During the first week of June, the newly appointed National & Regional Celebrations Committee in the Ministry for Gozo, commemorated the national day of ‘Sette Giugno’, through a break with the past in the format of these commemorations on Gozo.

The new committee’s policy is to focus more on the educational aspect of the events that form our national history and identity, rather than on a celebrative one. In this regard, an attractive booklet was published for school children, recounting the events that happened in Valletta on the 7th June 1919. The story narrated by two purposely created characters named Pinu and Salvina, was written by Mark Laurence Zammit and illustrated by Martin Attard. Dr. Aaron Attard Hili served as editor while Anton F. Attard saw to the historical aspects and proof reading of the publication.

The book was distributed to all Years 4 and 5 students attending Gozo’s state and church primary schools, by the President of the National & Regional Celebrations Committee, Rev. Dr. Joe Vella Gauci. While at the Victoria Primary School, the books were distributed by the Hon. Minister for Gozo, Dr. Anton Refalo, in other particular schools Dr. Vella Gauci was accompanied by Mrs. Lina Refalo, the Minister’s wife.

Another event, aimed for all Gozitan Form 1 students, was held at the Villa Rundle Gardens Greek Theatre.  An animated drama by ‘The More or Less Theatre’ recounted in a lively and participative way, the salient landmarks of Malta & Gozo’s history. The two shows were literally enjoyed by all students present, who will certainly remember this original educational experience.

This commemorative week came to an end on the eve of the Sette Giugnio national day. A mass in remembrance of the victims that fell during the violent riots ninety four years ago, was held at the Basilica of Our Lady of Victories in Xaghra. This event was organised in collaboration with the Xaghra Local Council and was celebrated by the Archpriest of Xaghra, Mgr. Carmelo Refalo.

A commemorative wreath laying ceremony in Bullara Street, Xaghra followed. The original dwelling of Guzeppi Bajada, the Gozitan victim of the 1919 riots, was originally found in this street.