1. The Grandmaster is rowed to the landing place on a small luzzu (at the time of the knights he would have come in his ornate gilded galley rowed by a number of rowers.
2. Local dignitaries wait for his landing.
3. The Grandmaster is helped off the boat.
4. The Grandmaster and his entourage start their walk to the town square.
According to evidence found in documents, every year, on Lapsi Day, the Grand Master used to visit the village of St Julians and stay at Spinola Palace which belonged to the Bailiff Spinola – an Italian – who was admiral of the Order’s fleet (the palace still exists to this day). The grandmaster would organize a lavish feast for the knights and offer them wine and food. As from early in the afternoon, free wine and snacks used to be distributed also to all those who were present. This part of the tradition was not followed at the re-enactment, so those who had their stomach empty did not fill it up unless they bought food from the stalls.
Joke: The Knights of the Order of St John came from the noblest and richest families around the whole of European. They were generally the second or later born in the family who were not entitled to the titles of their parents. This Knight was travelling on horseback on a special errand to the the King of Spain. When night fell he stopped at a poor inn, the only one around for miles. He went in and asked for food.
The innkeeper asked: “May I know your name, gentle master?”
The knight proudly replied: “Don Pedro Gonzales Gayetan de Gevara.”
The innkeeper, puzzled, replied; “Sorry, honourable sir, we don’t have enough meat for so many.”
Thank you very much for looking and for the lovely comments on yesterday's picture.
You always have the most fun ceremonies, festivals and interesting historical events goings on in your country, not to mention the beauty. If I was younger and I still had the same travel benefits Malta would be my first place to visit.
A great collage to show us this beautiful event.
( The best way for you to grow Aquilegia are to seed them in pots and after blooming collect the seeds for a new start next year)
This is really a super collage that really tells a neat story (with your help). I am continually fascinated by the history of your country and the part it still plays today. You really caught so much of the festive feeling of this with its bright colors.
super collage. I suppose the whole tradition is not upheld as now there are far too many spectators to cater for. Thanks for sharing this beautiful part of the history
( The best way for you to grow Aquilegia are to seed them in pots and after blooming collect the seeds for a new start next year)