Gladly, Malcolm Schembri has once again kept his annual appointment with all those Maltese who love and cherish the historical and cultural aspects of their country, particularly the people of Zabbar who, naturally, have and enjoy a closer and more  intimate link with these publications.

I am referring to the fifth edition of Storja u Kultura Ħaż-Żabbar 2014, of what has now  thankfully become a series of extremely interesting books, profusely illustrated and replete with an exhaustive amount of information, mainly concerning Zabbar, but actually interesting to the overall history of these islands. Another publication worthy of its four predecessors, although slightly thinner, but equally a joy to read and to own.

In the Preface to the book, Schembri dwells on the four previous numbers in this series, expounding about what was behind the initial idea to launch these books.  On to a long and very detailed list, complete with photos, of all the Zabbar parish priests  from 1615 to date. Equally interesting is a long essay about sundials written by veteran Paul Xuereb. A lovely poem follows, Festa tal-Madonna tal-Grazzja 2013, written by Mary Grace Bellia, and then a tribute to poet Karmenu Ellul Galea (1914-2007) whose strong links with, and his love for, Zabbar practically made him a hugely loved and respected local.

Follows an article by Eman Bonnici about the life of Fr Ljun Abela OFM, particularly highlighting his tireless missionary work in Jhansi, India. Of particular interest to the locals of Zabbar is the long article that follows about the environs of Zabbar, Xgħajra and Marsascala towards the end of the 19th century, written by Michael Buhagiar. And on to Grace Pace, chairperson of the Kikkra Kulturali Group who, in her unique and endearing way describes what led to the genesis of the book Mill-Kikkra Kulturali, published earlier this year to celebrate the 15 years since this cultural group was set up by the same Mrs Pace.  Follows a write-up by Dr Karmenu Mallia about his Biża' u Kuraġġ, one of the many beautiful novels recently penned by this veteran writer, poet and Esperantist. This is followed by yet another critique on the same oeuvre, written by Alfred Palma.

Mary Grace Bellia then writes about a very eerie and inexplicable event that occurred at Zabbar in the 1960s, when in the middle of a summer night a ghostly procession of what seemed like monks walked solemnly along the upper part of Sanctuary Street up to the parish church, to the peal of bells, and then vanished into thin air! And this was discussed in the popular programme, Rajt Ma Rajtx on TVM. Malcolm Schembri then follows with another exhaustive and very long essay on Baron Kelinu Vella Haber (1913-2014), the set-up of the Moviment tal-Malti and other facts related to this highly intellectual and lover of the Maltese language.

Again Paul Xuereb, with his Tliet Granmastri jonoraw ħames irħula b'titlu ta' Città, a highly detailed account of the five Maltese villages which were elevated to the status of a Città by three different Grandmasters, Hompesch doling out the last honour on Zabbar in 1797. Follows Charles Flores, with an equally interesting essay about Zabbar, 100 years after World War I. Enters Karina Fiorini with Tifsiriet Moħbija, in which she deals with the beauty of the natural landscape, drawing from the lines of Achille Mizzi (Radikaliżmu) and Alfred Palma (Siġar).

Two particularly endearing pages, written by George Cilia, dwell back to the times when the poor capuchin friars used to beg for alms in the streets. Follows Eman Bonnici, with a write-up about Fr Dumink Gusman P.P. (1934-2013). Ultimately Michael Buhagiar rounds up the book with his fine essay about Marian Year 1954 and the relative numerous activities.

Storja u Kultura Ħaż-Żabbar 2014 is fully deserving of the four preceding issues in this series. It is of interest not only to the locals of Zabbar, but also to all Maltese who love their beautiful country and its equally beautiful tongue.

For copies and more information one can call Malcolm Schembri on 9987 9497 or send an email at [email protected]