100 re-enactors for Battle of Trafalgar commemoration

History's most famous and crucial battle at sea, the Battle of Trafalgar, is being commemorated over the coming weekend, with among other events a series of re-enactments starting today.

This 200th anniversary of the battle will see the participation of over 100 voluntary re-enactors from Malta, the UK, France, Russia, the Czech Republic, Germany and Sweden, Martin Degiorgio said on behalf of the Historic Re-enactment Group of Malta, which is organising this dramatic event.

The Malta International Napoleonic Event and the Bi-Centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar is being organised for educational and cultural purposes and to attract tourists, Mr Degiorgio said at a press conference at the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa yesterday.

Among the highlights is Death Of An Admiral, a play on the life of Lord Nelson by the Non Such Players drama group at 8 p.m. today. The performance is being held at the Valletta Waterfront, with the participation of HRGM, and proceeds will be donated to Din l-Art Helwa.

Tomorrow's re-enactments include the ceremonial landing of Lord Nelson in Malta at 5 p.m. at the Vittoriosa Waterfront and a battle in the streets and squares of Vittoriosa at 8 p.m. with the participation of over 100 men.

Saturday will see the Anglo-Maltese force, accompanied by musicians, carrying out a remembrance ceremony at the Garden of Repose at 11 a.m followed by a parade along Republic Street to Great Siege Square in Valletta and their march to the Valletta Waterfront for an inspection of the troops at 2 p.m. The commemoration of the battle that "changed Europe's destiny and had its effects on Malta" ends with the re-enactment of a Napoleonic era sea and land battle, involving the sailing of a ship. It is being held at 4 p.m. at the Valletta Waterfront, Mr Degiorgio said.

Vittoriosa mayor John Boxall, who was also involved in the organisation of this commemoration, highlighted the importance of "renewing history", adding that Vittoriosa was slowly shedding the stigma it had thanks to such manifestations, which its residents were enthusiastic to participate in.