The 28th of October has become known as ‘Jum Ghawdex’ or Gozo Day. This is to commemorate one of the most famous chapters in Gozo’s history . . . the capitulation of the French in Gozo on the 28th of October 1798, under the leadership of the Gozitan Archpriest Saverio Cassar. The French stay in Gozo lasted only 141 days.
The Circolo Gozitano, is once again organising the Gozo Day celebrations together with the Gozo Region and the Ministry for Gozo, as a show of respect for the bravery shown by Gozitans during this difficult time.
At 6.00pm this evening Jum Ghawdex will be commemorated with a Pontifical concelebration inside the Gozo Cathedral Church.
Following the Mass, there there will be the placing of wreaths at the monument bust of the Archpriest Saver Cassar in Independence Square.
As part of the ceremony to mark Jum Ghawdex there will also the presentation of Gieh Ghawdex Awards under the auspices of Acting President Dolores Cristina.
The purpose of the Awards is to honour personalities and/or organisations who have contributed to the social and economic development of Gozo, as well as to the preservation and promotion of Gozo’s distinct identity.
The award is given to Gozitans who have also attained national and international recognition and standing.
PN Message
In a message on the occasion of Jum Ghawdex, the PN Spokesperson for Gozo Chris Said, said that the Nationalist Party “believes in Gozo.”
“Today we celebrate Jum Ghawdex. A special day for us Gozitans. Associated with an historical event when, as sons of this Island, our ancestors came together to take back the reins of the leadership of our Island. Against all adversity,” he said.
Dr Said continued by saying that, this is an event that “symbolises character and identity of a people. Born and bred by the fact that Gozo is an island in itself. Cut from Malta. Therefore distinct.”
“And on such an occasion, we should stop and reflect,” he said. “on the resilience and determination of those who came before us and perhaps more importantly, on the responsibility we have, today. In order to determine the future of our Island and our Gozitans.”
“We should also be able to celebrate the achievement of more autonomy. So that for the decisions that affect us closely, we will have the authority to take them ourselves, in Gozo itself.”
Dr Said concluded by saying that “to do that, we need a political structure that allows this to happen. And so we are proposing a regional political structure. Reflecting the regional dimension of our Gozo. To put Gozitans at the helm of the direction we want to take. Because we believe that in this way we can guarantee the best future. Because we do believe in Gozitans.”
Photo by Mario Xerri