Rabat imnarja
Leave your feedback
LEAVE YOUR FEEDBACK

Video ID: 997

Submitting Feedback

Looking back at one of Malta’s oldest feasts

Description

The feast of St Peter and St Paul on June 29 marks an important event in the Maltese calendar.

Traditionally known as ‘L-Imnarja’, it is one of the oldest feasts in Malta and Gozo, goes back to before the arrival of the Knights in 1530.

The name ‘L-Imarja’ is a corruption of Italian ‘luminaria’ or illumination. This was the way people celebrated the festival by burning bonfires and candles, and the illumination of the Mdina Cathedral and walls of the old capital city.

On the eve of the feast the scene shifts to Buskett Gardens on the outskirts of Rabat. Here the cries of food and drink vendors mingle with the boisterous crowd. 

By this time animals taking part in the annual agricultural show would have been blessed, with thousands of visitors flocked to watch the festival of animals, vegetables, fruits, poultry, honey and many other exhibits.

Even today, people still make their way to Buskett, where the scene is set for a feast of song and food beneath the trees. 

On the afternoon of June 29, the ‘Imnarja’ festivities reached their climax with the traditional horse and donkey races in Rabat. 

In the 17th and 18th centuries these races consisted of seven events, including races for boys, slaves, men, donkeys, mules, mares and horses. 

The feast of St Peter and St Paul is also celebrated in Nadur, Gozo, this time in the usual festive manner that is normally held in towns and villages.

More places from Rabat

Looking back at one of Malta’s oldest feasts
Rabat imnarja
The feast of St Peter and St Paul on June 29 marks an important event in the Mal...
The history behind Malta’s beloved Chadwick Lakes
Rabat Sir Osbert Chadwick Chadwick Lakes
Chadwick Lakes have long been popular with families who enjoy picnics in the Mal...

Places Nearby

What powers does the President of Malta have?
Valletta, Malta Agatha Barbara
The President of Malta is the island’s head of state. Presidents serve a f...
The history of the ‘Great Wall’ of Malta
Bingemma Queen Victoria Victoria Lines
Malta’s answer to the Great Wall of China, the Victoria Lines are a networ...
Malta pays tribute to Sir Winston Churchill
Valletta, Malta churchill in malta churchill death
This archive footage shows how Malta mourned the death of Sir Winston Churchill....
Three Maltese acting legends perform together
Gwardamanġa charles thake maltese television
This hilarious footage from the PBS archives shows three of Malta’s best-k...
Carnival capers in Malta over the years
Valletta, Malta carnival in malta
Carnival has been celebrated in Malta for more than 600 years. Historians believ...
Some of the worst storms to ever hit Malta
Birkirkara stormy weather malta
Malta is famous around the world for its glorious sunny weather. Holiday compani...
Meet the residents at St Vincent de Paul Hospital
Luqa
St Vincent de Paul Hospital is Malta’s largest state-owned residence home ...
Remembering a Maltese radio and TV legend
Charles Arrigo television malta
Charles Arrigo was one of Malta’s best-known broadcasters. His distinctive...
Bikers without crash helmets on Malta’s garigue
Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq motorbike trials in malta
It seems almost unthinkable today. This footage from the PBS Archives shows comp...
Hunting in Malta in the 1970s
Mellieha spring hunting malta
Hunting has been a hugely controversial subject in Malta for decades. Back in th...
Malta honours the patron saint of cyclists
Zabbar Pellegrinagg tar-roti
Amid the blowing of horns and ringing of bells, thousands of cyclists and bikers...
A look back at Malta’s postal service in the 1970s
Malta
This fascinating film from our archives showcases the work of the Malta Post Off...