20 July 2007 Rating 11% No Comment  

The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) will be holding the first of a series of re-enactments tomorrow, Saturday 21st July to animate the fortified part of the town of Rabat in Gozo, better known as the Citadel. Re-enactors will be demonstrating their military prowess, as well as manning all the watch outposts of the ramparts that defend the Citadel. During the time when the Order of St. John was in Malta this was a duty to be taken seriously and consistantly. Going back through the annals of history, one cannot miss a very important episode which occurred in 1551, when Dragut on having failed to capture any of the Maltese towns decided to assault Gozo's Citadel with a vengeance and carried off some 5000 people into slavery. This was practically the entire population of Gozo at the time. The re-enactment will be held once a month during the summer period, after tomorrow the next one will be held on August 21st and then Septmeber 15th. It is envisaged that this latest initiative of the Malta Tourism Authority will serve to animate one of Gozo's most historic locations for the enjoyment of both Maltese and tourists alike. Tomorrows re-enactment will take place at the citadel, starting at 1100am and end at 1200 noon.