Wanted: Cannon Firer for Valletta’s Historic Saluting Battery

Imagine this: the sun is setting over Grandmaster’s Palace, the air is filled with the scent of sea salt and history, and you’re the one responsible for the daily boom that echoes through Valletta’s cobbled streets. No, this isn’t a plot twist from a Dan Brown novel; it’s a real job opportunity in Malta’s historic heart.

For the first time in over a decade, the role of Valletta’s official cannon firer is up for grabs. This isn’t just any job; it’s a living piece of Malta’s history, a tradition dating back to the 17th century. Every day, at precisely 4 PM, a cannon is fired from the Saluting Battery, a tradition that has become as much a part of Valletta’s rhythm as the church bells.

The Saluting Battery, located at the tip of Valletta’s peninsula, was once a formidable military stronghold. Today, it’s a popular tourist spot, offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. The daily cannon fire is more than just a nod to history; it’s a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from cruise ships and hotels across the island.

The cannon firer’s role is as much about history and tradition as it is about customer service. You’ll be responsible for ensuring the cannon fires on time, every day, rain or shine. But you’ll also be the face of this unique tradition, greeting tourists, sharing the history behind the Saluting Battery, and even posing for the occasional selfie.

Firing a cannon might seem like the most important part of the job, but it’s just one aspect. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding and passion for Malta’s history. You’ll need excellent communication skills, fluency in English and Maltese, and a knack for engaging with people from all over the world.

Safety is paramount, so you’ll need to be physically fit and able to handle the cannon’s recoil. You’ll also need to be reliable, with a strong sense of responsibility. After all, the cannon might be the only thing in Valletta that’s more punctual than the church bells.

But perhaps the most important skill you’ll need is a sense of humor. Firing a cannon every day might seem like a simple task, but it’s one that comes with its own set of challenges and quirks. From curious cats to inquisitive tourists, you’ll need to be ready for anything.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to fire a cannon for a living, here’s your chance. The role is being advertised on the Heritage Malta website, with applications closing on March 15th. You’ll need to submit a CV and a cover letter, explaining why you’re the perfect candidate to carry on this historic tradition.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of being a part of Malta’s history, this is your chance. It’s not just a job; it’s a living piece of our past, a daily reminder of our present, and a unique attraction for our future.

As one of the current cannon firers, Joseph, puts it, “It’s not just about firing a cannon. It’s about keeping a tradition alive, sharing our history with the world, and making sure that every day, at 4 PM, Valletta’s heart beats a little louder.”