Are you brave enough to sleep in a 17th century prison cell at the Inquisitor’s Palace in Birgu, right on All Souls’ Day? Well, Heritage Malta is inviting the public to do just that this Friday, 2nd November, during a rememberance event of popular traditions related to death, souls and life after death in Malta.

If you’re not quite that adventurous (guilty!), there are also a host of other activities happening, including a traditional meal known as Il-Ħanżira tal-Erwieħ (roasted pig). And the story behind this tradition is a doozy!

The meal is inspired by an old local custom related to All Souls’ Day, when the Maltese used to let a pig roam free in the streets with a bell hanging to its neck. People would feed it and once the pig had fattened enough, it was killed, cooked, and fed to the poor. Participants in this event can enjoy this traditional meal, which primarily consists of roasted pig. Traditionally, the meal starts off with the maħluta; a sweet and sour drink symbolising the happiness and sorrow of life. There will also be toasted bread with garlic and parsley, traditionally known as ftieti tal-għaża, and kawlata (a kind of vegetable soup with pork).

On the night, Ġużi Gatt will talk about the meaning behind the meal of Il-Ħanżira tal-Erwieħ, and Dr Noel Buttigieg will be providing interesting information about il-quċċija; a recipe based on wheat which has been documented since 1575 as the coccia. In fact, the first Inquisitor and Apostolate Delegate, Pietro Dusina, mentions that this meal used to be given out in some Maltese churches on the eve of All Souls’ Day. Coccia will be served as part of the dessert, together with għadam tal-mejtin (a bone shaped almond-based sweet) and coffee.

During the evening, participants can also view a selection of memorial cards from the donation given to Heritage Malta by Alfred Calleja. This collection amounts to thousands of memorial cards, some of which go back to the beginning of the 20th century. The main aim behind these memorial cards is that the living continue to remember their dead and say a prayer for their soul.

At the end of this unusual set up, those which opt to challenge the myths that have been created about the Inquisitor’s Palace will be able to spend the night. You can choose between the 17th century prison cells or other eerie corners of the palace. All you need to do is bring a sleeping bag!

Tickets for the spooky event, which starts at 7:30pm, may be acquired from all Heritage Malta museums and sites, or online.