Malta Unwrapped

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

Perched at the corner of the northern balcony on the Grandmaster’s Palace facade in Valletta is a peculiar and intriguin...
15/01/2025

Perched at the corner of the northern balcony on the Grandmaster’s Palace facade in Valletta is a peculiar and intriguingly provocative corbel bold, bizarre, and impossible to ignore. 👀

This striking corbel in Valletta isn’t just art; it’s protection. From the bold bare-breasted figure warding off the evil eye to the grotesque face peeking through flowers, every detail shouts: ‘Look away!’ 🧿 Inspired by centuries-old beliefs across Europe, these sculptures were the ultimate defenders, ensuring envy and bad vibes stayed far from the palace walls.

Thank you for being part of the Malta Unwrapped journey this year. Your love for Malta’s history and culture inspires us...
25/12/2024

Thank you for being part of the Malta Unwrapped journey this year. Your love for Malta’s history and culture inspires us to keep sharing the stories that matter.

Here’s to a joyful Christmas and a fun - filled New Year!

Day 23: It’s panto season! ✨🎭No Christmas in Malta is complete without the laughter, drama, and all-out fun of a traditi...
23/12/2024

Day 23: It’s panto season! ✨🎭

No Christmas in Malta is complete without the laughter, drama, and all-out fun of a traditional pantomime! This beloved British import has been a festive favorite in Malta for decades, blending witty scripts, over-the-top costumes, and interactive audience moments.

From classic fairy tales to quirky modern twists, the panto promises something for everyone—kids giggle at the silliness, adults enjoy the cheeky humor. 😜

This year, the stage is set for unforgettable productions full of dazzling performances, magical sets, and plenty of surprises. Don’t miss them- they’re a cherished Christmas tradition that keeps getting better year after year.

Day 22: Lija is glowing with festive spirit! This picturesque village is ready to light up Christmas with its stunning d...
22/12/2024

Day 22: Lija is glowing with festive spirit! This picturesque village is ready to light up Christmas with its stunning decorations and heartwarming charm. 🎄✨

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Day 21: Standing tall in Valletta, this dazzling tree is more than just a festive decoration—it’s a symbol of a cherishe...
21/12/2024

Day 21: Standing tall in Valletta, this dazzling tree is more than just a festive decoration—it’s a symbol of a cherished tradition! While Christmas trees became popular in Europe during the 19th century, Malta embraced this custom later, blending it beautifully with its rich Catholic traditions.

The first modern Christmas tree in Malta likely appeared in the mid-20th century, reflecting influences from British culture during the colonial period. Today, our trees stand as magnificent reminders of Malta’s ability to merge global traditions with local charm.

What makes Malta’s Christmas special for you? Share your festive memories below! 🎁✨

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Day 20: Skyparks is shining bright this season with this dazzling Christmas tree! 🎄✨ A perfect mix of modern art and fes...
20/12/2024

Day 20: Skyparks is shining bright this season with this dazzling Christmas tree! 🎄✨ A perfect mix of modern art and festive cheer.

Day 19: Did you know in Valletta holds a sweet piece of Christmas history? 🎄🍫 This humble chocolate tin was part of Que...
19/12/2024

Day 19: Did you know in Valletta holds a sweet piece of Christmas history?

🎄🍫 This humble chocolate tin was part of Queen Victoria’s heartfelt gesture to British soldiers during the Second Boer War, 1899–1902. Sent at Christmastime, these tins were a small but meaningful way to boost morale and remind troops of home.

While they were mostly sent to soldiers in South Africa, some found their way to Malta—an important British naval base at the time. A royal Christmas treat with a fascinating journey! 🎁✨

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Day 18: One of Malta’s most cherished Christmas traditions is Il-Priedka tat-Tifel—the Boy’s Sermon—delivered during Mid...
18/12/2024

Day 18: One of Malta’s most cherished Christmas traditions is Il-Priedka tat-Tifel—the Boy’s Sermon—delivered during Midnight Mass. 🌟

The first-ever Priedka tat-Tifel was given by Ġorġ Sapiano in 1883 at the parish church of Luqa. Over a century later, this tradition continues to captivate congregations, as a young boy (or girl, in more recent years) stands at the pulpit and delivers a moving sermon recounting the story of the Nativity, reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.

This tradition is a testament to Malta’s rich cultural and religious heritage, blending storytelling, faith, and community in one magical moment. ✨

Have you witnessed Il-Priedka tat-Tifel? Share your favorite memory of this special tradition below!

Day 17: A Maltese Christmas isn’t complete without imbuljuta tal-qastan. ☕✨ This creamy, spiced chestnut and cocoa drink...
17/12/2024

Day 17: A Maltese Christmas isn’t complete without imbuljuta tal-qastan. ☕✨ This creamy, spiced chestnut and cocoa drink is more than just a treat—it’s a sip of tradition, perfect for warming up chilly December nights.

Served after Midnight Mass or during family get-togethers, it’s a reminder of simple joys and shared moments.

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Day 16: Step back in time to a Valletta Christmas before the ravages of WWII, when the Royal Opera House stood proudly a...
16/12/2024

Day 16: Step back in time to a Valletta Christmas before the ravages of WWII, when the Royal Opera House stood proudly at the heart of the city. 🌟✨

This rare glimpse of Christmas in Valletta reminds us of the island’s resilience and its timeless beauty. The Royal Opera House, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, was the cultural jewel of the capital, hosting performances that brought elegance and light to the city.

📷 Malta Lura Fil Passat

Day 15: Turkey may be the centerpiece of Christmas dinners in Malta and many other countries today, but have you ever wo...
15/12/2024

Day 15: Turkey may be the centerpiece of Christmas dinners in Malta and many other countries today, but have you ever wondered what a Christmas meal looked like during wartime? 🎄✨

This 1942 Christmas Day menu from the Royal Air Force in Malta offers a glimpse into festive resilience during one of the island’s toughest periods. Despite food shortages and the harsh realities of WWII, the spirit of Christmas was alive.

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Day 14: Paola is all dressed up for the festive season! 🎄✨ This charming town is glowing with Christmas spirit, from twi...
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.

Day 11: A Christmas classic on every Maltese table: the Maltese Christmas Log! 🎄🍫 Made with crushed biscuits, nuts, cand...
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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Day 13: The poinsettia, known as the ‘Christmas Flower,’ has become a cherished symbol of the festive season in Malta an...
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.

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

Day 10: Il-Gulbiena: A Maltese Christmas Tradition 🌱Ever wondered about those vibran white sprouts during Christmas in M...
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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Day 9: Looking for the perfect gift this Christmas? 🎄✨ Head to Valletta and discover a treasure trove of handmade crafts...
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! ❤️

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