Maria Farrugia, Malta’s Oldest Woman, Passes Away at 112

Dec 24 2024

Malta mourns the loss of an extraordinary figure, Maria Farrugia, who passed away at the remarkable age of 112, cementing her legacy as the oldest woman ever recorded in Malta’s history.

Born Maria Galea in Mosta in 1912, Maria’s life spanned over a century of profound change and historical milestones. Growing up in Msida and later moving to Ħamrun during World War II, Maria’s resilience became a testament to the strength and spirit of the Maltese people. She lived through two world wars, the Spanish Flu, and the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessing Malta’s transformation from a British colony to an independent nation.

Maria married Ġorġ Farrugia and together they had three children. Though she was widowed in 1962 and experienced the heartbreak of losing two of her children, her life was filled with love and dedication to her family. Her daughter Carmen and grandson Stephen lovingly cared for her in her later years.

As a seamstress, Maria contributed to her community by making blankets and selling milk from the family goat. Her simple joys in life—saying the rosary, flipping through old photographs, and savoring meals of vegetable soup and bread with olives—reflected her humble and grounded nature.

In 2022, Maria candidly shared with The People of Malta that there were no secrets to her long life, yet her faith, familial bonds, and contentment with life’s simplicities undoubtedly played a role in her longevity.

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Sannat Pitch Covered In Hail Training Still Goes On

Dec 24 2024

Last night, Sannat’s football ground turned white after a rare heavy hailstorm swept through the area, giving the pitch a snowy look.

Despite the unusual weather, S.K. Victoria Wanderers president Brian Azzopardi revealed that the local Gozitan team continued with their training session.

Players embraced the rare opportunity to practice in such extraordinary conditions, adding a unique twist to their routine. The striking scene captured the spirit of adaptability and excitement among the team as they made the most of this unexpected weather event.

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A ‘Nadur-Able’ Christmas Display

Dec 24 2024

A home on a quiet street in Nadur has become a festive highlight of the holiday season. Each evening at 5 p.m., the house lights up in a display themed around the forest and the color red, delighting passersby with its creativity and charm.

The homeowner, Joanne, has been decorating her house for Christmas for the past 18 years. Inspired by her childhood memories of holiday décor, she began expanding her efforts after getting married and establishing her own home. Today, the display combines items she’s purchased with handmade and recycled pieces, showcasing her commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship.

While Joanne is the creative force behind the decorations, her family pitches in to help with tasks like stringing lights in hard-to-reach places. She admits the process of setting up and taking down the decorations requires significant effort, but the joy it brings to the community makes it all worthwhile.

The decorations will remain on display until January 2, offering plenty of time for visitors to enjoy this heartwarming Christmas tradition in Nadur.

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120,000 People Attend Christmas in the Park 2024 at Salini Park

Dec 24 2024

This year’s Christmas in the Park at Salini National Park enchanted over 120,000 visitors with its perfect mix of holiday cheer and environmental education.

Organised by the Ministry for the Environment and Energy, the event offered festive entertainment while promoting sustainability.

The park’s illuminated pathway was the highlight, allowing visitors to learn about endangered species in an interactive and engaging way. The Enchanted Forest, transformed with dazzling light effects, provided a magical experience for families. Other attractions included sustainable crafts, a potting shed and greenhouse, an exciting maze, and educational games.

Running from December 8 to 22, this year’s edition introduced additional festive features, such as a nativity scene, Santa’s Grotto, and live performances by local artists, bands, and children’s choirs.

Visitors also explored sustainability through interactive activities hosted by entities like Saving Our Blue, Sustainable Development Directorate, Ambjent Malta, and the Environment and Resources Authority. Highlights included virtual reality experiences that showcased marine protected areas, such as Filfla and the remains of the Azure Window.

Minister Miriam Dalli emphasised the importance of public events like Christmas in the Park for fostering community engagement and sustainability awareness. She thanked exhibitors and visitors for making the event a success and encouraged families to enjoy Malta’s open green spaces.

For updates on parks and activities in Malta and Gozo, follow Sostenibilità on social media.

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