Running Up The Church Steps: Hamrun Feast Tradition Returns

Aug 14 2023

Part of the Ħamrun San Gejtanu feast tradition is running up the church steps with the grand statue as the feast-goers cheer on the culmination of the jubilation.

The moment is highly anticipated as the carriers of the statue attempt to run up, and often succeed in doing so, the church steps whilst carrying the massive weight.

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The feast of San Gejtanu, celebrated over the weekend, is known for the rivalry between the St Joseph and the San Gejtanu band clubs, which sees the two groups march to the tunes and even taunt their rivals.

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Airports Closed Off As Mount Etna Erupts

Aug 14 2023

Catania and Comiso airports have been shut down due to a recent eruption of Mount Etna volcano.

The eruption caused an ash cloud to spread over the southeastern part of Sicily and the Mediterranean.

The closure led to the cancellation of a 6am flight from Malta to Catania. Flights bound for Malta were being redirected to avoid the ash cloud.

Catania airport has announced plans to resume operations by 1pm.

The eruption resulted in ash falling on Rifugio Sapienza, a popular location on Mount Etna often visited by Maltese travelers.

This closure of Catania airport follows its recent return to full operation, which occurred after a phased reopening subsequent to a significant terminal fire in mid-July.

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Champions League Ball Ground Fireworks Show on Display at Birżebbuġa Feast

Aug 13 2023

In a stunning display of fireworks engineering and creativity, a ground fireworks display in the form of a Champions League Ball was exhibited at this years Birżebbuġa feast.

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A couple of videos began to make the rounds on TikTok showing the detailed engineering project behind the complex structure, together with the final show put on for community members and visitors.

The latest video, published by Geordie Camilleri, shows the entire process from 3D mapping to structure-building until it is ultimately lit and celebrated by the locals.

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“A Harsher Day Than Others”; Isabelle Bonnici Speaks On Jean Paul First Birthday Since Tragedy

Aug 13 2023

On Saturday evening, Isabelle Bonnici took to Facebook page ‘Għal Jean Paul’ to share the sombre news that today is her son Jean Paul Sofia’s first birthday since the tragic Corradino incident that took his life.

“Tomorrow is a harsher and more difficult day day than usual because it is my beautiful son’s first birthday that I cannot celebrate with him. I don’t wish to write anything else except to remind you to remember me in your prayers”, the mother wrote on the eve of her son’s birthday.

“You will not be able to comment because the more I read the more it pains me. I’m sure that you understand and I send you a hug”, the post concluded.

Jean Paul Sofia died in Corradino on December 3rd 2022 after a building under construction collapsed over him, with his mother Isabelle launching a nationwide campaign calling for justice for her son and a public inquiry, which was eventually granted after intense pressure from thousands.

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