Saturday, June 30, 2012
MALTA: "The Three Villages" (3) - BALZAN
Video can also be seen on YouTube at http://youtu.be/gJA1-wGcWis
Uploaded by JasAlf5959 on Aug 8, 2009
"THE THREE VILLAGES" (3) - BALZAN
"The Three Villages" in Malta are made up of Lija, Attard and Balzan. This photo-video looks at Balzan's picturesque village, some historical buildings and its quaint narrow streets and alleys.
The Balzan motto is "Hortibus undique septa" (surrounded by gardens). Balzan is equally renowned for its orchards laden with the fresh scents of citrus fruits.
The earliest records of dwellings in Balzan date back to 1419. Balzan is now the home of 3900 inhabitants.
Balzan became a parish in 1655. The first parish church is still in existence. The present parish church was built in 1688, dedicated to the Annunciation of Our Lady. The titular statue shows Archangel Gabriel announcing to Mary. It was made of wood by Salv Dimech (Is-Sarc) in 1868.
There are two band clubs in Balzan - Mary the Annunciation Philharmonic Society established in 1890 as Circolo LAnnunziata and extended to became a band club in 1994. St. Gabriel Band Club established in 1920
Another prime organization is the Ghaqda Piroteknika 25 ta' Marzu which is responsibled for the beautiful fireworks.
The Youth Center of Balzan are volunteers who are very active in various activites including the folkloristic ones. There are also several religious organizations which provide education and assistance to their village people.
Thanks to Saviour Deguara and Daniel Muscat for their kind info and photos.
Photos by Choy Hong (Jasmine) Grech
Video by Alfred and Jasmine Grech, Mosta, Malta.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
MALTA: "THE THREE VILLAGES" (2) - ATTARD
Video can also be viewed at http://youtu.be/djcAqjTMQzY
Uploaded by JasAlf5959 on Aug 4, 2009
"THE THREE VILLAGES" (2) - ATTARD
"The Three Villages" in Malta are made up of Lija, Attard and Balzan. This photo-video looks at Attard's places of interest.
Onf of them is Ta' Qali which used to be a military aerodrome and a station for the RAF shortly after WWII.
Today, Ta' Qali is renowned for its recreational area, including sports and motor racing venue, whilst Ta' Qali Crafts Village is located within the old RAF barracks, offering varieties of souvenirs & crafts.
An Aviation Museum is found near the National Stadium and Malta Fairs & Conventions Center. In winter, a huge Sunday flea market is held at Ta' Qali.
Attard became a Parish in 1575 after it broke off from Birkirkara. By 1579, it had its first parish priest and the population then was 665 residents.
The Parish church is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and was designed and built by Tommaso Dingli (1613-1616). A belfry was added in 1718 otherwise, the church is exactly what Dingli had built.
The titular statue of the Assumption of Mary was made in Paris in 1874.
Photos by Choy Hong (Jasmine) Grech
Video by Alfred & Jasmine Grech, Mosta, Malta
"The Three Villages" in Malta are made up of Lija, Attard and Balzan. This photo-video looks at Attard's places of interest.
Onf of them is Ta' Qali which used to be a military aerodrome and a station for the RAF shortly after WWII.
Today, Ta' Qali is renowned for its recreational area, including sports and motor racing venue, whilst Ta' Qali Crafts Village is located within the old RAF barracks, offering varieties of souvenirs & crafts.
An Aviation Museum is found near the National Stadium and Malta Fairs & Conventions Center. In winter, a huge Sunday flea market is held at Ta' Qali.
Attard became a Parish in 1575 after it broke off from Birkirkara. By 1579, it had its first parish priest and the population then was 665 residents.
The Parish church is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and was designed and built by Tommaso Dingli (1613-1616). A belfry was added in 1718 otherwise, the church is exactly what Dingli had built.
The titular statue of the Assumption of Mary was made in Paris in 1874.
Photos by Choy Hong (Jasmine) Grech
Video by Alfred & Jasmine Grech, Mosta, Malta
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
MALTA: "THE THREE VILLAGES" (1) - LIJA
Video can be found on YouTube -- http://youtu.be/vhrkbhNL5ec
Uploaded by JasAlf5959 on Aug 1, 2009
THE THREE VILLAGES (1) - LIJA
Lija has its origins in prehistory as is evident from the Megalithic tombs unearthed in 1967. However, the present village derives from the elevation to parochial status in the late 16th century. Residents amount to over three thousand.
Lija is best known for its oranges and citrus fruit, for its beautiful feast held on the 6th of August and for its famous pyrotechnics.
All Three Villages of Attard, Balzan and Lija, lay within the parish boundaries of Birkirkara. Like Attard and Balzan,
Lija is a quaint village with old, narrow, winding roads and contains numerous old, large country residences, many of which have seen a variety of historical events.
Villa Preziosi was used by the French troops during their invasion.
In 1837, a time when primary education was introduced in Malta, Lija was among the first to have its own school being situated in one of the large houses adjacent to San Anton Gardens.
Main Clubs of Lija are: Band Club Papa San Piju X - Sir Ugo Mifsud Street; St. Andrija Club - Bakery Street;
Saint Michaels Firework Factory and Ghaqda ta L-armar tal-Festi - Parish Church.
This is part one of the series, "The Three Villages" which lay in the centre of Malta.
Photos by Choy Hong (Jasmine) Grech
Video by Alfred & Jasmine Grech, Mosta, Malta
Lija has its origins in prehistory as is evident from the Megalithic tombs unearthed in 1967. However, the present village derives from the elevation to parochial status in the late 16th century. Residents amount to over three thousand.
Lija is best known for its oranges and citrus fruit, for its beautiful feast held on the 6th of August and for its famous pyrotechnics.
All Three Villages of Attard, Balzan and Lija, lay within the parish boundaries of Birkirkara. Like Attard and Balzan,
Lija is a quaint village with old, narrow, winding roads and contains numerous old, large country residences, many of which have seen a variety of historical events.
Villa Preziosi was used by the French troops during their invasion.
In 1837, a time when primary education was introduced in Malta, Lija was among the first to have its own school being situated in one of the large houses adjacent to San Anton Gardens.
Main Clubs of Lija are: Band Club Papa San Piju X - Sir Ugo Mifsud Street; St. Andrija Club - Bakery Street;
Saint Michaels Firework Factory and Ghaqda ta L-armar tal-Festi - Parish Church.
This is part one of the series, "The Three Villages" which lay in the centre of Malta.
Photos by Choy Hong (Jasmine) Grech
Video by Alfred & Jasmine Grech, Mosta, Malta
Thursday, June 21, 2012
MALTA - BUDAJ (Frans Baldacchino) & ENZO GUSMAN
EXCERPT FROM "ENZO GUSMAN CONCERT" HELD DURING "ILJIELI MEDITERRANJI" ARGOTTI GARDENS, FLORIANA . AUGUST 1994
http://youtu.be/nMG_XRDHBM8
My Choice - Frans Baldacchino (Il-Budaj): Tribute
A few photos depicting Frans Baldacchino (Il-Budaj), who was a very famous Maltese Folk Singer and who passed away in June 2006 at the age of 63. We'll see photos of Frans singing at the Razzett tal-Markiz in Mosta, the unveiling of Frans' bust at the same locationwhich bust was made by Malta's National Sculptor, Anton Agius, some of his paintings and artworks and the unveiling of his statue at San Girgor Garden in Zejtun, Malta. This statue was erected thanks to the initiative of Charles Mangion, Iz-Zubina, another famous folk singer and helped by John J Cassar who advertised and promoted this initiative on his www.allmalta.com website. All photos taken by Choy Hong (Jasmine) Grech.
We hear: Il-Gmiel tan-Natura (The Beauty of Nature) sung by Frans, In Memoriam composed by Frans' friend, Manuel Casha, a Maltese who lives in Melbourne Australia and L-Isbah Tfajla Maltija (The most beautiful Maltese Girl)
This is the tribute that Jasmine wrote and read during one of the ceremonies commemorating Frans Baldacchino known as Il-Budaj.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Il-Budaj, a legend of Malta
The Book of Ecclesiastes chapter 12 verse 7 says:
"Then shall the dust return to the earth where it came,
and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."
Frans Baldacchino Il-Budaj returned to the Lord
Dressed in his best, he was carried into the House of God in Zejtun
Where he used to sing praises to the Lord, our God.
Placed before the altar, the awaiting heavenly Angels
Surrounded him with harps, flutes and a bay-leaf crown
To escort him to heaven through the snow-white clouds
A feast of love filled with hymns, prayers and tributes for his rest
Came from many eyes that wept and many hearts that were broken
Who moaned his demise, a great loss.
The many talents and dignity he possessed
Generously given, generously shared
Unlocked the treasures of this caring heart.
A pen in his hand turned into gold
With the magic words of love and praises he wrote
Sweetly flowed in the poems that he composed.
Painted with thousand words from his heart into an art
A brush he dipped in the shades of black or white
Came alive in colours and wonders on a canvas.
An enchanting voice he ghanna
Spred across the lands to the seven seas
Like the fragrance of red roses right before me.
He is sadly missed by many
But his ghana, poems, arts and novels
And the joy he brought us will never cease.
Frans, you missed l-Imnarja by a few days
But l-Imnarja will miss you for many years to come
You will always remain a legend of Malta
We thank God for you
Choy Hong (Jasmine) Grech
http://youtu.be/LHQ-Rwd-aao
Inhobbok ja Hanina - Frans Baldacchino il-Budaj.
Maltese folk singer, Frans Baldacchino, more popularly known as il-Budaj died at the age of 63 in 2006. His untimely death was undoubtedly affected many people who recognised the great talent and value that Frans Baldacchino possessed.
Il-Budaj began his love for folklore music at a young age, and was also passionate about opera and classical music. He loved writing poetry and was awarded a diploma a short while ago for his poetry by the group 'Poeti Maltin' of which he was a member. The much-loved singer participated in many folklore festivals, both on a local and international level, singing in Canada, France, Libya, Greece and Tunisia.
Frans Baldacchino earned himself the nickname il-Budaj in the 1950s, when the Hungarian football team Honved visited Malta. The players included Puskas and Bodai, whose name got passed on to Baldacchino's brother who also played football, and eventually was given to Frans.
Born in Zejtun on May 16, 1943, il-Budaj emigrated to Australia during the 60s where he formed part of a folklore group together with other Maltese emigrants. He returned to Malta in the 1970s.
Il-Budaj began his love for folklore music at a young age, and was also passionate about opera and classical music. He loved writing poetry and was awarded a diploma a short while ago for his poetry by the group 'Poeti Maltin' of which he was a member. The much-loved singer participated in many folklore festivals, both on a local and international level, singing in Canada, France, Libya, Greece and Tunisia.
Frans Baldacchino earned himself the nickname il-Budaj in the 1950s, when the Hungarian football team Honved visited Malta. The players included Puskas and Bodai, whose name got passed on to Baldacchino's brother who also played football, and eventually was given to Frans.
Born in Zejtun on May 16, 1943, il-Budaj emigrated to Australia during the 60s where he formed part of a folklore group together with other Maltese emigrants. He returned to Malta in the 1970s.
Uploaded by Jonathanindjan on Jun 16, 2010
http://youtu.be/Piky6ONbT2Y
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
il-Karnival ta' Malta tas- sena 1928
I found this amazing video that I thought you would like because it gives a glimpse of what Malta looked like in 1928. Let me know what you think. Does it bring back any memories for you?
This is priceless! Around 45 seconds into the video watch out for the little girl in the background who almost 'beheads' a Grand Master with her enthusiastic flag-waving. Besides the obvious thrill of this film, also take in the costumes of the onlookers. The many 'ghonnellas' being worn near the theater. The theater looks magnificent, what a loss for our nation. So many theaters in Europe were destroyed and rebuilt, except ours!
You can find this video on YouTube (http://youtu.be/hwbjFH8AbUI)
This is priceless! Around 45 seconds into the video watch out for the little girl in the background who almost 'beheads' a Grand Master with her enthusiastic flag-waving. Besides the obvious thrill of this film, also take in the costumes of the onlookers. The many 'ghonnellas' being worn near the theater. The theater looks magnificent, what a loss for our nation. So many theaters in Europe were destroyed and rebuilt, except ours!
You can find this video on YouTube (http://youtu.be/hwbjFH8AbUI)
Monday, June 11, 2012
MALTA Study Center
(This is a detailed 18th-century watercolor showing the ships of the Knights of Malta attacking Algerian vessels off the coast of Spain in 1736. The original is one of an album of 18th-century maritime watercolors in the collection of the Malta Study Center.)
MALTA STUDY CENTER, COLLEGEVILLE, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Manuscripts, archives, Knights of St. John, Knights of Malta, Malta, Rhodes
Mission
To preserve the history of Malta and the Knights of St. John by sponsoring digitization projects, and to make that history available to researchers.
Company Overview
The Malta Study Center is an integral part of the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library, a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve endangered manuscripts, make them accessible to researchers, and to teach about the cultures that produced them.
Description
The Center maintains a microfilm collection of more than 16,000 documents and dossiers of documents from Malta, covering the period of the twelfth to the twentieth century. The materials include the Archives of the Knights of Malta, the Cathedral Museum in Mdina, the Archives of the Inquisition, ecclesiastical records of the dioceses of Malta and Gozo, and musical compositions. The Center is currently working with the National Archives of Malta, the Notarial Archives of Malta, and the Magistral Library of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in Rome.
General Information
Hill Museum & Manuscript LibrarySaint John's University
Collegeville, MN 56321
www.hmml.org
Basic Info
| Founded | 1973 |
|---|---|
| Location | P. O. Box 7300, Collegeville, MN 56321-7300 |
Contact Info
| Phone | 1 (320) 363-3993 |
|---|---|
| tvann@csbsju.edu | |
| Website | http://www.hmml.org/centers/malta10/malt... |
Friday, June 1, 2012
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