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This blog is dedicated to Malta - my island home. My aim is not to bore you with history but to share my thoughts and a few facts together with a photo or two. For a more in -depth background of the island please go here. The purpose of this blog is not to point out the short-comings of the island. There are plenty that do that already. My wish is to show you the beauty of an island at the cross roads of the Mediterranean, a melting pot of history; a place where fact and fiction are sometimes fused to create unique myths and legends; a country that has been conquered so many times that our culture is a mish mesh of the lands that surround us and of lands far away. I confess that my greatest desire is to make you fall in love with this tiny enchanting island.

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Wednesday 14 April 2010

Adorned With Flowers

Most days Mdina just perches on its hill and dreams, safe behind its high walls, austere and aloof as a cloistered nun.

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But once a year at this time, the rhythmic beating of drums wakes the city from its slumber

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and its streets fill up with knights

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and falconers,

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noblemen and ladies,

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peasants

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and slaves.

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Scenes from the past are re-enacted

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and the beautiful buildings and streets are decked with flowers. It is a veritable feast for the eyes heralding the beginning of Spring – splashes of colour contrasting beautifully with the golden limestone walls.

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For the city is adorned with garlands and bouquets of the most gorgeous blooms. Lanterns, fountains, stairs, balconies and door knockers serve as backdrops for human artistry and Nature’s beauty.

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As always, the city lays its spell on me … I am lost in the wonder of its charms. For on this occasion its aloofness is put aside and it seems almost coquettish, flirting with my senses, throwing open its windows and doors and allowing the briefest of glimpses into its most secret soul.

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I hope you enjoyed that brief look at the festival of flowers and pageantry known as Medieval Mdina.

8 comments:

  1. You certainly live in a beautiful part of the world, Loree. The buildings were made even lovelier with spring flowers! Wonderful re-enactment to view!!!
    ♥...Wanda

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  2. Wow..mega wow..you have dazzled me again with such magnificent beuaty!!! I will be dreaming of this all day long! BRILLIANT and BEAUTFIUL post! What a spellcaster you are!!
    Kiki~

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  3. Oh I would have adored this! The history of the Middle Ages is my favourite! Lovely series!

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  4. The costumes and flowers are amazing, looks like a wonderful event!

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  5. Such beautiful flowers everywhere!

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  6. Such a beautiful post, oh yes, I did enjoy your photos!

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  7. It was like a step back in time! The costumes, and flowers are just wonderful. You took beautiful pictures!

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  8. Oh, how I love a festival! Beautiful photos ... looks like a magical place!

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