San Ġwann


San Ġwann is a town in the Northern Region of Malta, with a population of 14,244 as of 2021. Prior to its establishment as a distinct municipality, it was a fragmented community comprising parts of Birkirkara and St. Julian's. San Ġwann emerged as a new parish in 1965 and was officially recognised as a town in 1968. The Local Councils Act of 1993 identified San Ġwann as a separate district with its own statutory local government authority, marking its transition from being part of the neighbouring localities. With the first San Ġwann Council was elected on 16 April 1994.

Geography

San Ġwann is a suburb characterised predominantly by modern buildings, reflecting its contemporary development. However, its geographical context reveals a more ancient history interwoven with Malta's national heritage. The oldest known human traces in San Ġwann are the prehistoric cart ruts near the Sant Andrija area, which likely date back to the period between 2300 and 1000 BC, predating the Punic era.
These cart ruts imply that the region once supported an agricultural community that cultivated the fertile valleys of Wied Għomor, Wied il-Ballut, and Wied Għollieqa. The early inhabitants may have utilized natural caves in the vicinity for shelter. In addition to these cart ruts, megalithic stone blocks found in Wied Għomor suggest the presence of a Neolithic structure.
The area's agricultural significance persisted over the centuries. Roman-era excavations have uncovered tombs and a covered cistern, indicating continued use of the land. The "Roman Tower" of Ta' Ċieda, one of eight such defensive structures erected across Malta around the 3rd century AD, is a notable archaeological feature. During the Arab period, the region was repurposed as a cemetery.

History

San Ġwann's historical tapestry is rich and varied, reflecting its strategic importance and changing dominions over the centuries. The region's Arab heritage is evident in the Semitic names recorded in medieval documents, such as Tal-Għorgħar and L-Imsieraħ. During the medieval era, San Ġwann was inhabited by at least two communities located between Tal-Għorgħar and Naxxar, specifically at Raħal Tigan and Raħal Ger.
The medieval period also saw the establishment of the parochial church of St. Helena in Għorgħar, which was abandoned in the 14th century and was likely situated near the Ta' Ċieda Tower. The cave-chapel of San Leonardo, now known as the Chapel of the Annunciation, is another historical site.
The arrival of the Order of St. John in 1530 and the subsequent Great Siege of 1565 marked a period of relative safety from Turkish raids, leading to increased population and construction. The era saw the erection of chapels and other structures, including Torri ta' Lanzun, a protected farm-building dating around 1713.
During the late 18th century, specifically between 1798 and 1800, the Għorgħar area played a crucial role as an outpost for Maltese troops blockading French forces within the capital. The Ta' Xindi Farmhouse served as the headquarters for Captain Vincenzo Borg.
In the 20th century, the area experienced minimal impact from World War II, although Torri Lanzun was damaged during enemy action. Post-war developments included strategic planning by the British Colonial Office, which initiated the construction of underground flour mills in Malta and Gozo, with one such mill, including a silo, situated behind the San Ġwann State Primary School.
The 1950s brought further development with the construction of a convent by the Capuchin Friars and a new church, which was completed in December 1959 and became the Parish Church in 1965. This church adopted its name from the old chapel of San Ġwann tal-Għorghar.
San Ġwann's population saw significant growth in the 1970s, reaching 12,630 by 2005 and with a population of 14,244 as of 2021.

Local council

The Local Councils Act of 1993 recognised San Ġwann as a separate district with its own local government authority, and the first San Ġwann Council was elected on 16 April 1994.

Previous Legislations

First Legislation: 1994–1997

  • Mayor: Antoine Cesareo, Tony C. Cutajar
  • Deputy Mayor: Paula Fleri Soler
  • Councillors: Emanuel k/a Wally Farrugia, Tony C. Cutajar, Charles Burlo, Violet Bajada, Victor Xuereb, Anthony Mifsud, Ronald Burgess
  • Executive Secretary: George Bonello

    Second Legislation: 1997–2000

  • Mayor: Helen Fenech
  • Deputy Mayor: Louis Borg
  • Councillors: Etienne Bonello DuPuis, Tony C. Cutajar, Antoine Cesareo, Victor Xuereb, Violet Bajada, Helen Fenech, Joseph Mary Gauci, Ronald Burgess
  • Executive Secretary: Marisa Pisani

    Third Legislation: 2000–2003

  • Mayor: Helen Fenech
  • Deputy Mayor: Tony C. Cutajar
  • Councillors: Julian Spiteri, Rene` Savona Ventura, Victor Xuereb, Kurt Guillaumier, Emanuel k/a Wally Farrugia, Violet Bajada, Etienne Bonello DuPuis
  • Executive Secretary: Marisa Pisani

    Fourth Legislation: 2003–2006

  • Mayor: Kurt Guillaumier
  • Deputy Mayor: Etienne Bonello DuPuis
  • Councillors: Emanuel k/a Wally Farrugia, Marica Bayliss, Joseph Borg, Dominic Cassar, Anthony Mifsud Bonnici, Victor Xuereb, George k/a Neville Mallia
  • Executive Secretary: Josef Grech

    Fifth Legislation: 2006–2009

  • Mayor: Joseph Bog , Rene` Savona Ventura
  • Deputy Mayor: Rene` Savona Ventura , Keith Grima
  • Councillors: George k/a Neville Mallia, Marica Bayliss, Simon Saliba, Violet Bajada, Etienne Bonello DuPuis, Kurt Guillaumier, Malcom Dimech
  • Executive Secretary: Josef Grech

    Sixth Legislation: 2009–2013

  • Mayor: Joseph Agius
  • Deputy Mayor: Etienne Bonello DuPuis
  • Councillors: Anthony Mifsud Bonnici, Rita Saliba, Violet Bajada, Joan Farrugia, Marica Bayliss, George k/a Neville Mallia, David Dalli
  • Executive Secretary: Adrian Mifsud

    Seventh Legislation: 2013–2019

  • Mayor: Etienne Bonello DuPuis
  • Deputy Mayor: Marica Bayliss
  • Councillors: Mikhail Micallef, Joan Farrugia, Malcolm Abdilla, Rita Saliba, Dominic Cassar, Trevor Fenech, Neville Mallia
  • Executive Secretary: Kurt Guillaumier

    Eighth Legislation: 2019–2024

  • Mayor: Trevor Fenech
  • Deputy Mayor: Anthony Mifsud Giordani
  • Councillors: David Dalli, Joan Farrugia, Tania Borg, Joe Aquilina, Dominic Cassar, Violet Bajada, Etienne Bonello DuPuis
  • Executive Secretary: Kurt Guillaumier

    Current Legislation

Ninth Legislation: 2024–

  • Mayor: Dominic Cassar
  • Deputy Mayor: Pauline Vella Critien
  • Councillors: Trevor Fenech, Javier Caruana, Norbert Dalli, Joan Farrugia, Anthony Mifsud Bonnici, Noel Dimech, Claire Calleja Zammit, Carmelo Pace Taliana, Salvu Debono
  • Executive Secretary: Kurt Guillaumier

    Inauguration of a new anthem

At the initiative of the parish priest, Fr Bertrand Vella, the newly composed hymn Innu San Ġwann was introduced and performed for the first time on Saturday, 28 September 2024, at the Parish Church of Our Lady Mary of Lourdes, San Ġwann. This event marked a significant milestone for the community, serving as a profound expression of the locality's cultural and spiritual identity.
The hymn's lyrics were authored by Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap, a native of San Ġwann, while the musical composition was crafted by Mro Raymond Storace, the Choir Master of the local Parish Church. Their collaboration resulted in a piece that embodies the essence and heritage of the locality.
The inaugural performance was graced by the presence of the Mayor and Councilors of San Ġwann, together with parishioners and residents, who came together to celebrate this moment of unity. The hymn was performed by the Our Lady of Lourdes - San Ġwann Parish Choir, under the direction of Mro Raymond Storace, filling the church with a deep sense of reverence and joy.
Official Maltese Lyrics:English Translation:
Raħal bi storja qadima
Li tmur lura fi żminijiet,
Kemm fis-skiet seħħlek li torbot
Ġnus u popli taħt is-smewwiet.
L-arja friska li sawritek
Tant siġar żejnuk lejl u nhar,
Sbuħitek ħilet id-dgħajjef
Ħlewwitek tħeġġeġ daqs in-nar.
Ritornell:
Int Imsieraħ ilkoll insejħulek
Mimlija bl-imħabba fil-qlub,
Int għallimtna ngħixu t'aħwa
Għalhekk lilek qlubna jħobbuk.
Taħt il-ħarsien ta' Ommna Marija
Nitgħallmu ngħixu ta' wlied,
Ta' Alla li hu Missierna
U bit-talb ta' Ġwanni l-Għammied.
Għajnuna, rispett u mħabba
F'qalbek jinstabu fil-milja,
O raħal tagħna ibnina
Fl-isbaħ u fl-aqwa familja.
Imsieraħ ħannieqa mżewqa
B'kulturi w reliġjonijiet,
Agħllimna ngħixu lkoll bejnietna
Fis-sliem qalb kotra ta' fehmiet.
Ritornell:
Int Imsieraħ ilkoll insejħulek
Mimlija bl-imħabba fil-qlub,
Int għallimtna ngħixu t'aħwa
Għalhekk lilek qlubna jħobbuk.
Taħt il-ħarsien ta' Ommna Marija
Nitgħallmu ngħixu ta' wlied,
Ta' Alla li hu Missierna
U bit-talb ta' Ġwanni l-Għammied.		A village with a history so old
Going back to past times,
Silently it managed to connect
Nations, peoples under the heavens.
The air so fresh, shaped you
The trees adorned you day and night,
Your beauty comforted the weak
And your sweetness a kindling flame.
Chorus:
Imsieraħ, we do call you
Love abounding from our hearts,
As you taught us to live as kin
The reason why our hearts love you.
Under the protection of Mother Mary
As children, we learn to live,
Of God, who is our Father
And prayers of John the Baptist.
Help, respect, and love
In abundance fill your heart,
Build us, O village of ours
Into the most beautiful, united family.
Imsieraħ, an embracing haven
With cultures and religions adorned,
Teach us to live amongst each other
In peace amidst different opinions.
Chorus:
Imsieraħ, we do call you
Love abounding from our hearts,
As you taught us to live as kin
The reason why our hearts love you.
Under the protection of Mother Mary
As children, we learn to live,
Of God, who is our Father
And prayers of John the Baptist.