'It started with 40 people': The man who brought St Patrick's to St Julian's
Victor Aquilina says he began by giving out free Irish Stew more than 12 years ago
If you ever wondered why the patron saint of Ireland is celebrated so enthusiastically in St Julian's, one publican has the answer.
Victor Aquilina, proprieter of Saddles pub, claims he started the tradition more than 12 years ago, with a bowl of Irish stew.
"I started St Patrick's Day with a friend of mine, an Irish guy," the 68-year-old told Times of Malta. "At the start we were only 40 people".
Now the event attracts thousands of revellers and involves a full street take over, causing roads in surrounding areas to be closed to traffic.
But Aquilina said he began celebrating by handing out some Irish stew, the traditional slow-cooked dish regarded as the national dish of Ireland.
"I don't know how much Irish stew I threw in the sea that year. It wasn't very successful," he said.
"Then the following year I said listen Tom, give me the recipe of the Irish stew and I'll get some of my people and here you go, it blew up!"
He says he did that for four or five years and the event kept growing.
"The council started giving permits, which is beautiful and I think this year it's looking much better than ever! The atmosphere is always beautiful.
"I think I'm the only person that kept the tradition. I always play Irish music and I always have Irish videos of Irish music in the pub."
He spends the year compiling and updating his Irish music videos, which he has playing in the pub for those who venture inside.
While St Patrick's Day is not a public holiday, plenty of workers end their day with the street party marked by wearing green clothing, displaying shamrocks and drinking Guinness.