This Sunday, 19 May, sees another “Life at Sea’ event organised by Heritage Malta at the Malta Maritime Museum in Birgu. Heritage Malta will open the doors of the Malta Maritime Museum free of charge for the event as part of the European Maritime Day 2013 celebrations.
I am beginning to chart my life with this event. My son, although getting older now, still loves the whole idea of it. A chance to see reenactments, guns let off, taste some traditional seafaring food (him, not me!), and to have hands-on time with replica (and some real) weapons and canon balls guided safely by the knowledgeable museum staff and reenactment troupes. We went to Fort Rinella two weeks ago to see the Armstrong 100-ton gun in its annual firing. This year’s ‘Life at Sea’ event for the first time has reenactment troupes clashing in ‘battle’ demonstrating the rough life at the quay side in Birgu in the 16th century.
The day is also a chance to remind ourselves of this gem of a museum which, over many ‘decks’, has an impressive and eclectic array of all things maritime. The mock-up of a NAAFI bar down by the docks and the intricate model boats showing maritime craft from Phoenician times onwards always delight. The day is a good excuse to get down to Birgu, itself a treat, and sniff some sea air close up if you haven’t yet made a first trip to the beach this spring.
Be warned, this is a popular calendar event now and sees the crowds but be patient, and you’ll all get a chance to handle the exhibits and see the reenactments.
More Info
The museum is open between 09.00hrs and 17.00hrs. Admission is free. Refreshments on hand, including no doubt as last year, some recipes inspired by seafaring meals of yesteryear. No satchel, though!
Full information, on the Heritage Malta blog.