Arrived home late at night yesterday and as I promised I will give a short explanation on what Ġostra is.
Il- Ġostra is a Maltese (maybe in some of the other Mediterranean countries) tradition which goes back hundreds of years. It is a competition in which the competitor has to run up a pole covered with grease from animal fats and before he falls over into the sea he has to grab and pull down with him one of the flags which are stuck loosely to the pole. The competition is held on a barge – the same where, later, fireworks are let off – close to shore where spectators can watch. In many places the competition is not held any more but in St Julian’s they have, because of the many expenses now involved, it is held on a short pier/breakwater before you enter the inner bay.
I haven’t been to watch a ġostra (in English ‘joust’) since I was a little a boy. I cannot say I enjoyed the event. Boats of all sizes surrounded the area and to me it seemed there was too much confusion.
Thank you so much for looking, for your nice comments and your fav's.
Thanks for the explanation, most interesting. I guess if you were near enough, it would be fascinating to watch and hope for the guy that he makes it to one of those flags!
Such an interesting event. I love how we learn so much about different parts of the world, through the narrative that goes with the photos. Thank you for sharing.
(Happen to many traditional events. Getting to populair and commercial.)