MARSAXLOKK — The Marsaxlokk fishermen’s cooperative announced this morning it will stop supplying anchovies to every pastizzerija in Malta until Transport Malta officially recognises its new national anthem — a 25‑minute għana duet to be performed under a canopy of festa bunting and broadcast before every ferry crossing.
”Mela, anchovies are part of our heritage,” said Pawlu Cachia, chairman of the cooperative, speaking from the quay surrounded by fishing nets and a small mountain of colorful bunting. “If you want our filfla fiddles and għana, you must play it. Kemm hu diffiċli?”
Fishermen say it’s patriotic, pastizzeriji say it’s tragic
The decision has paralyzed an already delicate bakery ecosystem. Pastizzeriji owners across the island reported empty trays and confused customers when asked for anchovy pastizzi — a niche, but passionately defended, local product.
”I haven’t had an anchovy in my pastizz since dawn. People keep asking ‘għaliex?’ I say ‘għana’ and they stare at me like I stole the Pope’s hat.”
Transport Malta issued a statement saying it “recognises and respects cultural expression” but was unsure how to integrate a 25‑minute live performance into ferry timetables, especially during rough seas and school runs. A spokesperson added they were concerned about the safety implications of fastening festa bunting to ferry railings.
Locals have mixed feelings. Some think the move is brilliant theatre and an excellent reason to boycott pastizzi. Others worry about the children who, according to one concerned mother, “cannot survive on ricotta forever.”
Cultural experts noted that għana is traditionally competitive and improvisational, not a pre‑recorded anthem to be piped through tannoys. Still, the cooperative insists on live, sotto voce singing and at least two tamburini per crossing.
Transport Malta has called for talks, though no meeting date was set — allegedly because everyone involved was trying to find a pastizz without anchovies to eat while they talk.
At press time, a convoy of pastizzeriji had reportedly placed an emergency order for tinned sardines and a single, suspiciously large jar of capers from Marsaxlokk, labeled “temporary peace offering, not anchovies.”