Preserving Żabbar’s cultural heritage with the Slow City Movement
Ħaż-Żabbar is the largest locality in the Southern Harbour District, and the last to be granted city status. It was used as a base by Maltese insurgents during the Maltese uprising against the French invasion. (Wikipedia) It is also the proud birthplace of Malta’s first female president, Agatha Barbara.
One of the most important things to preserve Żabbar’s local culture is to make sure to preserve the traditional buildings, such as those on Triq is-Santwarju, which has had quite a few deteriorating buildings that are in desperate need of restoration. Implementing incentives to the houseowners to renovate their properties is a good step towards maintaining the charm of the street which was named “Most Beautiful Street in Malta 2020”. (Times of Malta) Another good idea towards Cittaslow status is to make sure new buildings are planned with traditional design in mind, such as incorporating the “Gallarija” balcony in all new household buildings.
With the aging population, Żabbar has also lost a big part of its population that specializes in traditional handcrafts and jobs, such as carpentry and shoe fixing. By promoting and encouraging these trades among younger generations through incentives, we can help sustain the local culture and economy.
I think it’s also important to plant as much greenery as possible as I believe Żabbar already is doing a good enough job when it comes to walkable areas and community places such as the city square (il-misraħ), but I think more work can be done to incorporate more greenery in these areas, which in return can also improve air quality.
I believe it is crucial that young Żabbarin are educated about their city’s rich heritage, so that the stories would not be lost among the older generations, and the sense of identity would be preserved.