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The Copious History of Strait Street
The Copious History of Strait Street
Courtesy of George Cini, author of Strait Street: Secrets and Stories from Behind Closed Doors
Strait Street has transformed itself into an iconic landmark located in the heart of the country’s capital. Stretching over St John Cavalier on Ordnance Street all the way down to St Elmo Bay, the name of the notorious strip thoroughly describes its nature; narrow, eccentric, and mysterious.
STRAIT STREET TODAY
Built in the sixteenth century during the rule of the Order of St John, Strait Street quickly became a hotspot for taverns, bars, dance-halls, ballrooms, and rampant prostitution, which was morally eschewed at the time but much sought after. The street was also the only area in Malta where duelling was permitted. Each time a knight’s life was taken away from a grievous duel in the commercial district, a cross was etched where the duel took place. Unsurprisingly, the narrow paths of the street made it the perfect point for knights to meet up and duel.
As soon as Malta became a British colony, Strait street gradually shifted its connotations from a bloodshed arena to a temporary retreat for matelots and other gentleman to relish the booze, music, and women being offered to them. Becoming the British naval port, Malta had to adjust its amenities and make sure to satisfy all of the garrison’s needs and demands. Pervasive and illegal prostitution was materialising in an unbridled yet such blatant manner, making it impossible for the police authorities to be unaware of the chaos. One has to take into account the period of time that this was taking place, in early 20th century Malta; the personification of Christianity and reticence. The Roman Catholic Church censored everything, from newspapers and magazines, that was deemed as controversial, opinionated, or salacious.
The phenomenon that is Strat Street was not solely accessible to British sailors, but instead, it branched out into a place where the British, the Italians, and the Maltese could drink, dance, and talk about sultry women together in harmony. That is also why Strait Street was infamously known as the Maltese Red Light District. Interestingly enough, we assume that this is where various Maltese equipped the English language, from socialising with British sailors in a comradery fashion to alluring them with a sensual night of money, sex, and booze. Strait Street explicitly juxtaposed neighbouring streets and towns, shedding off its Catholic skin to emulate sheer intemperance and overindulgence of taboo convictions. This is why the street was referred to as ‘The Gut’ amongst visitors.
The era of bar brawls, rampant prostitution, and comradery between the locals and the matelots’ came to an abrupt end when the British forces vacated the Maltese islands. Due to the implications that etched the ambience, locals who attended ‘The Gut’ abstained from sharing their experiences in fear of judgement, rubbing off a part of history which is now in jeopardy of being lost.
Through a vigorous renovation that has been done to the surrounding areas, Strait Street is now embellished with artistic bars and restaurants to attract locals and tourists around. This dynamic district has taken back the reins, welcoming people to wine and dine, listen to live music, and enjoy the wonders that Valletta has to offer!
