An actor at the Medieval Mdina festival finds that history is thirsty work, especially when wearing a full suit of heavy armour. Photos: Jonathan Borg, Mark Zammit Cordina
Flag-throwing was among the events in a spectacular show at St Paul Square, in Mdina, last weekend.The postcard tagline that packages Mdina as the silent city is only a half-truth because in reality, the fortified city does have a soundtrack.
Listen carefully and the sound of silence is broken by the crunch of wooden wheels ferrying tourists, the cooing and kissing sounds of pigeons – and young lovers – perched on the bastions, and ice cream scoops melting and, escaping their owner’s lick, smacking on the ground.
On Saturday and Sunday, however, Mdina’s soundtrack volume was turned up a notch or five as the old capital hosted the 10th edition of Medieval Mdina, a weekend celebration of days gone by.
Organised by the Mdina local council, Medieval Mdina treated hundreds of visitors to a variety of re-enactments and activities, which started in the morning with the opening of Vilhena Gate. From there, participants proceeded to St Paul Square, where a spectacular show was held, involving various skirmishes, parades, medieval music and sbandieratori. The main battle, featuring both local and foreign combat groups, was held at the square.
The event’s medieval taste was given added flavour with various lectures, concerts, market stalls, food and drink stands, falconry shows and guided tours.