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Malta Unwrapped

🇲🇹Uncover Malta’s hidden gems | Stories beyond the guidebooks | 🔍 Hidden history & culture

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14/12/2024

Day 14: Paola is all dressed up for the festive season! 🎄✨

This charming town is glowing with Christmas spirit, from twinkling lights adorning the streets to festive decorations bringing joy to every corner.

13/12/2024

Day 11: A Christmas classic on every Maltese table: the Maltese Christmas Log! 🎄🍫 Made with crushed biscuits, nuts, candied cherries, and a generous layer of chocolate, this no-bake dessert is as easy to make as it is delicious.

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13/12/2024

Day 13: The poinsettia, known as the ‘Christmas Flower,’ has become a cherished symbol of the festive season in Malta and around the world. 🌺✨

Native to Mexico, poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) were introduced to the rest of the world in the 1820s by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico—hence their name. They were soon associated with Christmas due to a Mexican legend about a poor child who offered humble weeds to Jesus on Christmas Eve, which miraculously bloomed into vibrant red flowers.

In Malta, poinsettias have become a staple of Christmas decor, brightening homes, churches, and markets with their bold red and green hues. These vibrant plants symbolize love, hope, and the spirit of giving—perfect for the festive season.

12/12/2024

Day 12: Caroling in Malta has deep roots, with choirs performing in squares, churches, and rural villages.

Ninni La Tibkix Iżjed, meaning “Sleep, do not cry anymore,” is one of the oldest known Christmas carols in the world, dating back to the 17th century. Written in Maltese, this lullaby to baby Jesus captures the wonder of His birth and reflects the heartfelt spirituality of Maltese culture.

Traditionally sung during Midnight Mass and at family gatherings, this soothing tune continues to connect generations, evoking both nostalgia and reverence.

10/12/2024

Day 10: Il-Gulbiena: A Maltese Christmas Tradition 🌱

Ever wondered about those vibran white sprouts during Christmas in Malta?

Il-Gulbiena (also known as Vetches) is grown by soaking wheat grains and leaving them to sprout in the dark, creating lush white sprouts that are used to decorate nativity scenes and homes.✨

Have you tried growing your own Gulbiena this year? Share your sprouts below! 🎄

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09/12/2024

Day 9: Looking for the perfect gift this Christmas? 🎄✨ Head to Valletta and discover a treasure trove of handmade crafts, unique souvenirs, and Maltese specialties—all crafted with love by local artisans.

By shopping local, you’re not only giving meaningful gifts but also supporting Malta’s talented creators and small businesses. Let’s make this Christmas magical, sustainable, and Maltese! ❤️

08/12/2024

Day 8: Today, Malta celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Il-Kunċizzjoni), one of the most revered days in the Catholic calendar.

In Malta, this special day is marked by solemn Masses, candlelit processions, and family prayers. For many, it also signals the start of festive preparations, as homes light candles and communities gather in thanksgiving and hope.

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07/12/2024

🌟 Day 7: A Symbol of Hope and Joy” 🌟

Did you know the Advent wreath tradition dates back to the 17th century in Germany?

Its evergreen branches symbolize eternal life, while the candles represent the four weeks of Advent—a time of preparation and reflection before Christmas. ✨

The pink candle, known as the Gaudete candle, is lit on the third Sunday, signifying joy amidst the season of waiting. The three purple candles symbolize prayer, penance, and preparation.

06/12/2024

Escape the city this Christmas and soak in the serene charms of Marsaxlokk. 🎄✨

Wander through its colorful harbor, savor fresh seafood, and embrace the magic of an authentic Maltese Christmas by the sea. 🌊🎁

05/12/2024

Day 5: Have you heard of the Gawgaw? This mysterious creature of Maltese folklore, with its ties to Christmas, has roots that trace back to Greek mythology! ✨

Believed to be a mischievous spirit or shapeshifting monster, the Gawgaw is said to wander Maltese villages during the festive season. With its eerie appearance and unsettling presence, it was often used as a cautionary tale to keep children on their best behavior during Christmas. 🎄👹

The Gawgaw legend echoes the ancient Greek tales of the Kallikantzaroi, mischievous goblins that were thought to emerge during the Twelve Days of Christmas to cause havoc. Over time, this myth took on a uniquely Maltese flavor, blending with local customs and traditions. 🌟

A fascinating blend of history and holiday mystery—what do you think of this haunting Christmas legend? Let us know below!👇

03/12/2024

🎄Day 3: Christmas in Malta wouldn’t be complete without qagħaq tal-għasel! These honey rings are sweet, spiced, and oh-so-delicious.

Save this recipe and tag us when you try it at home. Let’s keep the tradition alive!

02/12/2024

Day 2: Did you know? The tradition of nativity scenes (presepju) in Malta dates back to the Knights of St. John.

The idea of crib building originated in Italy in 1223, from here it spread all over Europe. The earliest Maltese crib known was built at the Dominican Friars Church in Rabat Malta in 1617.

These cribs are a symbol of faith and creativity, with families often competing to craft the most elaborate displays

Do you have a presepju at home? If so, we would love to see it. Tag us and use hashtag

01/12/2024

🎄 It’s December, and we’re kicking off the Malta Unwrapped Advent Calendar!

Join us daily as we unwrap Malta’s unique Christmas stories, traditions, and hidden gems. Get ready to feel the festive spirit of the islands like never before!

26/10/2024

Shout out to our newest followers! Excited to have you onboard!

Joseph Zammit, Joseph Bonnici, Rina ORtaz, Raymond Grech

14/10/2024

Perched over the Grand Harbour, this watchful guard tower has seen centuries of history unfold. The Gardjola’s symbols tell a story: the eye for guardianship, the ear for observance , and the crane bird for protection.

09/10/2024

Step into a world of timeless elegance at the stunning ballroom of Palazzo Parisio! ✨ Once a home for Maltese nobility, this breathtaking room boasts intricate details, golden chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling mirrors that reflect centuries of opulence. 🏰

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just love discovering hidden gems, this ballroom will transport you to another era.

06/10/2024

Walking the Nix Mangiare Steps in Valletta, where every stone tells a story of struggle and survival.

The name, meaning ‘nothing to eat,’ reflects the desperate conditions of the 19th and early 20th centuries, when this area became a gathering point for the city’s poorest residents. Many who climbed these steps were destitute, hoping to receive alms or secure enough food to get by.

Street vendors and charitable locals would often provide whatever they could spare, but the steps became a symbol of poverty and hunger in Valletta.

Today, they stand as a poignant reminder of the city’s enduring resilience, a place where hope flickered even in the darkest times.

19/09/2024

Lost in the timeless beauty of Mdina’s narrow streets. 🏰✨ Wandering through these alleys feels like stepping back in time, where every corner holds a story.

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