Remembering The Life And Death Of The National Poet Dun Karm Psaila
The month of October is associated with the birth and death of the national poet Dun Karm Psaila, who was born in Ħaż-Żebbuġ on 18th October 1871, and died in San Ġiljan on 13th October 1961.
Dun Karm Psaila wasn’t just a poet; he was a cultural icon. In his lifetime, he authored numerous poems that reflect the spirit and soul of the Maltese people. His most celebrated work, “L-Innu Malti”, is now the national anthem of Malta.
The Minister for National Heritage, Owen Bonnici, accompanied by the Mayor of Floriana Vincent Borg, the Chairperson of Festivals Malta Aaron Zahra, the CEO of Festivals Malta Frans Agius, and representatives of the National Festivals Committee, honoured the national poet with a flower-laying ceremony at the poet’s monument in Floriana.
“National poet Dun Karm was a significant force in transforming Malta from a mere population to a nation, not only through his immense good teaching of the Maltese language but also for the strong messages he conveyed that sculpted a sense of national identity most robustly. Thanks to the national poet, we, as a people, have expressed our identity aspirations most eloquently,” Bonnici said.
Apart from today’s ceremony, on 21st November, there will be a special evening related to the theme of time in Dun Karm’s Poetry. This evening will take place in the Agatha Barbara Hall, the Presidential Palace, in Ħ’Attard.
During the evening, musical excerpts specially written by the songwriter Mario Debono will be performed, featuring Corazon Mizzi, who will also lead the same evening. In addition to this, poems related to the theme by Philip Farrugia Randon will be read, and a poem titled “For Dun Karm” by the author Charles Coleiro will be interpreted.
The evening promises not just a celebration of Psaila’s poetic genius but will also delve deeper into his influence, with discussions exploring “Time in Dun Karm’s poetry”.
Can you recite the Innu Malti?