Msida

Msida (Maltese: L-Imsida, Italian: Misida) is a harbour town in the Central Region of Malta with a population of 8,545 (March 2014).[1] The town is located just west of Valletta on the northeast coast of Malta. The town enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry, sunny summers and short, cool winters.

Msida

L-Imsida
Local council
Flag
Coat of arms
Motto(s): 
Novissima Surgo
Coordinates: 35°53′52″N 14°29′22″E
Country Malta
RegionCentral Region
DistrictNorthern Harbour District
BordersBirkirkara, Ħamrun, Gżira, Pietà, San Ġwann, Santa Venera, Ta' Xbiex
Government
 • MayorMargaret Baldacchino Cefai (PL)
Area
 • Total1.7 km2 (0.7 sq mi)
Population
 (Jan. 2019)
 • Total13,713
 • Density8,100/km2 (21,000/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Misidjan (m), Misidjana (f), Misidjani (pl)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
MSD
Dialing code356
ISO 3166 codeMT-34
Patron saintSt. Joseph
Day of festa1st Sunday after 16 July
"On the harbour front of this fishing port, I became intrigued by the forest of TV aerials above the roof-tops next to the handsome Parish Church called the Church of Sultana tal-Paci, dedicated to St. Joseph. Msida is located along a creek, south of Gzira and west of Valletta." Brian Harrington Spier, 1967

The neighbouring towns of Msida are Ta' Xbiex, Gżira, San Ġwann, Birkirkara, Santa Venera, Ħamrun and Pietà. Msida is an important town for all travellers as many of the country's bus routes pass through it.

The patron saint of Msida is Saint Joseph while the protector is The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. For a week and a half in July, the town celebrates the feast of St. Joseph. The feast of Msida is also famous for its traditional game il-Ġostra. Places of interest are the Yacht Marina, Seaside with traditional fishing boats, the University of Malta and the different gardens: the Playingfield at 5 ta’ Ottubru Square, the Garden in front of Parish Church and thePlayingfield at Ballijju Guttenberg street Swatar.

History

Its name comes from an Arabic word meaning "a fisherman's dwelling". However it could also be derived from the word 'Omm Sidna' meaning 'The Mother of Our Lord' since there could have been a small chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

Msida was previously an old fishing village. Although it is now more urbanised, some fishermen still operate in the village.

Msida became a parish in 1867. Then the settlement was centered on the hovels located inward at Valley Road, and some nearby ancillary roads and pathways which led up to the quaint district of Villambrosa. This status did not last long however, as a new parish Ħamrun was hived off in 1881. Today the lowest part of Villambrosa Street remains a silent reminder of Msida's jurisdiction in this area. Msida would also eventually see parts of its territory lost to new parishes at Santa Venera in 1918, Pietà in 1968 and Ta' Xbiex in 1969.

Its population, which at one time numbered 11,500, thus also dwindled to a mere 6,000. However the recent aforementioned demands as well as residential developments in the outlying suburb of Swatar, have now seen an increase to more than 7600 inhabitants. Swatar also hosts St. Martin's College, a private secondary school.

Today, Msida is a bustling university town and development has been centered on an increasing student population at the University as well as various new service industries that have sprung in this town in recent years.

The city houses many university students, mostly Gozitans.

Geography

The lower part of Msida lies at the outlet of a valley and is a fulcrum for heavy traffic going to Sliema, Valletta, Birkirkara and Mater Dei Hospital. When it rains, water rushes down towards the sea from surrounding cities at higher levels and often causes floods, bringing traffic to a halt in the area opposite the Parish Church dedicated to St. Joseph. Msida also hosts an old rock hewn chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, a rarity of its kind.

Msida has also experienced a lot of reclamation from the sea. The town centre and surrounding areas which were located below sea-level were all reclaimed from the sea, after World War II. A new project which intends to catch more surface rainwater running should also considerably remedy a perennial flooding problem which affects this area as well as nearby towns.

Media

Msida host two local newspapers. The Leħen il-Misidjani ("The Voice of the Misidjani") is produced and edited by the local band club the Għaqda Melita Banda San Ġużepp Msida. The "Leħen il-Misidjani" gathers information on most of the communities, clubs and associations based in an around Msida.

Another newspaper is the Id f'Id ("Hand in Hand"), produced by the Parish and the Għaqda Armar Msida. It contains information on church activities, religious activities in Msida and the Feasts.

University of Malta
Main article: University of Malta

The University of Malta is situated in a part of Msida known as Tal-Qroqq which rests on higher ground. Msida is also home to the Ġ.F. Abela Junior College and a State Nursing Home.

Sports

Msida is home to Msida Saint-Joseph F.C., the local football team currently playing in the Second division of Malta. The team colours are Red and White.[2] Msida also hosts the Msida Red Stars A.F.C, a local 7-a-side team which participates in the I.A.S.C (Inter Amateur Soccer Competition), and Msida Boċċi Klabb (Club), the local "boċċi" team.

Mater Dei Hospital
Main article: Mater Dei Hospital

The Mater Dei Hospital is located in the outskirts of Msida. It was inaugurated by the prime minister of Malta Dr. Gonzi in June 2007 and has a total floor area of 232,000m2 and approximately 8,000 rooms. It also houses a teaching facility for the University of Malta.

The hospital has cost the Maltese people 200,000,000 Maltese liri, a considerable increase compared to its original estimate of 83,000,000 Maltese liri. It was intended to be a specialised centre but was eventually changed to a general hospital with a change in government.

Msida Marina
Boats in Msida marina

In the late 19th century, a floating British navy hydraulic dock was also planned at the central part of Msida close to where the Torpedo Depot used to stand. The plan was soon aborted but instead, this area would in later years experience a booming yacht marina service, which has been growing ever since, thanks to new incentive policies issued by the central government.

Msida Local Council

Current local council members are:

  • Margaret Baldacchino Cefai (Mayor, PL)
  • Alexander Sciberras (Vice-Mayor, PL)
  • Charles Selvaggi (PN)
  • Matthew Agius (PN)
  • Alan Abela Wadge (PN) [3]
  • Maurice Agius (PN)
  • Emanuel Brincat (PL)
  • Romina Galea (PL)
  • Carmelo Bartolo k/a Lino (PL)

Carmelo Bartolo k/a Lino (PL) was elected by default because he did not gather enough votes to be elected on a full quota.[4]

Zones in Msida
  • Misraħ il-Barrieri
  • Msida Yacht Marina
  • Swatar
  • Tal-Qroqq
  • Il-Wied
  • Ta' Xmiexi
  • Ta' Sissla
  • Ta' Ziza
  • Tas-Salib
  • Tat-Tigan

Culture

Msida traditionally celebrates the Feast of St. Joseph on the first Sunday after 16 July every year. The local football club is Msida St. Joseph F.C.

See also

References
  1. "Estimated Population by Locality 31st March, 2014". Government of Malta. 16 May 2014. Archived from the original on 21 June 2015.
  2. Msida Saint Joseph website
  3. Alan Abela-Wadge's website
  4. Msida Local Council Elections 2013
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