Hi Steve, they are always worth going to, Malta is quite small so realistically nothing is to far, however the nearest ones to SPB are San Gwann and probably Qala on Gozo.

Regards
Sliema2

Hi Steve

I would highly reccomend the festa at Lija, It's not too far only the other side of Mosta. It has probably the best fireworks on the island and is a very pretty village.

Sahha

Alan

Sliema2/Alan

Thanks for the info. We will probably see what day suits us best
once we are out there. The fireworks sound lgood. I take it that these
feasts are an evening affair. Is there some sort of parade etc
What time would you recommend getting to the village/town

Thanks again for taking the time to help us

Steve

Sliema2/Alan

One thing I forgot. Is their a list of Maltese words and their meaning on the
site. I see lots of Maltese words being used (like Sahha) and can only guess
their meaning. A clue to their pronounciation would also be nice

Thanks again

Steve

hi there steve

if you go to the aboutmalta site click on language you will see a site called survival maltese, it's very good for a beginers course in maltese

have a great time in ,malta

sahha

alan

Hi Steve, you won't need many, those of us who use certain Maltese words and phrases only use them through politeness and based on experience, however the following may be of interest to you.

Bongu (bonjew) = good morning

Sahha (Sa Ha) = good bye

Caw (Chow) = good bye or so long etc

Kemm = how much

Jekk joghbok ( yek yodz bok) = please

Grazzi (Gratsi) = thank you

Hafna = very much or very ie Grazzi hafna = thank you very much

Iva ( Eeva) = yes

Leh (lay) = no

Tajjeb ( tayep) = good

Hazine (hazeen) = bad

Illum ( ee loom) = today

Ghada ( ardar) = tommorow

Il Fil - ghaxija (eel fee lashyar) this evening

Il Leyl ( eelail) = tonight

Xemx (shemsh) = sun

Shana (sanar) = hot

Kiesah ( kee ay zar) = cold

Xita (sheetar) = rain

I could go on indeffinitely however if there are any particular words or phrases you want ask and I will do my very best to translate it for you.

Regards
Sliema2

Thats great. Thanks Sliema2/happy chef. I think wherever you are the locals
appreciate it when you at least try to use their language. I've got to say
the Maltese language is on a par with Welsh for difficult looking words !!

Can I take it from your name (Sliema2) that you spend a lot of time in
Sliema. Only a friend of mine is visiting Malta (Sliema staying at the Hotel Regency Plaza) while we are there
(in St Pauls Bay). We have said we will probably visit him one day for an eveing meal. He has 2 children. Can you recommend a nice restaurant for us

Gratsi

Steve

Hi Steve, yes we try to spend as much time as possible in Malta nd always stay in Sliema, I can highly reccomend Il-Merill Restaurant in Sliema near the ferries, it's been our favourite for many years now and if you check further down the Malta / Gozo forums you will see that it has it's own separate thread, highly reccomended.

Regards
Sliema2

Sliema2, Gratsi again. Just one last thing about the festivals.
Are they an evening affair or should we get there early ?

You probably went to the Syockport beer festival in the Town Hall which was
quite a good location. They now have it at the local football stadium (County)
I preferred the Town Hall which had quite a bit of character.

Steve

Hi Steve, I think you mean " grazzi" the festivals are 3 day affairs often starting on the Friday and ending some time on the Sunday which is the actual day of the festa the other days being the build up, yes I did go to the town hall many times and have never been to it at Edgeley Park, I have friends who have been but much prefer the previous venue, Bury was also a very good festival embelished by black puddings with mustard yum yum.

Regards
Sliema2