Village People

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Although the suspect mustache of Mayor John Boxoll does remind one of the famous pop group from the past, the title refers to the friendly community feel of Birgu, very much like that of a sleepy village in the UK. The historical importance of the area where the Order of St John first settled, building grand Auberges and a substantial quarter, the Collacchio, where only the elite few could enter, has been preserved in the pride that the modern Birgu population have in their city.




While other similarly working class areas in Malta show their disadvantaged background through rubbish strewn streets and graffitied surfaces, the locals here have much more pride in their surroundings. Many of the quaint streets and lanes are decorated with plants and I have noticed notices by the local council thanking everyone for their efforts. Indeed, the local council in Birgu has been a great success story.



The small size of the city helps to create this feeling of a small community. The main square, down the road from our street, is always full of life with old and young gathering at one of the bars, cafes and social clubs. There is talk of paving the whole of Vittoriosa Square and even the rebuilding of the old clock tower that stood there. The latter might prove a little bit too Disneyish for my taste. Nothing remains of the original but old photos.

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