Wikipedia

Msida

Msida(Maltese:L-Imsida,Italian:Misida) is a harbour town in theEastern RegionofMaltawith a population of 7,623 (2021).[1]

Msida
L-Imsida
Local council
Msida Parish Church
Msida Parish Church
Flag of Msida
Flag
Coat of arms of Msida
Coat of arms
Motto:
Novissima Surgo
Coordinates:35°53′52″N14°29′22″E/ 35.89778°N 14.48944°E/35.89778; 14.48944
CountryMalta
RegionEastern Region
DistrictNorthern Harbour District
BordersBirkirkara,Ħamrun,Gżira,Pietà,San Ġwann,Santa Venera,Ta' Xbiex
Government
•MayorCharles Selvaggi (NP)
Area
• Total
1.7 km2(0.7 sq mi)
Population
(Jan. 2019)
• Total
13,713
• Density8,100/km2(21,000/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Misidjan (m), Misidjana (f), Misidjani (pl)
Time zoneUTC+1(CET)
• Summer (DST)UTC+2(CEST)
Postal code
MSD
Dialing code356
ISO 3166 codeMT-34
Patron saintSt. Joseph
Day of festa1st Sunday after 16 July
"On the harbour front of this fishing port, I became intrigued by the forest of TV aerials above the roof-tops next to the handsome Parish Church called the Church of Sultana tal-Paci, dedicated to St. Joseph. Msida is located along a creek, south of Gzira and west of Valletta." Brian Harrington Spier, 1967

Location

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The town is located just west ofVallettaon the northeast coast ofMalta.The neighbouring towns of Msida areTa' Xbiex,Gżira,San Ġwann,Birkirkara,Santa Venera,ĦamrunandPietà.

Msida is an important town for travellers as many bus routes pass through it.

Etymology

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The name Msida is said to originate from anArabicword, meaning "a fisherman's dwelling". However it could also have been derived from the word 'Omm Sidna', meaning 'The Mother of Our Lord' since there could have been a small chapel dedicated to theBlessed Virgin Mary,Mother of God.

Church & Traditions

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The patron saint of Msida isSaint Josephwhile the protector isThe Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

For a week and a half every July, the town celebrates the feast ofSt. Joseph.The feast of Msida is famous for its pole climbing challenge calledil-Ġostra.[2]This traditional competition sees a large number of men queuing to climb a well-greased pole in order to reach the top and collect a scarf as a winning sign. The pole is suspended above the sea which allows the many unsuccessful competitors to fall safely and swim back to shore. The two towns that organise il-Gostra regularly are Msida and St. Julians.[3]

St. Joseph Church

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Msida parish church, dedicated toSan Ġużepp(St. Joseph) was built in 1889. Under the religious guidance of BishopCarmelo Sciclunaand the main benefactor MgrFrancesco Falzon Debonowho contributed financially towards its building, the church was erected to replace the old church of the Immaculate Conception.[4]The foundation stone was laid on 4 April 1886. The building was finalised by 1889 and the church was officially consecrated on 22 April 1894.[5]Architect Andrea Grimawas responsible for the plans, their execution, and all works involved to build the church.

Notable Places

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Msida is situated right on the coastal creek. Walking along the coast one can see various marinas, boat slipways as well as many locals fishing from shore.

Msida became a parish in 1867. The settlement was centered on the hovels located inward at Valley Road, and some nearby ancillary roads and pathways which led up to the quaint district of Villambrosa. This status did not last long however, as a new parishĦamrunwas hived off in 1881. Today the lowest part of Villambrosa Street remains a silent reminder of Msida's jurisdiction in this area. Msida would also eventually see parts of its territory lost to new parishes atSanta Venerain 1918,Pietàin 1968 andTa' Xbiexin 1969.

Its population, which at one time numbered 11,500, thus also dwindled to a mere 6,000. However, the recent aforementioned demands as well as residential developments in the outlying suburb ofSwatar,have now seen an increase to more than 7600 inhabitants.

Today, Msida is a bustling university town and development has been centered on an increasing student population at the university as well as various new service industries that have sprung in this town in recent years. The city houses many university students, mostly Gozitans.

Geography

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The lower part of Msida lies at the outlet of avalleyand is a fulcrum for heavy traffic going toSliema,Valletta,Birkirkaraand Mater Dei Hospital. When it rains, water rushes down towards the sea from surrounding cities at higher levels and often causes floods, bringing traffic to a halt in the area opposite theParish Churchdedicated toSt. Joseph.Msida also hosts an old rock hewnchapeldedicated to theImmaculate Conception,a rarity of its kind.

Msida has also experienced a lot of reclamation from the sea. The town centre and surrounding areas which were located below sea-level were all reclaimed from the sea, afterWorld War II.A new project which intends to catch more surface rainwater running should also considerably remedy a perennial flooding problem which affects this area as well as nearby towns.

Media

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Msida host two local newspapers. TheLeħen il-Misidjani( "The Voice of the Misidjani" ) is produced and edited by the local band club the Għaqda Melita Banda San Ġużepp Msida. The "Leħen il-Misidjani" gathers information on most of the communities, clubs and associations based in an around Msida.

Another newspaper is theId f'Id( "Hand in Hand" ), produced by the Parish and the Għaqda Armar Msida. It contains information on church activities, religious activities in Msida and the Feasts.

University of Malta

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Main article:University of Malta

The University of Malta is situated in a part of Msida known asTal-Qroqqwhich rests on higher ground. Msida is also home to theĠ.F. Abela Junior Collegeand a State Nursing Home.

The IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI)

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Main article:International Maritime Law Institute

IMLI was established in 1988 under an Agreement concluded betweenIMOand the Government of Malta. It commenced its first academic year in October 1989. Its campus is at the University of Malta.

Sports

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Msida is home toMsida Saint-Joseph F.C.,the local football team currently playing in the Second division of Malta. The team colours are Red and White.[6]Msida also hosts theMsida Red Stars A.F.C,a local 7-a-side team which participates in the I.A.S.C (Inter Amateur Soccer Competition), and Msida Boċċi Klabb (Club), the local "boċċi" team.

Mater Dei Hospital

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Main article:Mater Dei Hospital

The Mater Dei Hospital is located in the outskirts of Msida. It was inaugurated by the prime minister of Malta Dr. Gonzi in June 2007 and has a total floor area of 232,000m2and approximately 8,000 rooms. It also houses a teaching facility for the University of Malta.

The hospital has cost the Maltese peopleLm200,000,000, a considerable increase compared to its original estimate of Lm 83,000,000. It was intended to be a specialised centre but was eventually changed to a general hospital with a change in government.

Msida Marina

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Boats in Msida marina

In the late 19th century, a floatingBritishnavy hydraulic dock was also planned at the central part of Msida close to where theTorpedoDepot used to stand. The plan was soon aborted but instead, this area would in later years experience a booming yacht marina service, which has been growing ever since, thanks to new incentive policies issued by the central government.

Msida Local Council

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Current local council members are:

  • Charles Selvaggi (Mayor, PN)
  • Christine Amaira (Vice-Mayor, PN)
  • Margaret Baldacchino Cefai (PL)
  • Maurice Agius (PN)
  • Alfred Farrugia (PN)
  • Chris Borg (PN)
  • Jean Claude Borg (PL)
  • Nicholas Chirchop (PL)
  • Andrew Mallia (PL)

Zones in Msida

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  • Misraħ il-Barrieri
  • Msida Yacht Marina
  • Swatar
  • Tal-Qroqq
  • Il-Wied
  • Ta' Xmiexi
  • Ta' Sissla
  • Ta' Ziza
  • Tas-Salib
  • Tat-Tigan

Culture

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Msida traditionally celebrates the Feast ofSt. Josephon the first Sunday after 16 July every year. The local football club isMsida St. Joseph F.C.

See also

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References

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  1. ^"Population of Msida in 2020 2021 - statistics".all-populations.com.Retrieved17 June2021.
  2. ^"Blog: Air Malta".airmalta.com.Retrieved14 August2021.
  3. ^Jacobsen, Baryn (23 July 2019)."IN PHOTOS: Climbing The Greasy Pole - Msida Held Its Annual Ġostra Last Weekend And Here's A Look At The Prep, Slips And Wins".Lovin Malta.Retrieved14 August2021.
  4. ^"Msida Parish Church in Malta - Pray, Visit and Experience".www.malta.com.Retrieved14 August2021.
  5. ^"Msida".Regjun Centru.Retrieved14 August2021.
  6. ^Msida Saint Joseph website
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