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Strolling through time! Take a look at Sliema's Strand from decades ago
Here's a dose of vintage charm!

Francesca Vella

A nostalgic photo shared on the Facebook group 'Din Malta Taghna' takes us back in time to Sliema, capturing a moment in history where the Strand meets Triq Manwel Dimech. The image offers a fascinating glimpse into a Sliema of days gone by, with its vintage vehicles and the storefronts lining Triq Manwel Dimech telling a story of a very different Malta.

Based on the vehicles and shop signs visible in the photograph, many commenters - some of whom remember this era well - suggest that the photo was likely taken between the 1970s and 1980s. This was a time when Malta’s landscape and atmosphere were far removed from the modern city we know today, although even in this photo, the Strand already seems to be bustling with activity!

Among the standout features in the photo is the famous Anastasi store, a true piece of Sliema’s heritage. Established in 1876 as a hardware store, Anastasi later evolved into a beloved gift shop, making it one of the area's most enduring businesses. The vintage cars in the background, including the iconic Volkswagen Beetle and what appears to be a Ford Anglia, serve as the ultimate throwback. These cars were symbols of the time, as is the fashion spotted on the street's passersby. 

Could you imagine wandering around Sliema back then?

24th March 2025


Francesca Vella
Written by
Francesca Vella
Francesca has always felt most at home in a cinema or theatre, particularly if musicals are involved. She loves to read, write, and share about her experiences of both the fictional and the real world.

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