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Il-Ġostra | One of Malta’s Oldest Sports
Il-Ġostra | One of Malta’s Oldest Sports
One of Malta’s oldest sports, il-Ġostra, entails contestants trying to climb a greased pole to retrieve a flag before falling into the water below. This customary competition is a part of many small feasts around the island, but the biggest and maybe the best known is the one that takes places in in St. Julian’s.
The game stretches back to the Middle Ages. However, the actual ‘Il-Ġostra’ was first played along the beach during feasts in 1721. It was created and brought to Malta by Grand Master Marcantonio Zondadari.
But how is all of this done? A 16-meter pole is placed at an angle from the bay to the sea. This pole is then coated with 15 litres of fat. Competitors need to then try and strive to grasp three flags at the end of the pole: a Belgian tricolour honouring St. Julian, a blue and white flag honouring St. Mary, and a yellow and white flag honouring the Vatican.
Many people return home with a few bumps and scars, but only a select few bring home the medals. So, if you want to try your luck against this slippery beast, simply concentrate on your target and pray for success!
