Building the dgħajsa tal-pass in the Grand Harbour from early times to the present

Abstract

It is natural that as inhabitants of the small islands located between two large continental mainlands, natives on the Maltese islands were compelled to adapt to a life with a strong attachment to the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Our ancestors developed a diverse variety of sea craft to address the many economic and social requirements that come from such geographical necessities. I focused on one of the more notable and prominent of these, the dgħajsa tal-pass. This small and traditional mode of transportation has been an iconic symbol of the majestic Grand Harbour for generations. Despite the availability of modern, luxurious and arguably more comfortable means to make way across the harbour today, none come close to the authentic experience achieved by sitting on a wooden bench of an open low boat provided by the traditional dgħajsa. [excerpt]