People of an urban night culture

Abstract

The coccagna stood there, situated in the Palace square, embraced in the moonlight waiting for the carnival celebrations planned for the following day. But in the eyes of three Valletta boys this event could not be postponed for such a long time. The Sicilian cheese hanging from one of the beams was too much of a temptation. The moonlight played an important part in facilitating night travel. Catherina Cassar walked out of her house in the company of her friend when she commented, "che bell a notte, che bel chiar di luna, come risplende la luna". Night is however associated with the need to rest, and hopefully undisturbed slumber. Andrea Ta' Cuntentu and Francesco Zammit wished each other buona notte as their paths crossed, while Giovanni Saida preferred to retreat into his humble abode and read a book before going to bed.