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Il-Gostra at Msida
Traditions just have to be kept!  I would never consider jumping into this creek - where bathing is definitely not recommended.  But by taking part in il-Gostra these young men are keeping the tradition alive.  The pole you see above is coated with grease (lard) just before the event starts.  The young men have to find their way to the top and possibly uproot one of the flags to win the prize.

Like the May pole, the game finds its origin in the Sicilian Middle Ages.  The long pole is usually 10 metres long and stretched seawards at an angle of 30º.  Sometimes barges are used, this is not the case in Msida.  Cash prizes are given now, however in the past cash prizes would be supplemented with food.

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