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} Traditional Regatta
What it is,
where it is and
why you should
check it out!
By Melanie Drury
Are you going to the Maltese National Regatta? If you
haven’t properly considered it, you should. Here’s
one national event that is not only historic, but
also guarantees an atmosphere with a great deal of
excitement and local cheer.
Traditional boat racing has been going on in Malta since the
Middle Ages. While the details have changed considerably over
the years, today the regatta races are held twice a year on the
31 st March and 8 th September. Both dates commemorate the end
of foreign occupation or invasion: the British army and navy left
Malta on 31 st March 1979, while the 8 th September marks the end
of the Great Siege of 1565 as well as the departure of the French
occupiers in 1800.
The races are held in the Grand Harbour, with the fortifications
of Valletta, the Three Cities and Fort St Angelo as a backdrop.
Rowers from seven coastal towns compete in two categories
– one for professionals, and one for amateurs – with each
featuring five races of 1,040 metres each. Take a snack and a
couple of beers – this is a five hour affair but with lots to keep
you entertained, promise!
Each race features a different rowing boat, traditionally the
kajjik, frejgatina, dgħajsa tal-pass and dgħajsa tal-midalji, all
converted Maltese working boats. Points are awarded to the first
three placings and the club with he most points from the five
races wins the respective category.
Needless to say, there is a great ado about being the winners
in this traditional Maltese sport. Traditionally, the participating
clubs are the Birżebbuġa Regatta Club (Red-White-Blue), the
Kalkara Regatta Club (Green), the Bormla Regatta Club (Light
Blue), the Birgu Regatta Club (Red), the Senglea Regatta Club
(Red-Yellow), the Marsa Regatta Club (Red-Blue) and the
Marsamxett Regatta Club (Yellow) of Valletta.
The competition is fierce and supporters scream encouragement
from their viewing points (whether they can actually be heard
or not is another matter, but the support is certainly there!) Join
the large crowd of keen spectators on the water’s edge or on the
bastions of Malta’s historic fortified cities.
Don’t miss this colourful, lively and spectacular event full of local
flavour! MS
Credit: Drew Creative Studios
THE COMPETITION IS FIERCE
AND SUPPORTERS SCREAM
ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THEIR
VIEWING POINTS
Melanie Drury was born and
raised in Malta and has spent a
large chunk of her life travelling
solo around the world. Back on
the island with a new outlook, she
realised just how much wealth her
little island home possesses.
38 } Issue 10