Culture
Mediterranean culture is dominant in Malta, but nearly 150 years of
British rule have left their mark. English is an official language (along
with Maltese), and bangers and mash aren't too hard to find. The Catholic
Church is the custodian of national traditions, and its churches are the
biggest landmarks in most towns and villages. The Maltese spend half the
year celebrating their local patron saints, filling the streets with
confetti and destroying their teeth with nougat and candy-floss. Although
its influence is waning, Catholicism is a real force in most people's
daily lives. Divorce and abortion are illegal, although younger
generations have been trying to liberalise laws against these.
Many linguists trace the origin of Maltese to the Phoenician occupation of
the islands. Maltese, a Semitic language, has survived the influence of
Romance languages for hundreds of years, though it bears traces of
Sicilian, Italian, Spanish, French and English. Among the country's
best-known writers are Francis Ebejer and Joseph Attard. Ironically, Malta
is probably best known to the world through a book that isn't about Malta,
Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon, the title of which refers to a
statuette of mysterious origin.
Malta is noted for its fine crafts - particularly its handmade lace,
hand-woven fabrics, blown glass and silver filigree. Folk traditions in
music are very strong, and Malta holds a folksong competition every year.
The strongest influence on Maltese cuisine is Sicilian, though the
popularity of grilled chops and roast and three veg reveals a strong
partiality to all things British. Local specialties include pastizzi (savoury
cheese pastries), timpana (a macaroni, cheese and egg pie), and fenek
(rabbit), which is usually fried or baked in a casserole or pie.
National Anthem
To listen the national anthem click
here.
UP