In the interview, Ettore Raffi spoke about his experiences of life at sea and his voyages to Tunisia, Panama, Mississippi and the Mediterranean. He travelled to Malta three times during different periods. He shared memories regarding trade between Lampedusan fishermen and sailors and the Maltese. The Lampedusans used to consider Malta as a rich island because of the availability of tobacco, sugar, chocolate and bars of soap. He recalled relations between Maltese, Italian and British sailors, as well as the nightlife in Valletta, particularly related to Strait Street, and Maltese women. Ettore Raffi gave us his opinion about Maltese culture, the period between 1964-1979, the Dom Mintoff government and the changes after Independence.

In the interview Ettore Raffi shared memories regarding trade between Lampedusan fishermen, sailors and the Maltese. The Lampedusans used to consider Malta as a rich island because of the availability of tobacco, sugar, chocolate and bars of soap. He recalled relations between Maltese, Italian and British sailors, as well as the nightlife in Valletta, particularly related to Strait Street, and Maltese women. Ettore Raffi gave us his opinion about Maltese culture, the period between 1964-1979, the Dom Mintoff government and the changes after Independence.

The audience waiting for the declaration of Independence

A military parade inaugurating the ceremony of the declaration of Independence

The audience waiting for the declaration of Independence

The audience waiting for the declaration of Independence

The audience waiting for the declaration of Independence

A close-up on one of the actors on a cart that represents the British Empire. Each actor is holding a flag of a country in the British Empire – showing India and Sri Lanka. Behind the actor, there is a miniature structure of the Main Guard.

A cart with two actors, one on a horse symbolising Count Roger, representing the Normans in Malta during the Independence Celebrations.

A cart with four actors dressed as Phoenicians during the Independence Celebrations.

A cart with five actors, four of which are dressed as Ancient Roman soldiers during the Independence Celebrations