February 10 is a Maltese national holiday, and a day of processions, religious ceremonies and family reunions. It celebrates Malta's patron saint, the Apostle Paul, and his stay in Malta which is noted in the New Testament Acts as the shipwreck of St. Paul.
The shipwreck of Saint Paul in Malta
Around 60 AD, his ship was wrecked near Malta. When he landed on the island, he was bitten by a poisonous snake and this led the people to believe that it was faith, as he could be a murderer or a malefactor. But he survived, which led the locals to believe that he was good and powerful. He continued to heal the sick and disabled on the island, including the governor, Publius.
Since then, the festival has celebrated his visit to the island and Valletta is home to the Shipwreck Church of St. Paul, which was built in the late 16th century. Fireworks and processions commemorate the shipwreck of St. Paul.
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Today, the Maltese commemorate the sinking of St. Paul near Malta in 60 CE. Processions and fireworks honor the island's patron saint. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #February 10 #malta #saintPaul
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