Perched high above Mġarr, overlooking one of Malta’s most dramatic stretches of coastline, a giant cat has become an intriguing landmark for those exploring the area.

But this unusual sculpture is more than just a quirky addition to the landscape. Created in 2017, it formed part of Il-Warda tar-Riħ (The Windrose Project), a Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme project developed by the Rubberbodies Collective in collaboration with local communities.

The project explored Malta and Gozo’s traditional knowledge, beliefs and folklore surrounding the wind. Four communities, Mġarr, Marsaxlokk, Sliema and Għarb took part, with each transforming local stories and traditions into a large kinetic wind-vane sculpture.

For Mġarr, the inspiration came from the cat. During the project’s research, local knowledge shared by Mġarr resident Mario Vassallo highlighted the traditional belief that cats could provide clues about changes in the wind. Local wind lore also observed the direction a cat would face while washing itself.

This folklore was ultimately transformed into the distinctive sculpture overlooking Fomm ir-Riħ, creating a striking piece of public art that connects Malta’s oral traditions with its natural environment.

Today, the giant cat continues to stand above the coastline, interacting with the elements and offering walkers and visitors an unexpected encounter along one of Malta’s scenic locations.

Have you ever noticed this cat at Fomm ir- Riħ?