VALLETTA — The Ministry of Silly Walks has officially announced its most ambitious project yet: a national ‘L-Istrina’ marathon. But this isn’t your ordinary run. Participants will balance a pastizzi on their heads while navigating the streets of Valletta.
In an effort to combine fitness, culture, and philanthropy, the event’s proceeds will fund groundbreaking research on how many times it’s socially acceptable to say ‘ħa jien’ in one conversation. Minister Karmenu, head of the Ministry, stated, “We’ve noticed that the people of Malta love pastizzi and love to talk. Why not combine the two?”
The marathon will commence from Pjazza De Valette and carry through the cobbled streets, with water stations provided only if the water is mixed with oil and served with ħobż biż-żejt. “This keeps the energy levels high while ensuring participants are living the Maltese lifestyle,” Karmenu added.
“This will be a historic day for walking, talking, and snacking,”
From skilled pastizzi-balancers to those who have never even tried running, everyone is welcome. The Ministry encourages all participants to don their best carnival masks and festive wear, as the event will double as a carnival parade. “The more silly, the better!” said Karmenu.
Experts predict that by the end of the marathon, researchers will have concrete data on the average ‘ħa jien’ count per conversation during a pastizzi-carrying event. “Imagine how insightful this will be! It could revolutionize social interactions in Malta,” claimed Dr. Marija, a leading sociologist who has graciously volunteered to exaggerate the importance of this research.
At press time, locals were seen practicing in the streets, expertly dodging traffic while balancing pastries and shouting ‘ħa jien!’ to anyone who would listen.