Last week a group of Balzan residents, together with Virginia Monteforte and with the full support of the Ħal Balzan local council, launched the book A Journey in Balzan. Monteforte is an anthropologist with various works tackling social memories, politics, migration, culture and literature and is a graduate of La Sapienza university in Rome. She has led various community projects in Malta among which Din mhix tazza (2012-13), Rima (2014-present) and Pathways of wellbeing (2019-20).

During the launch Monteforte explained that the project came as a result of various workshops held in Ħal Balzan with the direct involvement of residents and local organisations. She explained that the work is a collection of memories in the form of a journey. The event was also addressed by Albert McCarthy, a Balzan resident, who explained how the work was also adequate for children who could thus also enjoy this journey through the history and identity of Ħal Balzan.

The parish priest, Mons. Karm Farrugia, on his part had words of thanks for this work and explained how such work will continue to bare fruit even in the future.

On his part the mayor of Ħal Balzan, Angelo Micallef, said that the council was proud to have given its support to such an initiative. He thanked Monteforte, the residents and councillor Stephen Gatt for his work in this regard. The mayor stated that Ħal Balzan was a true gem with a unique identity and precious historical and natural heritage. Heritage, which needed every possible effort to preserve, so that future generations could also enjoy it.

This publication had the support of the National Book Council and copies of it are available for the public at the Ħal Balzan local council office.