Birgu Fest'99
Vittoriosa or Birgu, is the oldest of the three sister cities. Its origin lies in prehistoric times. There was a period when the whole island was divided into two administrative regions: Mdina attended to the needs of the interior area of the countryside, whilst Birgu administrated the eastern zone and the harbiur approaches.
Like Sengles, Birgu occupies a narrow tongue of land in Grand Harbour. At the tip of the promontory stands St. Angelo, the stronghold commenced during the Arab domination, probably in the 11th. centurty.
The history of Birgu starts in 1530, when the Order of St. John established its Headquarters in what was a small village, known as Borgo di Castello. At the time, Valletta did not exist.The Knights, who were aware of the warlike threats of the Ottoman Turks, begun at once to strengthen the harbour defences, particularly those of St.Angelo, and of other strategic but weak points.
Apart from improving the fortifications, the Kinghts also undertook some work for their own needs. They split Birgu in two quarters: The Collachio, which they reserved for their residence, and the popular quarter, for the rest of the people.
In May 1565, the Turks invaded Malta with a dorce of 30,000 men.That was the start of the siege which lasted well over three months.
This video recalls the day the Grand Master Perellos visited Birgu and payed homage to the statue of Malta on the day the final plans for the new building of Vittoriosa and it's surrounding walls.
Each year in summer the Local Council of Birgu celebrates this event in great pomp. One can admire the costumes and the spectacular procession from fort St. Angelo to Victory Square, where the main evevt ends.
This video is available in both SVHS and VHS and has a duration of 16 minutes.