The city of Birkirkara is located in the central region of the Republic of Malta. It is a Southern European country consisting of a cluster of Islands in the Mediterranean. South of Sicily, east of Tunisia, west of the Strait of Gibraltar and east of Alexandria, Birkirkara is one of the largest and most densely populated districts on the island. Maintaining resident status for almost 26,000 people, Birkirkara still carries the aura of history and tradition through religious customs, agricultural works of art and the simple fact that it is one of Malta’s oldest cities. It is a great tourist destination for times gone by.
Birkirkara consists of four independent parishes named St. Helen, St. Joseph, Our Lady of Carmel, and St. Mary. History informs us that St. Helen was the mother of Constantine the Great and she found the True Cross of Jesus Christ. The feast of St. Helen, the main feast, is celebrated on August 18th. However, if this date does not fall on a Sunday, it takes place on the next Sunday after the 18th. This involves a morning procession featuring a large wooden statue sculpted by Salvu Psaila. The feast of St. Joseph, Jesus' earthbound father, takes place on March 19th for those of Western Christianity. For the Eastern Orthodox Church, it is held on the 1st Sunday after the Nativity of Christ. Our Lady of Carmel represents the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of the Carmelite Order, a religious order founded in the 12th century on Mount Carmel. This feast is celebrated on July 16th. For the patron St. Mary Magdalene, an important individual in the life of Jesus Christ, July 22nd marks the celebration feast.
The city of Birkirkara is also the home of the famous St. Aloysius’ College, a Catholic college operated by the Jesuits. At one time it performed as a hospital for Allied soldiers during WWII. The city itself is the hometown of the first President of Malta, an ex President, and a former Opposition Leader. Birkirkara has a coat of arms designed as a plain red cross with a crown at its pinnacle. The city’s motto is “In hoc signo vinces” which means “In this sign you will conquer”.
Situated three miles away from the capital city Valletta, and four and a half miles away from the oldest city Mdina, Birkirkara has a few attractions that may be of interest to you. The Old Railway Station is now housed in a public garden. Trains were used as transportation until the railroad closed in 1931. Other tourist attractions are the aqueducts built by the Grandmaster Wignacourt in the 17th century, the spectacular St. Helen’s Basilica, Tal-Herba Sanctuary and the Ta' Ganu Windmill.
It is important to note that present day Birkirkara has a Maltese football club that is a part of the Maltese Premiere League. In 2009-2010, they were the football champions. They are one of six football clubs to win all five major awards in Maltese football.
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Constantine the Great and she found the True Cross of Jesus Christ. The feast of St. Helen, the main feast, is celebrated on August 18th. However, if this date does not fall on a Sunday, it takes place on the next Sunday after the 18th. This involves a morning procession featuring a large wooden statue sculpted by Salvu Psaila. The feast of St. Joseph, Jesus' earthbound father, takes place on March 19th for those of Western Christianity. For the Eastern Orthodox Church, it is held on the 1st Sunday after the Nativity of Christ. Our Lady of Carmel represents the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of the Carmelite Order, a religious order founded in the 12th century on Mount Carmel. This feast is celebrated on July 16th. For the patron St. Mary Magdalene, an important individual in the life of Jesus Christ, July 22nd marks the celebration feast.
Periodic issues- Free advice and suggestions for making your next travel adventure more enjoyable.
