Humans were getting high on hallucinogens 3,000 years ago in Spain

Apr 8 2023

A new research has found evidence which suggests that people in Spain approximately 3,000 years ago were getting high on hallucinogenic drugs during cave rituals.

Researchers made the amazing discovery after studying Bronze Age strands of hair found in the Es Carritx cave on the Spanish island of Menorca.

Researchers dated the first occupation of the cave at around 3600 years ago, with it being used as a funeral space up until around 2,800 years ago.

Published to the Scientific Reports journal, the study found psychoactive substances such as atropine, scopolamine and ephedrine on red-dyed hair strands.

The scientists believe that the drugs would have created strong hallucinations and were likely derived from various plants. The strands of hair had been placed in wooden and horn containers decorated with concentric circles.

The ground-breaking discovery comes after previous evidence which indirectly suggested the use of hallucinogenic drug use during religious rituals.

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A return to Good Friday processions after a COVID-19 hiatus

Apr 8 2023

After 3 years of not being able to celebrate this cultural and deeply religious practice, the Maltese islands yesterday finally saw the return of various Good Friday processions in various localities.

The processions were a highlight of the Maltese festive and religious calendar, as many dress up as various Biblical figures, whether it be apostles or Roman guards as they walk down their respective localities.

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Others carry large statues depicting various stages of Jesus’ crucifixion as onlookers admire the aesthetic and devotion that goes into the creation and maintenance of such figures.

The celebrations commemorate the day Jesus Christ was crucified and brings an atmosphere of deep spiritual reflection before the jubilant celebrations which take place on Easter Sunday.

Here are but a few snapshots from some of the processions which took place – an appreciation into the hard work which goes into the organisation of these processions.

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€3,011,000 in donations raised by Puttinu Cares during TV fundraiser

Apr 8 2023

A whopping €3,011,000 were raised during a Puttinu Cares TV fundraising marathon – all going to help fund and provide care for many in the Maltese islands battling cancer and other severe diseases.

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This of course comes after the 18th edition of the Puttinu Cares Friday Walk, which attracted thousands to brave the distance of approximately 17 kilometres.

The marathons show, yet again, the generosity of the Maltese public to come together to help those in need.

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24 year old dies after falling from height in Portomaso marina area

Apr 8 2023

Yesterday morning, 7th April 2023, at around 0615hrs, police were informed that their assistance was immediately needed in Vjal Portomaso.

From preliminary investigations, it was found that earlier on, a worker who was in a nearby building saw a man climbing up a building and later falling onto a grassy area.

Moments later, a security officer checked the zone and found a person badly injured, prompting him to call for assistance.

A medical team and members of the Civil Protection Department gave their assistance to the man, who was identified as a 24-year-old Colombian man resident of St Paul’s Bay. He was taken to Mater Dei via ambulance and certified to have suffered serious injuries.

Police were later informed by Health Authorities that the man unfortunately passed away. Investigations are ongoing and an inquiry has been opened by Magistrate Dr Joseph Mifsud LL.D.

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