A reminder of the special event being held in Victoria this weekend, dedicated to the people residing in Gozo as part of ‘Qatt Ma Ninsa,’ a collective memory project hosted by Valletta 2018, in collaboration with Heritage Malta.

The official launch was made today by the Chairman of the Valletta Foundation Jason Micallef and the Minister for Gozo, Dr Anton Refalo.

Mr Micallef said that, “through the projects being carried out in preparation for 2018 when Valletta will be the European Capital of Culture, we are guaranteeing the special atmosphere we enjoy with Gozo.” He went on to say that the project is being undertaken now because on Wednesday, the 28th of October it is the celebration for Gozo Day – an occasion on which the Gozitans reflect on the past, history and their identity as well as the challenges of the future.

The Minister for Gozo thanked the Valletta 2018 Foundation for including Gozo in its cultural programme. “This project celebrates history as well as the Gozitan community. Every family has its history, which gives individuality to the island and to our communities.”

An exhibition featuring the objects relating to Gozo’s past and present opened today (Tuesday) at the Ministry for Gozo, St Francis Square, Victoria and will last till Sunday, the 25th of October.

One exhibition explores Gozo’s maritime past and its link to Malta, while the other displays objects from the daily lives of present-day Gozitans along with stories from their owners.

The public is invited to bring with them old photographs, recipes or objects and to share their stories with the Memory Officers at the event.

The main event kicks off on the night of Saturday, the 24th October with a show at the Exhibition Hall within the Ministry for Gozo. The Chorus Urbanus has been invited to perform during this event, starting at 6.30pm. The choir will be under the direction of Dr John Galea and will be performing popular/folkish excerpts from its vast repertoire.

The night also includes performances by the talented Naupaca Dance Factory inspired by the memories of fellow Gozitans, and entertainment will be provided by Gozitan group Cash and Band as well as a pop-up kitchen serving pre-war dishes made from local produce and prepared by local youths.

The event continues on Sunday morning, the 25th of October at St Francis Square, Victoria, between 9-00am and midday. This community project will pay homage to people and things gone by.

People will also be able to remember and celebrate their passed loved ones by dedicating a candle in honour of their memory. St Francis Square will be illuminated by the many candles lit in dedication.

Founded on the idea that there is a story behind every object, Qatt ma Ninsa encourages participants to engage in a natural mixture of personal and communal recollection by using the objects close to them as a starting point.

Through this collective memory project, organised by Valletta 2018 in collaboration with Heritage Malta, the hidden histories of families through a collection of curious objects are documented. The anecdotes associated with objects brought in by the public are documented by professionals in various fields and trained volunteers, who then create a database of collective memory for the museum’s archives.

The Valletta 2018 Foundation has embarked on a journey since Valletta was officially declared European Capital of Culture back in October 2012. It’s a journey towards creating an innovative and diverse cultural programme that will leave behind a legacy which will live on beyond 2018.

Past instalments included Qatt ma Ninsa – Life at Sea which took place at the Maritime Musuem, Birgu and Qatt ma Ninsa – Birgu.

Photograph: MGOZ/George Scerri

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