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Coordinates: 35°53′52″N 14°29′22″E / 35.89778°N 14.48944°E / 35.89778; 14.48944
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{{morefootnotes|date=May 2019}}
{{more footnotes|date=May 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Msida
| name = Msida
| native_name = L-Imsida
| native_name = L-Imsida
| native_name_lang = mt
| native_name_lang = mt
| official_name =
| official_name =
| other_name =
| other_name =
| settlement_type = [[Local councils of Malta|Local council]]
| settlement_type = [[Local councils of Malta|Local council]]
| image_skyline = Malta Msida BW 2011-10-07 15-58-38.JPG
| image_skyline = Malta Msida BW 2011-10-07 15-58-38.JPG
| image_caption = [[St Joseph's Church, Msida|Msida Parish Church]]
| image_caption = [[St Joseph's Church, Msida|Msida Parish Church]]
| image_flag = Flag of Msida.svg
| image_flag = Flag of Msida.svg
| image_shield = Msida-coa.svg
| image_shield = Msida-coa.svg
| etymology =
| etymology =
| nickname =
| nickname =
| motto = ''Novissima Surgo''
| motto = ''Novissima Surgo''
| image_map = Msida in Malta.svg
| image_map = Msida in Malta.svg
| map_caption =
| map_caption =
| coordinates = {{coord|35|53|52|N|14|29|22|E|type:city_region:MT|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|35|53|52|N|14|29|22|E|type:city_region:MT|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_footnotes =
| coordinates_footnotes =
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|Malta}}
| subdivision_name = {{flag|Malta}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[Regions of Malta|Region]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[Regions of Malta|Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Central Region, Malta|Central Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Eastern Region, Malta|Eastern Region]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Districts of Malta|District]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Districts of Malta|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Districts of Malta#Northern Harbour District|Northern Harbour District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Districts of Malta#Northern Harbour District|Northern Harbour District]]
| established_title =
| established_title =
| established_date =
| established_date =
| founder =
| founder =
| parts_type = Borders
| parts_type = Borders
| parts_style = para
| parts_style = para
| p1 = [[Birkirkara]], [[Ħamrun]], [[Gżira]], [[Pietà, Malta|Pietà]], [[San Ġwann]], [[Santa Venera]], [[Ta' Xbiex]]
| p1 = [[Birkirkara]], [[Ħamrun]], [[Gżira]], [[Pietà, Malta|Pietà]], [[San Ġwann]], [[Santa Venera]], [[Ta' Xbiex]]
| leader_title = [[List of mayors of places in Malta|Mayor]]
| leader_title = [[List of mayors of places in Malta|Mayor]]
| leader_name = Margaret Baldacchino Cefai
| leader_name = Margaret Baldacchino Cefai
| leader_party = [[Labour Party (Malta)|PL]]
| leader_party = [[Labour Party (Malta)|PL]]
| unit_pref = Metric
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_total_km2 = 1.7
| area_total_km2 = 1.7
| area_note =
| area_note =
| area_footnotes =
| area_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| elevation_m =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_footnotes =
| population_total = 13713
| population_total = 13713
| population_as_of = Jan. 2019
| population_as_of = Jan. 2019
| population_footnotes =
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_note =
| population_note =
| population_demonym = Misidjan (m), Misidjana (f), Misidjani (pl)
| population_demonym = Misidjan (m), Misidjana (f), Misidjani (pl)
| timezone1 = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| timezone1 = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset1 = +1
| utc_offset1 = +1
| timezone1_DST = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| timezone1_DST = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| utc_offset1_DST = +2
| utc_offset1_DST = +2
| postal_code_type = [[Postal codes in Malta|Postal code]]
| postal_code_type = [[Postal codes in Malta|Postal code]]
| postal_code = MSD
| postal_code = MSD
| area_code_type = [[List of country calling codes|Dialing code]]
| area_code_type = [[List of country calling codes|Dialing code]]
| area_code = 356
| area_code = 356
| iso_code = MT-34
| iso_code = MT-34
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Religion in Malta#Patron Saints|Patron saint]]
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Religion in Malta#Patron Saints|Patron saint]]
| blank_info_sec1 = [[Saint Joseph|St. Joseph]]
| blank_info_sec1 = [[Saint Joseph|St. Joseph]]
| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Public holidays in Malta#Traditional Feasts|Day of festa]]
| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Public holidays in Malta#Traditional Feasts|Day of festa]]
| blank1_info_sec1 = 1st Sunday after 16 July
| blank1_info_sec1 = 1st Sunday after 16 July
| website =
| website =
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
[[File:1967_in_Malta_(8245586264).jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|"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]]
[[File:1967_in_Malta_(8245586264).jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|"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]]
'''Msida''' ({{lang-mt|L-Imsida}}, {{lang-it|Misida}}, {{lang-ar|مسيدا}}) is a harbour town in the [[Central Region, Malta|Central Region]] of [[Malta]] with a population of 8,545 (March 2014).<ref>{{cite web|title=Estimated Population by Locality 31st March, 2014|url=https://secure2.gov.mt/localgovernment/file.aspx?f=7810|publisher=[[Government of Malta]]|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6ZSEwl5UZ?url=https://secure2.gov.mt/localgovernment/file.aspx?f=7810|archive-date=21 June 2015|date=16 May 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> 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''' ({{lang-mt|L-Imsida}}, {{lang-it|Misida}}) is a harbour town in the [[Eastern Region, Malta|Eastern Region]] of [[Malta]] with a population of 7,623 (2021).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Population of Msida in 2020 2021 - statistics|url=https://all-populations.com/en/mt/population-of-msida.html|access-date=2021-06-17|website=all-populations.com}}</ref>


== Location ==
The neighbouring towns of Msida are [[Ta' Xbiex]], [[Gżira]], [[San Ġwann]], [[Birkirkara]], [[Santa Venera]], [[Ħamrun]] and [[Pietà, Malta|Pietà]]. Msida is an important town for all travellers as many of the country's bus routes pass through it.
The town is located just west of [[Valletta]] on the northeast coast of [[Malta]]. The neighbouring towns of Msida are [[Ta' Xbiex]], [[Gżira]], [[San Ġwann]], [[Birkirkara]], [[Santa Venera]], [[Ħamrun]] and [[Pietà, Malta|Pietà]].


Msida is an important town for travellers as many bus routes pass through it.
The patron saint of Msida is [[Saint Joseph]] while the protector is [[Immaculate Conception|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==
== Etymology ==
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.
The name Msida is said to originate from an [[Arabic]] word, meaning "a fisherman's dwelling". However it could also have been 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.


== Church & Traditions ==
Msida was previously an old [[fishing]] village. Although it is now more urbanised, some fishermen still operate in the village.


The patron saint of Msida is [[Saint Joseph]] while the protector is [[Immaculate Conception|The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary]].
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, Malta|Pietà]] in 1968 and [[Ta' Xbiex]] in 1969.


For a week and a half every July, the town celebrates the feast of [[St. Joseph]]. The feast of Msida is famous for its pole climbing challenge called '''''il-Ġostra'''.''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Blog : Air Malta|url=https://airmalta.com/mt/blog/malta/what-is-the-traditional-game-il-gostra|access-date=2021-08-14|website=airmalta.com}}</ref> This traditional competition sees a large number of men queuing to climb a well-greased pole in order to reach the top and collect a scarf as a winning sign. The pole is suspended above the sea which allows the many unsuccessful competitors to fall safely and swim back to shore. The two towns that organise il-Gostra regularly are Msida and St. Julians.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jacobsen|first=Baryn|date=2019-07-23|title=IN PHOTOS: Climbing The Greasy Pole - Msida Held Its Annual Ġostra Last Weekend And Here's A Look At The Prep, Slips And Wins|url=https://lovinmalta.com/malta/in-photos-climbing-the-greasy-pole-msida-held-its-annual-gostra-last-weekend-and-heres-a-look-at-all-the-prep-slips-and-wins/|access-date=2021-08-14|website=Lovin Malta|language=en-GB}}</ref>
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.


=== [[St Joseph's Church, Msida|St. Joseph Church]] ===
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.
Msida parish church, dedicated to '''''San Ġużepp''''' (St. Joseph) was built in 1889. Under the religious guidance of Bishop [[Carmelo Scicluna]] and the main benefactor Mgr [[Francesco Falzon Debono]] who contributed financially towards its building, the church was erected to replace the old church of the Immaculate Conception.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Msida Parish Church in Malta - Pray, Visit and Experience|url=https://www.malta.com/en/local-information/parish-church/msida|access-date=2021-08-14|website=www.malta.com}}</ref> The foundation stone was laid on 4 April 1886. The building was finalised by 1889 and the church was officially consecrated on 22 April 1984.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Msida|url=http://regjuncentru360.org/localities/msida/|access-date=2021-08-14|website=Regjun Centru|language=en-AU}}</ref> [[Architect Andrea Grima]] was responsible for the plans, their execution, and all works involved to build the church.


== Notable Places ==
The city houses many university students, mostly Gozitans.
Msida is situated right on the coastal creek. Walking along the coast one can see various marinas, boat slipways as well as many locals fishing from shore.

Msida became a parish in 1867. 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, Malta|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.

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==
==Geography==
Line 109: Line 117:
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 232,000m<sup>2</sup> and approximately 8,000 rooms. It also houses a teaching facility for the University of Malta.
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 232,000m<sup>2</sup> 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 lira|Maltese liri]], a considerable increase compared to its original estimate of 83,000,000 [[Maltese lira|Maltese liri]]. It was intended to be a specialised centre but was eventually changed to a general hospital with a change in government.
The hospital has cost the Maltese people [[Maltese lira|Lm]] 200,000,000, a considerable increase compared to its original estimate of Lm 83,000,000. It was intended to be a specialised centre but was eventually changed to a general hospital with a change in government.


==Msida Marina==
==Msida Marina==
Line 122: Line 130:
*Charles Selvaggi (PN)
*Charles Selvaggi (PN)
*Matthew Agius (PN)
*Matthew Agius (PN)
*[[Alan Abela Wadge]] (PN) <ref>[http://www.abela-wadge.com Alan Abela-Wadge's website]</ref>
*Alan Abela Wadge (PN)
*Maurice Agius (PN)
*Maurice Agius (PN)
*Emanuel Brincat (PL)
*Emanuel Brincat (PL)

Revision as of 02:37, 24 July 2024

Msida
L-Imsida
Msida Parish Church
Flag of Msida
Coat of arms of Msida
Motto: 
Novissima Surgo
Coordinates: 35°53′52″N 14°29′22″E / 35.89778°N 14.48944°E / 35.89778; 14.48944
Land Malta
RegionEastern Region
DistrictNorthern Harbour District
BordersBirkirkara, Ħamrun, Gżira, Pietà, San Ġwann, Santa Venera, Ta' Xbiex
Regierung
 • 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

Msida (Maltese: L-Imsida, Italian: Misida) is a harbour town in the Eastern Region of Malta with a population of 7,623 (2021).[1]

Standort

The town is located just west of Valletta on the northeast coast of Malta. The neighbouring towns of Msida are Ta' Xbiex, Gżira, San Ġwann, Birkirkara, Santa Venera, Ħamrun and Pietà.

Msida is an important town for travellers as many bus routes pass through it.

Etymology

The name Msida is said to originate from an Arabic word, meaning "a fisherman's dwelling". However it could also have been 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.

Church & Traditions

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 every July, the town celebrates the feast of St. Joseph. The feast of Msida is famous for its pole climbing challenge called il-Ġostra.[2] This traditional competition sees a large number of men queuing to climb a well-greased pole in order to reach the top and collect a scarf as a winning sign. The pole is suspended above the sea which allows the many unsuccessful competitors to fall safely and swim back to shore. The two towns that organise il-Gostra regularly are Msida and St. Julians.[3]

Msida parish church, dedicated to San Ġużepp (St. Joseph) was built in 1889. Under the religious guidance of Bishop Carmelo Scicluna and the main benefactor Mgr Francesco Falzon Debono who contributed financially towards its building, the church was erected to replace the old church of the Immaculate Conception.[4] The foundation stone was laid on 4 April 1886. The building was finalised by 1889 and the church was officially consecrated on 22 April 1984.[5] Architect Andrea Grima was responsible for the plans, their execution, and all works involved to build the church.

Notable Places

Msida is situated right on the coastal creek. Walking along the coast one can see various marinas, boat slipways as well as many locals fishing from shore.

Msida became a parish in 1867. 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.

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

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.

The IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI)

IMLI was established in 1988 under an Agreement concluded between IMO and the Government of Malta. It commenced its first academic year in October 1989. Its campus is at the University of Malta.

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.[6] 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

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 Lm 200,000,000, a considerable increase compared to its original estimate of Lm 83,000,000. 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)
  • 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.[7]

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. ^ "Population of Msida in 2020 2021 - statistics". all-populations.com. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
  2. ^ "Blog : Air Malta". airmalta.com. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  3. ^ Jacobsen, Baryn (23 July 2019). "IN PHOTOS: Climbing The Greasy Pole - Msida Held Its Annual Ġostra Last Weekend And Here's A Look At The Prep, Slips And Wins". Lovin Malta. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  4. ^ "Msida Parish Church in Malta - Pray, Visit and Experience". www.malta.com. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  5. ^ "Msida". Regjun Centru. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  6. ^ Msida Saint Joseph website
  7. ^ Msida Local Council Elections 2013[permanent dead link]