Nature through storytelling! Discover Malta’s natural stories at ‘Nature in Maltese Folklore’ exhibition this May
A new cultural experience by Heritage Malta is inviting visitors to rediscover the deep-rooted relationship between nature and tradition through the event Nature in Maltese Folklore.
Taking place at the National Museum of Natural History, this exhibition offers a unique journey into how the Maltese islands’ natural environment has shaped stories, beliefs, and everyday life across generations.
Running until the end of June, the experience encourages visitors to look beyond the surface of familiar landscapes and uncover the cultural meanings hidden within them.
At its core, the event explores how people historically interpreted nature through storytelling. From fossils once believed to be the remains of giants, to local legends tied to plants like the blood orange, the exhibition reveals how imagination and environment have long been intertwined. Even place names and sayings carry echoes of animals that once roamed the islands, preserving fragments of Malta’s ecological past.
The exhibition also highlights the symbolic roles of everyday flora and fauna. The olive tree, for example, is presented not only as a staple of the Mediterranean diet but also as a symbol of healing, protection, and spirituality. Similarly, animals such as cats appear in folklore as both guardians and omens, reflecting a worldview where the natural and supernatural coexist.
Beyond myths, the event sheds light on traditional knowledge passed down through generations. Visitors can learn how plants like carob and wild herbs were used for remedies, showcasing a resourcefulness shaped by close observation of the land.
Will you be visiting this exhibition?