The alleys of Mdina are being dressed up for this weekend, when medieval experiences will be brought to life as the story of the Silent City will be told with flowers and pageantry.

Majorly sponsored by HSBC Cares for Malta’s Heritage Fund, the Medieval Mdina Flower and Pageantry Festival will bring together Maltese and foreign re-enactors to take visitors back to the Middle Ages against a backdrop of flower-decorated piazzas and narrow streets.

On presenting the sponsorship for the festival to Mdina’s mayor Peter Sant Manduca, HSBC’s Northern Area Director Anthony Buttigieg said, “Mdina is one of Malta finest jewels and a national heritage which HSBC supports with pride. Festivals like the one we’re waiting for this weekend add spark to the already fascinating glory the ancient city enjoys.”

During the festival, other events will be taking place, involving action, adventure and games. Participants will be able to experience thrilling jousting tournaments, displays of breathtaking birds of prey, medieval football competitions and human chess challenges.

Medieval knights, interactive games, colourful characters, demonstrations on the use of medieval weaponry and armour will liven the streets, together with displays of costumes, a falconry demonstration, exhibitions and artists at work. Learning opportunities for the discovery of the old capital’s will be provided through exhibitions, lectures on facts relating to medieval Mdina and guided tours of sites of interest. There will also be medieval food in the Ditch area and in most of the catering establishments.

The festival, running from 10am to 10pm, is being organised by the Mdina local council in collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority and other entities.

A park-and-ride system will be operated from Ta’ Qali (parking space next to the picnic area) to the Greek’s Gate in Mdina and vice versa.