The Malta Independent on Sunday
Zejtun under fire event today
The Żejtun Local Council is organising the first edition of ‘IżŻejtun Taħt in-Nar’ today to mark the 75th anniversary from the tragedy that happened in Żejtun Square in May 1942 during the Second World War and 50th anniversary from the commemorative plaque. This event will be held around Żejtun Square and will run from 9am until 12pm.
The setting of the square will change to war times with various re-enactments mainly from Battlefront Living History Group, Battlefields Re-enactment Group, and Malta Command with the George Cross Presentation Ceremony, war vehicles display including a period RAF-painted vehicle, the Żejtun old traditional bus, war equipment and other exhibitions related to those times, victims commemoration, and much more. There will be also the Victory Kitchen from Żejtun Organisation to Empower You (ŻOEY), which will be dis- tributing free meals to those in attendance. Moreover, there will be various talkers that experienced the war times, and they will share their experience with the public.
The most common bombs that were used during the tragedy, mainly by Luftwaffe Junkers 88 were known as Butterfly Bombs, and during this event there will be a mock scenario showcasing Anti-Explosive personnel disarming butterfly bombs. Also the Luftwaffe air crew and pilots in their uniforms with their equipment. The façade of the church parvis still carries the scars of the splinters from the bomb.
An event for all the family, that besides learning, one can experience those shocking times during the Second World War in Żejtun Square.
For more information contact the Żejtun Local Council on 2166 3866 or visit www.zejtunlocalcouncil.com.