Today is a special day for all our Gozitan friends. Our sister isle is celebrating Gozo day, or Jum Għawdex as we Maltese and Gozitans would say.
It's a great opportunity to take a look back on the history of our mini-Malta, and engulf ourselves in the rich heritage it has to offer.
What is Gozo Day?
28th October 2021 commemorates the 223rd anniversary of the uprising of the Gozitan population against the French, which has gone down as one of the most famous chapters in the island's history books.
The resistance was led by Archpriest Saverio Cassar way back in 1798. In fact, it is thanks to the brave efforts of Saverio and the Gozitan locals that we are able to call Gozo an independent state today. It seems as though the Gozitans back then didn't appreciate the French, as their occupation only lasted a total of 141 days!
In celebration of this momentous day, the Gozo Regional Council, together with the Ministry for Gozo, and Circolo Gozitano have set up some activities for all to enjoy.
A Pontifical Celebration will be held at the beautiful Gozo Cathedral, which will be followed by a ceremonial placing of the wreaths on the monument of Archbishop Saverio Cassar, in remembrance of his great achievement.
We expect to see some colour in the Gozitan sky today too, as all Gozo-based Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and Voluntary Organisations (VOs) are invited to raise their flag in honour of today's celebration.
When was the last time you enjoyed a Gozo day?