GOSTRA 2017 | Maltese Traditional Game | Msida | St Julian's скачать в хорошем качестве

GOSTRA 2017 | Maltese Traditional Game | Msida | St Julian's

A game steeped in history Going all the way back to the Middle Ages, the Maltese Gostra game is believed to have derived from the Neapolitan game of the Cockaigne pole. In many seaside towns across the Maltese Islands, a large wooden pole (between 10-16 metres long) would be erected over the sea. Back then it was mounted on a coal barge and towed to the harbour. The large pole protruding over the sea would be heavily laden with animal fat and grease.  The aim of the game is to grab one of the three flags at the end of the pole: a blue and white one dedicated to St. Mary, a yellow and white one representing the Vatican and the Belgian tricolour dedicated to St. Julian (it is believed that he was born in Ath, a Belgian town, in 7AD). The winner would get a prize and of course, the Gostra champion title prestige!   Where can you find Il-Gostra? These days, you can find il-Gostra in Msida and  St Julian’s, in honour of St. Joseph and St. Julian respectively. Brave men queue up to try and run along the pole to grab one of the coveted flags. Inevitably many contestants fall awkwardly into the sea below, making for some compelling viewing!  Throughout the years, this local tradition has garnered more and more worldwide attention, with the world’s media houses turning up in recent years!  This is just one of the many Maltese traditions and peculiarities you can expect to experience during your holidays in Malta, with the village festa being the most sought-after by tourists and locals alike.