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Valletta
The Politics of Identity in a Fortified Mediterranean City
Expressions of local, individual and neighbourhood identity through local religious festi
Rachel Radmilli
Local Researcher, MedVoices:Valletta, Malta, University of Malta
rachel.radmilli@um.edu.mt

Abstract:
Using the concept of landscape rather more literally than metaphorically, Lovell (1998) tells us that feelings of collective belonging are mobilised at particular times, which may be important for a particular group to lay claim on a particular territory. Collective identity often makes explicit use of mythical accounts for the construction of this same collective identity. Identity she argues, can crystallise around a sense of belonging (reinforced through the use of mythical accounts) in relation to various defined rights to access of territory.

"Landscapes are turned into places by human action, and specific places are notionally extracted out of undifferentiated space by becoming imbued with particular meaning by and for human sociality and identity." (Lovell, 1998: 7)

While cities such as Valletta have clearly differentiated and physically defined built up spaces, the notion of landscape can be used both literally and metaphorically. The notion of territoriality is constantly acted out in different neighbourhoods in different ways, and in different historical and political contexts. Furthermore, locality and identity are central themes that may seem to clash with the wider national and international political, economic and social interests in a global context. On a local level however, belonging is often equated with loyalty to a place, which may be expressed through oral or written histories, narratives, or via the importance attributed to certain objects and events (or memories in the case of displaced communities). (Lovell, 1998)

Valletta, as Malta's capital city is a city often viewed as a dying city that is a shadow of its former glory. There has been a steady population decline since the 1950's until recently. Valletta has lost out to newer towns that have gained importance as commercial, residential as well as entertainment centres. Neighbourhoods in Valletta underwent their own individual turbulent histories since WWII with shifting populations moving in and out of this fortified city. Yet specific events still exist where group identity and neighbourhood rivalry is strongly expressed. I would like to explore 3 religious celebrations (2 parish festi and the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows) to show whethere these reflect a sense of identity and/or show elements of territoriality and rivalry between neighbourhoods. On the other hand, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, generates a national migration of Maltese from all over the island, and from abroad who come back to Valletta for the procession - an occasion for personal sacrifice and spiritual renewal.

There are political and economic undertones implied in the 2 feasts. While the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows draws devotees from all over Valletta and Malta, it transcends these political rivalries and economic differences. This also brings Valletta back to life (temporarily) on a locally important religious occasion. This feast may be compared to, and also contrasted with, some forms of domestic or religious tourism. But then again, on such a small island where distances are short, typical definitions may not always apply.

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