Gozo Duo-Updates

03/08/2017

As the grape season is fast approaching, a legend involving the grape cluster is not to be missed ....

This legend takes us back to a time when the Corsair Dragut used to invade the Gozitan island. One sunny August day, when the temperature was as high as it is today, whilst Dragut was sailing close to Ramla Bay in Xaghra, he noticed a vine yard, filled with clusters of grapes. Dragut ordered one of his crew members to go fetch a cluster of grapes for him. A young Turk who wanted to impress his master, jumped over board, swam to the land and went straight to the field (known as Gnien il-Pergla) to fetch the cluster. As soon as the young Turk was preparing himself to cut the cluster, a farmer appeared The farmer was furious upon seeing that the Turk was going to take his fruit. Shocked, the young Turk snatched a cluster of grapes together with a piece of the vine still attached to the fruit, and ran away as fast as he could. Upon arriving back on the ship, he presented Dragut, his much desired cluster of Gozitan grapes. Dragut was amazing and delighted upon seeing the cluster, but his happiness turned into fury as he saw a piece of the vine still attached to the cluster !

According to the Koran, the vine is sacred and should not be destroyed or harmed in any way. Therefore, cutting a piece of vine, was considered a sin, and anyone committing such crime had to be punished.

The young Turk cried for forgiveness, but his explanation was all for nothing. Dragut was in a state of madness upon seeing that piece of vine, and ordered that the young Turk be taken back to the field from where the cluster of grapes was taken, and burned to his death. The place where the young Turk was burned is still known nowadays as Il-Gebla ta' Dragut (Dragut's Rock).

Although no one is sure whether this legend is true of not, among others, forms an important part of the Island’s culture and identity. Although legends are a thing of the past, they are recalled every time they are told, and passed on from one generation to another. I pass this legend to you.

-M.R

16/07/2017

Like this page for updates on events, local news, and interesting facts, that would make you want to discover the island more and more!

12/07/2017

This week's village feast is that of Saint George, in Victoria.

Wednesday: Le Spectacle de le Flamme: The Flame Show, in St George's Square at midnight.

Saturday: Night of the Stars, Synchronized fireworks display, Republic Street, at midnight.

Sunday: Light ofthe Stars;synchronized confetti show; 3Pm onwards

11/07/2017

Day 1 - Marċ tat-Tlieta.

09/07/2017

Like this page for updates on events, local news, and interesting facts, that would make you want to discover the island more and more !

08/07/2017

This week's feast ! : Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Kercem.

PYROFANTASIA - ZERO GRAVITY. on Friday 7th July at 9PM in Ghajn Tuta. Fireworks display and a spectacular pyromusical.

FLAMES ACROSS THE MEADOW, on Saturday 8th of July at 11PM. An event not to be missed!

Feast march this Sunday at 12 PM, followed by synchronized musical fireworks involving paper, at 3 PM, in Triq Dr. Antona Calleja.

06/07/2017

L-Isqaqien ta' San Gorg, Rabat

05/07/2017

This week's feast ! : Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Kercem.

PYROFANTASIA - ZERO GRAVITY. on Friday 7th July at 9PM in Ghajn Tuta. Fireworks display and a spectacular pyromusical.

FLAMES ACROSS THE MEADOW, on Saturday 8th of July at 11PM. An event not to be missed!

Feast march this Sunday at 12 PM, followed by synchronized musical fireworks involving paper, at 3 PM, in Triq Dr. Antona Calleja.

04/07/2017

Zgugina, whose actual proper name was Natalizja Cachia), lived with her son, close to the chapel dedicated to Saint Demetrius (Dimitri) in Gharb. This legend dates to a time when barbary corsairs used to invade the island, steal precious items or people as slaves abroad. One night, Zgugina’s son Matthew, was taken away by these corsairs. Helpless and devastated as she was, she went to Saint Demetrius’ chapel, and prayed to Saint Demetrius to bring back her child safe and sound. She promised the Saint, that if her prayers be heard, she will light the oil lamp in front of his portrait found in the chapel. Saint Demetrius sympathized the woman, and to Zgugina’s amazement, she saw the saint moving out of the painting, on his horse, out to the sea to chase the pirate’s ship. After some time, Saint Demetrius returned with Zgugina’s son. Zgugina kept her promise, and lit the oil lamp day and night, as a form of gratitude to Saint Demetrius.

Amazing as it sounds, the legend does not stop there! An earthquake that occurred, tumbled the chapel into the sea. Mysteriously, the chapel did not break but was left intact. More mysteriously is the fact that several fisherman claimed to have seen a small speck of light in the water; Zgugina’s lamp still burning in front of Saint Demetrius’ portrait. Other versions of the legend exist. One version says that a ship that was passing by, dropped an anchor, which could not be released. Hence, a diver went underwater to try and loosen the anchor from what was keeping it. When the diver resurfaced, he recounted how he had seen a chapel on the bottom of the sea, which had a lit lamp in front of its painting – Zgugina’s promise to Saint Demetrius.

The chapel was rebuilt in 1809.

Although no one is sure whether this legend is true of not, among others, forms an important part of the Island’s culture and identity. Although legends are a thing of the past, they are recalled every time they are told, and passed on from one generation to another. I pass this legend to you.

04/07/2017

And for those who love Rock Music make sure to visit Sannat this Friday 7th July!

03/07/2017

Watch this space, for this week's village feast!

02/07/2017

Today is the Gharb Feast Day. Found in the picture below, is the INFIORATA. The infiorata is laid down in front of the church and is basically a carpet of flower and leaves, forming a particular thematic design. Although the infiorata involves a lot of planning and dedication, it is laid down today, on the actual feast day. At 7PM, the procession will take place over the carpet of flowers as seen from the picture below. The arrangements of the flowers and leaves will take place at 2PM,

Although the Infiorata originated from the manifestation of Spello's Infiorate, which takes place annually in the Umbrian town of Spello (Italy) on the occasion of the Corpus Domini feast, this year marks the 16th Anniversary from when Gharb started the Infiorata.

The Feast day march will take place at 11:30, whilst a concert by the traditional banda (band) will take place at 7:30 PM.

Wishing all a good Sunday in Gozo 😊

This weekend, visit Gharb, five minute drive from Victoria.

2nd July 2017
Today is the Gharb Feast Day. Found in the picture below, is the INFIORATA. The infiorata is laid down in front of the church and is basically a carpet of flower and leaves, forming a particular thematic design. Although the infiorata involves a lot of planning and dedication, it is laid down today, on the actual feast day. At 7PM, the procession will take place over the carpet of flowers as seen from the picture below. The arrangements of the flowers and leaves will take place at 2PM,

Although the Infiorata originated from the manifestation of Spello's Infiorate, which takes place annually in the Umbrian town of Spello (Italy) on the occasion of the Corpus Domini feast, this year marks the 16th Anniversary from when Gharb started the Infiorata.
The Feast day march will take place at 11:30, whilst a concert by the traditional banda (band) will take place at 7:30 PM