St. Gabriel and Maria Annunziata!

Bands, Refugees, and Royal Visitors

Balzan may be small, but it has big stories! During World War II, many families came to Balzan seeking safety, and many ended up making the village their home. In 1954, Queen Elizabeth II even visited Balzan!

Sporty Side – Balzan Football Club

Balzan also has its very own football club, Balzan F.C., founded in 1937. The team has won big trophies, including the Maltese FA Trophy in 2019!

#MaltaDaily