Many a thing turned out right for the Vitorja Festivities. On the eve of the feast, the various village bands had it out in full swing at Mellieha, Naxxar, Senglea and Xaghra, Gozo. The village streets were decorated for the parties and through the open doorways one could see that the residents had made the effort to have at least their entrance halls shining and in full view of passers by. At 11.00 p.m. the respective fireworks displays took over, a wonderful exhibition of expertise and colour for all to admire and view, notwithstanding the shadow of the recent fatalities at the Birkirkara fireworks’ factory.
On the Saturday things got even better. Each village had its Marc tal-Festa. Inhibitions were forgotten, party politics fell by the side and all the villagers together with the foreign and Maltese visitors in attendance had a ball. It was not too hot but still good weather. Of course, some got drunk, but in many feasts that’s all part of the festivities and the fun of it all. This made things even better.
There were those who could not resist giving a political tinge in it all. It is rumoured that one PN supporter ventured to say that it was all Lawrence’s doing, in line with the country’s present economic success. On the other hand a labour supporter prophesised that this was all thanks to Alfred stating that it will be a new beginning
At the national level, after the laying of wreaths on the Friday evening, Saturday morning saw us attending Mass at Saint John’s Co-Cathedral with Archbishop Cremona reminding us in brief but clinical words the events we were celebrating on the day; the Birth of our Lady, Malta’s Victories during the 1565 Great Siege and the 2nd World War. Outside Saint John’s, the Armed Forces of Malta and the Police cavalry were at their best. The band, saluting the prime minister and the president with the national anthem was outstanding and the cavalry shined in its best possible mounted formation.
The afternoon saw regalia of colour and festive atmosphere in our Grand Harbour with Valletta, Marsamxett, taking the honours in the annual regatta. The venue and setting were just right and although both the Police and AFM were present in substantial number, they played it just right, keeping a low profile, and stayed in the shadows while being on the alert in case of trouble. Later on, many attended the traditional processions in the afore-mentioned villages. All claimed that this year was one of the best and very well attended. But then the organisers at every village feast seem to repeat such comments on a yearly basis ad nauseam!
Saturday the 8th was a field day for all Maltese soccer lovers, be it those who practise and follow closely the local soccer scene as well as those who are merely distant supporters. On the anniversary of the victory of the Great Siege, Malta was playing against the Turks. Could it possibly be a repeat performance?
Many attended the soccer game at Ta’ Qali and, after a well organised build up, it was good to see a practically packed stadium where the Maltese were definitely the forceful majority in numbers. Although the much ado was about a game of football to be played in good competitive spirit, the comments regarding what happened some 453 years ago when the Maltese, let’s say, “helped out by the Knights of the Order beat the Great Turkish Armada”, did not go amiss.
The atmosphere was festive, tense but also in good spirit. Unfortunately those seated in the VIP section were surrounded by supporters of the opposing team. Not exactly the most comfortable seats to be in. Some of us, though invited there, chose to brave the sun and take up positions in the stands together with all the other thousands of Maltese supporters. Though we knew beforehand that the game itself would be an uphill struggle, we got more optimistic as the time neared for the whistle to start the contest. The drums and the eight pointed cross t-shirts together with those dressed in “shining armour” soon had us thinking that we would win on the day. The large red Maltese kit and the uninterrupted vociferous chanting added to the overwhelming pleasurable atmosphere.
Well, one tends to get carried away in such occasions. Logically you know that your teams’ chances probably stand at less than 50 per cent. But the strong support together with all the Maltese standing as one united front could have turned the tables. You begin to believe that you can defy the odds. Fortunately there were no incidents except for that one Turkish supporter who saw red when his team failed to win. We had the difficult moments and the strain could at times be felt all around but the result was worth it.
In fact not only did the Maltese team not lose, but it has also substantially jeopardised the Turkish Football team’s chances of making it to the Finals of the European nations Cup in 2008. The two goals gave the Maltese support the signal we were waiting for, only for cold showers to be meted out minutes later when the Turks repeatedly drew level. But all in all we had a good time and enjoyed it thoroughly. As the Maltese team paraded on the pitch at the end of the game; the MFA President Dr Joseph Mifsud, Minister Louis Galea and Dr Peter Fenech, the new MFA Vice-president, lost all sense of formalities and were seen hugging the players who had made us proud. Cheers for them too.
One must say that all taking part were at their best; the Police and peace-keeping marshals as well as with the traffic organisation in the roads. The Maltese supporters made it a point to be on their best behaviour and the result contributed to make another feast out of this contest. It seems that every now and then, we get to celebrate. We forget differences and join forces against the common opposition. Coming up from the Strand at Sliema at midnight there were still a couple of cars with the occupants waving Maltese flags in full swing. May we see so many other similar occasions when we celebrate because of our success and not because a foreign team we support takes the honour.
I believe that even in the country’s venture in taking up the challenge to be the best in various sectors by 2015 we need to join forces.
There is no place for anyone to stammer at challenges or take passive attitudes because he or she does not support the party in government.
The challenge will be up for Malta to overcome and not for the Nationalist or Labour party to come out as the winner. Together we can all be winners.
Tony Abela is Parliamentary Secretary in the Office
of the Prime Minister