Live like our predecessors.
Not much is known about the people who built the prehistoric temples at Mnajdra and Hagar Qim, those who had placed the sites in the heart of their community as they lived their lives on these little rocky islands in the Mediterranean. What did they look like? What were their dreams? And, how did they feel as the sun – in all its magnitude - came up over the standing rocks, its rays hitting the altar, marking the beginning of a new season?
We may never truly know. But, as you stand in front of the temple complex tomorrow or Wednesday, you will be able to cast your eyes on a sight Malta’s earliest inhabitants cherished, one which marked the start of a new cycle. The Spring Equinox connects us to those who came before, letting us see, through their eyes, the spiritual ties binding land and sky.
And in celebration of the celestial event, Heritage Malta are welcoming groups at the complex from 5:45am (tickets on sale here, though there are a limited number of places). A tour of the site’s visitor centre, and the provision of refreshments, will follow the rising of the sun. And, who knows, you might fall so hopelessly in love with the temple’s colours, architectural features and surrounding landscape, that you’ll be temped to stay until the last rays of light fade at the end of the day.
Other events this week:
1. Thursday, 21st March at 6.30pm: Public Talk on General Sir Walter Congreve - Notre Dame Gate, St. Edward's Street, Vittoriosa.
2. Friday, 22nd March – Sunday, 24 March, select times: Valletta Film Festival Weekend #1 - Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta.
3. Friday, 22nd March – Sunday, 24 March, from 8pm: Ninu - Spazju Kreattiv Theatre, Valletta.
4. Saturday, 23rd March, from 9pm: 80's Pop/Commercial Classics Night – The Garage, Zebbug.
5. Saturday, 23rd March, from 12pm – 5pm: Malta Clean-Up - Concept Scuba Malta, Neptune’s Water Polo & Swimming Club, Balluta Bay, St Julian's.