BATTLE OF LEPANTO (1571).

ROLCAM · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 1:17 am Post subject: BATTLE OF LEPANTO (1571).

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

< Malta's participation in Battle of Lepanto celebrations >
by Richard Vella Laurenti, Ambassador-Designate for Malta, Athens, Greece.

The participation of the Maltese In Guardia Unit in the colourful celebrations held recently in Nafpaktos, Greece, to commemorate the 1571 Battle of Lepanto was very much appreciated and applauded by the thousands of Greek nationals and tourists who thronged the historic harbour of this enchanting town. The harbour was, in fact, transformed into one reminiscent of 1571 while the houses around it were dressed up to depict older buildings and modern lighting was replaced by torches.

Dressed in period uniform with two characters dressed up as Cavaliere Gran Croce, bearing the Maltese eight-pointed cross on their black robe, the Maltese presence added lustre to this year's celebrations in Nafpaktos. These celebrations were televised on national television stations in Greece and were also transmitted via satellite to reach viewers in the US, Canada and Australia where most Greek communities live. Malta joined participants from Italy, Austria, Croatia and San Marino in the living history parade and spectacular sea show that regaled all those present and which included a fireworks display. Malta also took part in the liturgical services and wreath-throwing ceremony at the site of the naval battle.

I am grateful to the Malta Tourism Authority and Air Malta for making this participation possible and to my staff at the Maltese Embassy in Athens for the work that was put in. The mayor of Nafpaktos has asked me to convey his thanks and appreciation to the Maltese authorities for making possible Malta's first ever participation in these annual celebrations and for contributing to their success.
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Roland Camilleri

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Sydney , Australia.