Marsaxlokk Local Customs

Malta is a member of the European Union since May 2004. On the 1st of January 2008 Malta adopted the Euro as official currency, which makes travels for people coming from the Eurozone much easier.

The Euro replaced the Maltese Lira (MTL), which was in circulation since 1972. The fixed exchange rate between the two currencies is 0,429300 EUR/MTL.

The backside of the Maltese Euro coins carry three different designs: The Maltese cross on the 1 and 2 Euro coins; the Maltese coat of arms on the 10, 20 and 50 Cent coins and the Mnajdra temples on the 1, 2, and 5 Cent coins.

Kinnie is a maltese non-alcoholic soft drink with a bitter sweet taste. It is made from bitter oranges and several aromatic herbs.

The drink was developed by the Malteses company Simonds Farsons Cisk in 1952 as an alternative to Cola.

My first encounter with Kinnie was on the Air Malta flight from Zurich to Malta, where I ordered a Kinnie to drink.

The flight attendant only served me the drink after I had tasted it and confirmed that I really wanted it.

I must admit that it really tastes bitter and unusual , although if served cold it seems to be a very good alternative to other soft drinks.

Website: http://www.kinnie.com/

The Roman Catholic faith is predominant in Malta and the church is a very prominent aspect of the Maltese way of life.

This characteristic is also evidenced by many saints statues or plaques that can be found around the locals houses.

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Malta's largest fishing village will clearly accommodate a large number of colorful fishing boats.

The sizes range from the large skuna, a very big fishing boat used by professional fishermen, to the medium sized traditional maltese boat luzzu, to kajjik (a little bigger than luzzu) and to the small frejgatina (a very small boat).

All the boats are painted in the traditional colours of yellow, blue and green, many of them have the "eyes of Osiris" on the prow.

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A typical picture of Marsaxlokk Bay will never be short of colorful "eyed" Maltese boats.

The painted eyes are believed to protect from the evil eye and also to bring luck in order to have a good catch of fish.

The "Eye of Osiris" can be seen on many Luzzus from Marsaxlokk painted or carved on the bow.

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Many Luzzus have the 'Eye of Osiris' painted or carved on the bow, a symbol brought to Malta by the Phoenicians . This seems to suggest that these boats must have been common in the harbour since the time of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians. Also sometimes known locally as the 'Eye of Horus'. It is beleived that the 'eye' will protect the vessel and the crew from evil harm while out on the seas and also as a 'Lucky Charm' to have a Good catch of fish.
Click on pic to see more of these 'eyes'

The Feast of "Madonna ta' Pompei" is celebated on the First Sunday in August. If you're planning to visit, check with the bus schedules for the last bus from Marsaxlokk or just in case you miss the bus hire a taxi.

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Those olive containers hanged outside this house with the two syllable word 'Gambli' painted on them means all this: ''Attention, any amateur fly-fisherman or amateur fisherman, please note that we have Live Shrimps (Gambli) to be used as bait , for sale.Just knock on the door pane and I'll sell you as much as you want''
This particular house could be seen on the waterfront half way through the market.