The next cultural presentation by Din l-Art Helwa is that by Timothy

Gambin – ‘Deities, Ritual and the Sea in the Maltese Islands’ – being held on Thursday.

The relationship between humans, the sea and the divine is perceptible throughout most of the Maltese islands’ history. Being islanders, the inhabitants of Malta and Gozo have interacted with the sea for millennia. Such interaction has, over the centuries, given rise to a series of specific rituals, particular superstitions and religious expressions that differ from their counterpart on land. In his presentation, Dr. Gambin will be illustrating how the synergy between marine activity and the divine manifested itself over the centuries.

Timothy Gambin graduated in history and comparative religion from the University of Malta. At Bristol University he pursued his postgraduate studies obtaining an MA in Maritime Archaeology and History and a PhD in Archaeology.

The lecture, which will take place in the Judge Caruana Curran Hall at 133 Melita Street, Valletta, will start at 6pm but those wishing to attend are advised to be seated by 5.45pm. Admission is free but donations to Din l-Art Helwa’s many restoration projects are accepted.