Fun Facts You Might Not Know About: Marsaxlokk!

Marsaxlokk (pronounced Mar-sa-shlok) is one of Malta’s prettiest and most colourful seaside villages, and it is full of surprises. Most people know it for its famous Sunday fish market, but there is a lot more to this quiet fishing village than fresh tuna and swordfish. The name Marsaxlokk comes from the Arabic word marsa meaning “port” and the old Maltese word xlokk, which means “southeast” and is also the name of a warm wind. So the name literally means “southeastern port” – and yes, it is just as sunny as it sounds.

One of the coolest things about Marsaxlokk is the luzzu, the brightly coloured wooden fishing boats that bob in the harbour. These boats are painted in red, blue, yellow and green and most of them have a pair of eyes on the front. These are the “Eyes of Osiris”, a tradition from ancient times when fishermen believed the eyes would protect them from danger at sea. Today, the luzzus are not just useful – they are also a picture-perfect symbol of Malta!

Marsaxlokk played an important role in history too. It was where the Turkish Ottoman fleet landed during the Great Siege of 1565. Fort St Lucian, the large tower near the water, was built by the Knights of St John to help protect the coast. It is still standing strong today and is now used for marine research. You can sometimes visit it during open days to learn about sea creatures and the environment.

Although it is a peaceful village, Marsaxlokk becomes super busy on Sundays thanks to the fish market, where locals and tourists buy the freshest catch of the day. You will find everything from prawns to octopus and maybe even a flying fish or two! The village is also famous for its seafood restaurants, where you can enjoy fish straight from the boat to your plate. No wonder people from all over Malta go there just to eat!

Marsaxlokk is not only about fish, though. It hosts a lovely festa in honour of Our Lady of Pompeii every summer, with fireworks, street decorations and band marches. You will also spot colourful doors, peaceful promenades, and maybe even a sneaky cat or two sunbathing by the shore.

So next time you are in Marsaxlokk, take a walk along the seafront, snap a photo of the luzzus, and enjoy the charm of a village that feels like a painting come to life.

#MaltaDaily