Colors of Comino Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Gozo has its own unique atmosphere. Compared to Malta, the island is not that inhabited and less popular among tourists, so the local pace of life is calm and measured, as it was hundreds of years ago. You just have to adjust to it. Don’t expect the service at the cafes and restaurants to be fast, don’t rush them and don’t disturb their joy of life – then they will gladly help you, give you a heads-up, and answer all your questions. Remember, the tips here are not included in the check, but it’s common to give about 10% of the bill. The Maltese are very hospitable and are nice towards the travelers. That is why you should never decline an invitation for a cup of tea or a coffee. Otherwise, the person you are talking to might get offended. The dinner here usually starts at 19.00, and that’s when the guests are expected.

In the whole, Gozo is one of the safest places in Europe. Not long ago nobody here even locked their doors. However, with the increasing number of tourists and immigrants, the crime rate raised, but it is still the lowest in Europe. You shouldn’t leave valuable things unattended, but you shouldn’t expect a robbery from the locals either. Note one important thing: on Gozo, where people have lived separately for centuries, they speak a distinctive Maltese dialect. Not everyone here speaks English. By the way, don’t be surprised, if a local tells you he has never been outside the island. Why, indeed, would you leave the best place on Earth, where, according to the legend, Calypso fascinated Odysseus with her love charms?

Pay attention to the fancy doorknobs when walking along the street of Gozo’s cities and villages. All the Maltese people have a passion for this element of decor, so you will never see two identical doorknobs here. If you need to know the time, and you look up at the clock in the church tower, don’t be surprised at what you see there. The locals believe that if you put two clocks there and one would show the wrong time, it will protect you from the evil forces. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

When talking to the Maltese, remember, they are very religious and family people. Malta is the only European country, except for the city-state of Vatican, where the abortions are still illegal. Until recently, the divorce was also impossible. Now the divorce is legal, but it’s still very hard to get one. That is why, if you want to impress the locals, tell them about your family. Never ever compare the Maltese to the Tunisians and other migrants, whom there became a lot of on the island over the past few years. The Maltese are very proud of their origin and their country, so it’s pointless to argue with them on political and national issues.

You shouldn’t sunbathe topless or naked here, even on the remote beaches. Such a behavior offends the feelings of the locals. The piety of the local inhabitants is also shown during the holidays, most of which are connected to the important dates of the Christian world. Before Christmas, there emerges a Christmas village in Anslem with the real animals and the baby in the manger. There are a lot of workshops of the local craftsmen on the territory of the village. There are such huge processions on Easter, that even people from Malta come here to see them. The carnival in Nadur during Lent is also popular. It’s much more wild and dark, then the one their neighbors have, with a hint of political satire, which the tourists usually don’t get. Malta’s Independence Day is also celebrated in a big way. There are a couple of folk festivals in Gozo in Autumn as well.