Standing at the edge of Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens, overlooking the Grand Harbour, you can’t help but feel a sense of belonging. The sun dips below the Three Cities, casting a warm glow on the ancient walls, and you think, “This is Malta.” But what does it mean to be Maltese? Is it the bloodline that traces back to the Phoenicians, the Knights, or the Arabs? Or is it something more?

Malta’s identity is a mix woven with threads of diverse cultures, languages, and histories. It’s the Arabic influence in our cuisine, the Italian in our architecture, and the British in our language. It’s the way we switch between Maltese, English, and Italian mid-conversation, as natural as breathing. It’s the festa feasts, the traditional Maltese music, and the unique sense of community that binds us.

But it’s not just about our past. It’s about our present and our future too. It’s about the Maltese passport that opens doors to the world, and the world that comes to our shores. It’s about the immigrants who’ve made Malta their home, adding new threads to our tapestry. It’s about our shared values, our collective dreams, and our united vision for our little island nation.

Walk down Strait Street in Valletta, once a hub of vice during British rule, now a thriving arts and culture district. Here, you’ll find the perfect embodiment of Malta’s identity. The street’s nickname, “The Gut,” is a remnant of its British past. Yet, it’s now home to vibrant street art, independent cafes, and cultural spaces that reflect our modern, multicultural identity.

Or consider the Three Cities – Birgu, Senglea, and Bormla. These historic fortified cities tell the story of Malta’s resilience and survival. They’re a testament to our ability to adapt, to evolve, and to thrive in the face of adversity. They’re not just buildings; they’re living, breathing symbols of our identity.

Meet Maria, a third-generation Maltese Australian who returned to Malta to reconnect with her roots. She speaks English with an Australian twang, Maltese with a learned accent, and yet, she feels at home here. Her story is not unique. It’s a testament to the fact that being Maltese isn’t about where you were born, but about where you belong.

Then there’s Ahmed, a Libyan immigrant who’s lived in Malta for over a decade. He’s a successful entrepreneur, a loving family man, and a proud Maltese citizen. His story, like Maria’s, challenges the notion that identity is defined by bloodline. It’s about the life we build, the community we create, and the love we share.

As we of the 21st century, one thing remains clear: Malta’s identity is not static. It’s fluid, dynamic, and ever-evolving. It’s in our hands to shape it, to nurture it, and to pass it on. Let’s not define it by who we are, but by who we want to be. Let’s not limit it to our past, but let it grow with our future.

As Maltese poet and national hero Dun Karm Psaila once wrote, “Maltin, jaf u jkollu, jkun jaf u jkollu” – “Maltese, be and have, be and have.” Let’s embrace that spirit. Let’s be Maltese, not just by blood, but by choice. Let’s have Malta, not just as a place, but as a shared dream.