Traditional Maltese Boats

TRADITIONAL MATLESE BOATS

The small colourful working boats that can be seen floating around the shores of the island

developed over a period of hundred of years and have become symbols of local identity and icons

of interest to visitors to the island. The shades of red, yellow, blue and green symbolise the land,

the sun, the sea and the green fields, representing a fisherman’s home village

Words by Terrence Mifsud

THE XPRUNARA

Developed from the brigantine (another sailing vessel) in the 16th century, the Xprunara was a merchant craft, ferrying goods

between Malta and Sicily. These twelve hour rides carried grain, corn, and livestock. The xprunara has inspired various other

boats, such as the the Gozo boat, and the ‘dgħajsa tal-latini’ (the boat of the Latins). These type of boats became obsolete in the

20th century due to ever-changing technology.

Derived from the Sicilian word ‘guzzu’, a luzzu is a traditional

fishing boat originating during the early 20th century.

Similar to the 17th-century ‘ferilla’, the carvel-built boat is

particularly popular in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. The

boats’ emblematic colours are the shades of yellow, red, green,

and blue. These vibrant colours are accompanied by the eyes

of Horus. These eyes are placed on the boat to protect the

fishermen while at sea. Nowadays, the luzzu has become an

iconic Maltese symbol, often commercialised into items such

as magnets, towels, shirts, and also benches.

THE FIRILLA

Popular in the late 19th century amongst local fishermen and

fellow passengers, the firilla is noted to be one of the earliest

types of fishing boats in Malta. The firilla was originally a

passenger boat between Senglea and Vittoriosa. While the

firilla is not as popular is it was a century ago, other boats

such as the dgħajsa have taken similar design elements, with a

double ended, carvel built boat with a straight keel.

THE DGĦAJSA

While ‘dgħajsa’ is a general term in the Maltese language to

refer to any type of boat, the word is also employed to refer

to the traditional Maltese water taxi. Popularised in the 17th

century, the dgħajsa were used by workmen for takings goods

and sometimes passengers in the Grand and Marsamxett

Harbour. While they are not as popular as they once were

back in the day, you might still catch some boats operating

around the island’s harbours.

THE FREJGATINA

Replacing the Ferilla in 1935, the Frejgatina is a small open

fishing boat with an inboard engine at the back, yet formerly

rowed with two oars. In the 21st century, the Frejgatina is

often used by fishermen as a travelling vessel, ferrying them

from the shore to their own fishing boat. However, there are

some bigger Frejgatini which are still used for recreation

purposes.