The festive season is over. Thankfully, we did not have any fatality or serious accident on our roads. Companies of all sizes and people once again have overwhelmingly showed that they care about others and made financially contributions to l-Istrina and Dar il-Providenza.

Workers have now returned to their places of work after the festive season shut-down, while those who were busy entertaining guests and looking after others will now be able to enjoy some free time. Teachers welcomed children and students to their classrooms to continue with their lessons and teaching programmes which should empower future generations with the necessary knowledge and skills to match the fast changing labour market.

Many years back at my parents’ home, a day after Epiphany it was custom to clear from the top corner of the kitchen cupboard, relieving my mother from added housework, the crib. This was partly made from brown paper, sieved soil, gravel, and small brown stone chippings against a hanging dark blue cloth which my father patiently used to build early in December.  After school together with my brothers, I used to spend long hours in front of the crib, light small scented candles and endlessly move the pasturi and sheep from one place to another.

The Epiphany marks the arrival from afar of three distinguished wise gentlemen to worship Jesus. At home it signified the careful wrapping of the figurines in soft paper, boxed for use again at the end of the year. The three wise gentlemen had gifts of gold, myrrh and incense. Expensive gifts did not raise eyebrows then.  Since, many things have changed not only in our family but in society also.      

Indeed, the festive season is a ritual process which year after year repeats itself; albeit in between some move to greener pastures leaving emptiness in the lives of those who remain to grief.

This year Malta will celebrate four major national anniversaries. From the grapevine, I heard, that shortly the national activities and celebrations commission will announce the upbeat song “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang as the official national tune for this year.  “Let's all celebrate and have a good time. It's time to come together”. As if.

In a relatively short span of time Malta has made huge strides forward and, though small in size, has managed to weather storms of our own making and the effects of world-wide economic and financial woes.

The 31st of March - Freedom Day - will mark the 35th Anniversary since the large scale monument in front of the Birgu Church was official inaugurated by Prime Minister Dom Mintoff and GWU Secretary General George Agius who together walked up the rough path of the monument with the traditional PL torch in hand.  This large scale monument marks the end of the British forces on the Islands.

On the 1st day of May, Malta will commemorate the traditional Workers’ Day and the tenth anniversary since Malta joined the European Union. This issue had at that time widely divided Malta into two blocks. Malta “Switzerland in the Mediterranean” was the notion presented by the PL supported by the GWU. The other grouping led by Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami, the PN, AD,  strongly supported by most of the social partners and civil society opted for the better option.    

After a long comprehensive national debate the public was invited to cast his preference in a referendum. This clearly indicated the people’s preference in favour of Malta joining the EU. Notwithstanding this clean cut result, initially the PL claimed that the result of the referendum was in its favour. Thankfully reason prevailed and the result of the referendum was confirmed in the following general election.

The next special anniversary is set for the 21st September. We will celebrate the golden 50th Anniversary since Malta became an Independent State. It was the foresight; courage and determination of Dr George Borg Olivier and the PN who had managed to achieve the momentous independence for one of the smallest state from within the British Empire. This event was not given due recognition in the 70s and early 80s by the PL then in office. The PL thugs, at times assisted by police officers, resorted to violence during Independence Day celebrations and manifestations organised by the PN then in Opposition.

13th December will mark the 40th Anniversary since Malta became a Republic. Sir Anthony Mamo was the first President of Malta. The subsequent Presidents were all appointed from amongst the political party holding office. Dr Lawrence Gonzi, against all odds, broke that tradition and nominated the present incumbent who had previously held various senior posts within the PL. This year the PL Leadership will face the challenge and hopefully continues to build on national unity and nominate a person from within the PN grouping. Whether our political class has reached this level of political maturity has to be seen. In the affirmative, national celebrations would be appropriate. 

There will be other calls for celebrations. Notably the political party obtaining the highest number of votes and presumably the highest number of MEPs seats, the World Cup, England and Italy match, the 125 Anniversary of the founding of the St. Joseph Band Club in Hamrun and closer to home, God willing, my in-laws together with their children, in-laws, grand and great-grandchildren will celebrate their sixtieth wedding anniversary.    

With the festive season over, many will be working hard to burn the excess fat and weight gained during this period. Men tend to store more body fat forming the beer-belly.  Females tend to store more fats on the hips and the surroundings areas.  Wherever.  Early in the morning one could not help notice more people in their track suits and running shoes walking energetically to burn calories gained. 

The number of special anniversaries and celebrations earmarked for this year may call for a greater effort to consume less lavish and sumptuous food and bottled hard stuff during receptions in recognition for our historic national events, social and family gatherings.  Perhaps the weightiest of efforts should be made by our political leaders to seek the appropriate avenues without the need to sell what has been achieved painstakingly over the past five decades.    

Cheers!

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