'We need your donations': Birgu pyrotechnicians lose all fireworks in blast
Għaqda Piroteknika 10 t’Awwissu turns to festa enthusiasts for funds
Vittoriosa firework enthusiasts are appealing for donations to rebuild the pyrotechnics for one of their most awaited shows, after their fireworks were destroyed in a blast that rocked Malta on June 1.
Their fireworks were stored in a Naxxar factory that exploded at around 6.30 am, killing cows and birds, injuring farmers and horses and causing damage to buildings and cars, among others.
The blast woke up a large part of the island, including tourists who ended up with shattered glass on their beds and ruined Orietta Berti's birthday.
The factory was packed with finished fireworks for several feasts, including Fontana, Naxxar and San Ġwann.
Among the enthusiasts who stored their fireworks in the factory is the Għaqda Piroteknika 10 t’Awwissu.
On Friday, the enthusiasts told Facebook followers that they had lost the much-awaited kaxxa tal-ħruġ (saluting battery) that is set off on August 10 when the titular statue of St Lawrence is taken out of its niche.
They had tried seeking help through other pyrotechnicians to replace the display, but with festa season in full swing, their options were "extremely limited".
So they were now turning onto their supporters - so-called "Palmiżi" - whom they described as the "backbone of the titular feast" to help them fund a "fitting tribute" to St Lawrence.