Did you know that Malta holds the world record for the largest Catherine wheel ever made?
Entering the festa season this week, there can be no doubt that fireworks are still quite popular, but it's a lesser-known fact that they’ve been around for over 400 years. In fact, it is a tradition that began with the Order of the Knights of St John, when they were used to celebrate important feasts and special occasions, such as the election of a Grand Master.
The function of pyrotechnics in Maltese culture has not changed too much throughout the centuries, as they still hold an important role in religious feasts and other special occasions, such as weddings. In fact, on most weekend nights in summer, one is likely to see the colourful lights illuminating the islands’ skies.
The two main types of fireworks used in Malta and Gozo are the airborne fireworks and those on the ground. The latter is referred to in Maltese as ‘ġigġifogu’, a word deriving from the Italian phrase ‘giochi di fuoco’, literally translating to ‘fire games’.
These ground-based fireworks are also known as Catherine wheels, containing a mechanism that rotates due to the igniting powder inside the tubes, creating coloured sparks and an all-round spectacular effect.
Malta holds the world record for the largest Catherine wheel ever made, designed by Lily Fireworks Factory in Mqabba, which had a diameter of 32.044m and was lit on the 18th of June back in 2011 for the feast of Our Lady of the Lilies.
The love that many Maltese have for fireworks is reflected in the number of firework factories found here – a whopping 35 factories cover the island!
Are you looking forward to firework season?