‘Stories Revisited’: A nostalgic portrait of growing up in Malta

Do you remember the scent of fresh bread wafting through the air as you walked home from school along Triq San Pawl in Rabat? Or the echo of your laughter bouncing off the ancient walls of Mdina’s silent streets as you played hide and seek with your friends? These are the memories that Malta’s own, Stories Revisited, is bringing back to life.

Uncovering Malta’s Childhood Narratives

Launched in 2020, Stories Revisited is a unique online platform dedicated to collecting and sharing personal stories from Malta’s past. The brainchild of local historian and author, Dr. Mario Vella, the project aims to preserve and celebrate the island’s rich cultural heritage through the eyes of those who grew up here.

Dr. Vella, a man with a passion for history that’s as deep as the Mediterranean Sea, explains, “Malta’s history is not just about dates and events. It’s about the people who lived through it, their experiences, their struggles, and their triumphs. Stories Revisited is about giving a voice to those stories.”

From Village Life to School Days

Browsing through the Stories Revisited archive is like stepping into a time machine. You’ll find tales of village life, from the traditional ways of celebrating feasts to the daily grind of farming and fishing. You’ll read about school days, from the strict discipline of the old-fashioned classrooms to the joy of playing truant to go swimming at the beach.

One such story, “The Day We Set Fire to the School,” tells of a group of mischievous boys from Żebbuġ who, in a bid to skip classes, accidentally set their school on fire. The tale, recounted with a mix of humor and nostalgia, offers a fascinating glimpse into the everyday life of Malta’s children in the mid-20th century.

Preserving Malta’s Past for Future Generations

But Stories Revisited is more than just a collection of old stories. It’s a living, breathing archive that’s constantly evolving. Dr. Vella encourages everyone, regardless of age or background, to share their memories of growing up in Malta.

“We want to hear from everyone,” he says. “Whether you’re a farmer from Gozo, a former nurse from St. Luke’s, or a retired teacher from Birkirkara, your story is a part of Malta’s history. And it deserves to be told.”

To share your story, simply visit the Stories Revisited website and fill out the online form. You can choose to remain anonymous if you prefer. Your story will then be added to the archive, where it will be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

So, go on. Dust off those old memories. Stir up those long-forgotten emotions. And share your story. Because Malta’s history is your history. And it’s a story that deserves to be told.