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MALTATODAY 31 October 2018 Midweek

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14 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 31 OCTOBER 2018 CULTURE A painting that is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception displayed in St Andrew's Chapel at Tal-Qares in Mosta has been unveiled after months of extensive conservation and diligent restoration. The full restoration process on the canvas and the oil painting itself was sponsored respectively by Nectar in line with its core values of social re- sponsibility. Atelier del Restauro was commis- sioned accordingly with the con- servation and restoration of the oil painting. Built around 1436 in honour of St Andrew, the chapel was re-built in the year 1657. In 1693, the then Bishop of Malta Fra Da- vide Cocco Palmieri conducted a pastoral visit and declared the chapel to have the ap- propriate facilities to be able to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. The chapel was then affiliated to the Mellieħa Parish in 1916. St Andrew's Chapel has eventually served under three parishes – Mellieħa, Naxxar and Mosta, all dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Unveiling of restored Immaculate Conception painting in Mosta The restored painting dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception ARE you brave enough to sleep in a 17th century prison cell at the Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu, right on All Souls' Day? Herit- age Malta is providing you with this opportunity next Friday, 2 November, during a remember- ance event of popular traditions related to death, souls and life after death. If you are less adven- turous, you can still enjoy other activities, including a traditional meal known as Il-Ħanżira tal- Erwieħ (roasted pig). This traditional meal is inspired from an old local custom related to All Souls' Day, when the Mal- tese used to let a pig roam free in the streets with a bell hanging around its neck. People would feed it and once the pig had fattened enough, it was killed, cooked, and fed to the poor. Par- ticipants in this event can enjoy this traditional meal, which pri- marily consists of roasted pig. Generally, the meal will start off with the maħluta; a sweet and sour drink symbolising the hap- pinness and sorrow of life. There will also be toasted bread with garlic and parsley, traditionally known as ftieti tal-għaża, and kawlata (a kind of vegetable soup with pork). This activity will be further enhanced by the discussion of Ġużi Gatt who will talk about the meaning behind the meal of Il-Ħanżira tal-Erwieħ. On the other hand, Noel Buttigieg will be providing interesting infor- mation about il-quċċija; a recipe based on wheat which has been documented since 1575 as the coccia. In fact, the first Inquisi- tor and Apostolate Delegate, Pietro Dusina, mentions that this meal used to be given out in some Maltese churches on the eve of All Souls' Day. Coccia will be served as part of the dessert, together with għadam tal-mejtin (a bone shaped almond-based sweet) and coffee. During this evening, partici- pants can also view a selection of memorial cards from the dona- tion given to Heritage Malta by Alfred Calleja. This collection amounts to thousands of memo- rial cards, some of which go back Experience an unusual night on All Souls' Day to the beginning of the 20th cen- tury. Among the most appealing, one finds those of various per- sonalities which come from dif- ferent spheres in life. The main aim behind these memorial cards is that the living continue to remember their dead and say a prayer for their soul. Yet besides this, such a collec- tion is a source of information about various aspects. These include the development of this tradition along the years, both in terms of style, design and words selected, together with the etno- graphic facet, such as the chang- ing hairstyles, clothes, uniforms and hobbies. At the end of this unusual set up, those who opt to challenge the myths that have been created about the Inquisitor's Palace, will be able to choose where to spend the night. The 17th century pris- on cells are among the most pop- ular, however other eerie corners of the palace can also be selected. Participants who will be sleeping at the palace have to bring along their own sleeping equipment. This activity will start at 19:30hrs and will be in Maltese. Places are limited. Price is €30. Heritage Malta members pay €28. Tickets may be acquired from all Heritage Malta mu- seums and sites, or online at https://shop.heritagemalta.org/ index.asp?eventid=486 For more information, one can call 21663731, or visit the Agen- cy's website on www.heritage- malta.org or the Facebook page of the Inquisitor's Palace. Eerie corners at the Inquisitor's Palace 17th century prison cell at the Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu

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