Localities Celebrating Santa Marija Next Week

Localities Celebrating Santa Marija This Week

Aug 7 2024

Santa Marija, held on August 15th, is one of Malta’s most significant feasts, blending deep religious and historical meaning.

Celebrated with great fervor across seven localities—Mqabba, Qrendi, Mosta, Attard, Gudja, Għaxaq, and Victoria in Gozo—the festival turns these areas into vibrant centres of activity.

Streets are adorned with colorful decorations, and local food stalls offer traditional Maltese delicacies such as ħelwa tat-tork (Turkish delight), imqaret (date fritters), and qubbajt (nougat). Each village adds its unique touch to the festivities, often sparking friendly rivalries.

The feast also holds historical importance due to its connection to World War II. On August 15, 1942, Malta, crucial to the British Empire’s naval operations, faced starvation from relentless bombings.

The arrival of the SS Ohio, part of a convoy named ‘Il-Konvoj ta’ Santa Marija,’ brought vital supplies and averted disaster, marking a moment of immense relief and joy for the islanders. This event has linked Santa Marija with Malta’s resilience and survival.

The celebration is highlighted by impressive fireworks displays, and festa hopping between the localities offers a chance to experience each village’s unique take on the festivities.

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Valletta Cruise Port Greets The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s ‘Ilma’

Aug 7 2024

The Valletta Cruise Port recently welcomed “Ilma,” a new cruise liner from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. This luxurious vessel boasts the highest space-to-guest ratio in its class, featuring 224 suites, each with a private terrace. Additionally, “Ilma” offers two new upper suite categories, each measuring over 1,000 square feet.

Later this summer and autumn, “Ilma” will explore various destinations, including the Amalfi Coast, Greek Isles, Monte Carlo, Rome, and Barcelona.

Next on “Ilma’s” itinerary is a one-way cruise from Monte Carlo to Rome, departing from Monte Carlo Port on the 2nd of September and lasting 7 days.

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Jason Micallef Out Of PL Deputy Leader Race: Agius Saliba Teases Run

Aug 7 2024

Jason Micallef has withdrawn from the race for Labour’s deputy leader for party affairs, paving the way for Alex Agius Saliba to potentially step in.

Micallef announced his decision after a series of meetings, including one with Prime Minister Robert Abela, where they discussed the need for party renewal ahead of the next general election.

Micallef emphasized that his decision was driven by his commitment to the best interests of the Labour Party, stating that he would not pursue the deputy leader position to maintain party unity and focus on future progress.

In the meantime, Agius Saliba has hinted at his interest in the role. While not officially declaring his candidacy, he shared on Facebook that he supports amending the party’s statute to allow MPs or MEPs to be eligible for the deputy leader position.

The current rules prevent members of the parliamentary group, including MEPs, from running for the post. Agius Saliba revealed that he had also met with Abela to discuss these changes and expressed his support for Abela’s vision for the party’s future.

As the Labour Party prepares to vote on a new executive at its upcoming general conference, the race to fill the deputy leader role has become increasingly competitive, highlighting differing views within the party.

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Local Athlete Completes 2024 Olympic Season

Aug 7 2024

Local athlete and Olympic runner, Beppe Grillo recently wrapped up the 2024 Olympic season and shared his reflections on social media. Despite not achieving the results he had hoped for in his Olympic debut, his message was one of resilience and determination.

“Season 2024 done! 🔥 Unfortunately, my Olympic debut wasn’t what we trained for… but I cannot forget the hard work I put in to get here in the first place,” he wrote. “[I] had to outperform myself on a whole new level, and the result of that was becoming an Olympian.”

This perspective highlights the immense dedication and perseverance required to reach the pinnacle of athletic competition. Becoming an Olympian is a significant achievement, one that Beppe Grillo has embraced despite the challenges faced.

With the season behind him, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to rest and recharge. “For now, I get to enjoy a well-earned break,” he added. “But after that, it’s time to get back to training, to prepare for another fruitful season. 🙌”

Looking ahead, Grillo remains committed to his sport and his country, aiming to represent the flag with pride and determination. “I plan to take our flag as high as possible,” he concluded, signaling his ongoing ambition and patriotic spirit.

As he enjoys his brief respite, the community eagerly anticipates his return to training and his future accomplishments on the track.

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