Editing Mġarr

{{other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                    = Mġarr
| native_name             = L-Imġarr
| native_name_lang        = mt
| official_name           = 
| other_name              = 
| settlement_type         = [[Local councils of Malta|Local council (''Kunsill Lokali'')]]
| image_skyline           = Mġarr Malta.jpg
| image_caption           = View of Mġarr
| image_flag              = Flag of Mġarr.svg
| image_shield            = Mgarr Malta COA.jpg
| etymology               = 
| nickname                = 
| motto                   = Raħal żgħir b'qalb kbira <br>
(''A small town with a caring heart'')
| image_map               = Mgarr in Malta.svg
| map_caption             = 
| coordinates             = {{coord|35|55|11|N|14|21|59|E|type:city_region:MT|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_footnotes   = 
| subdivision_type        = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name        = {{flag|Malta}}
| subdivision_type1       = [[Regions of Malta|Region]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[Northern Region, Malta|Northern Region]]
| subdivision_type2       = [[Districts of Malta|District]]
| subdivision_name2       = [[Districts of Malta#Northern District|Northern District]]
| established_title       = 
| established_date        = 
| founder                 = 
| parts_type              = Borders
| parts_style             = para
| p1                      = [[Mellieħa]], [[Mosta]], [[Rabat, Malta|Rabat]], [[St. Paul's Bay]]
| leader_title            = [[List of mayors of places in Malta|Mayor]]
| leader_name             = Paul Vella
| leader_party            = [[Nationalist Party (Malta)|PN]]
| unit_pref               = Metric
| area_total_km2          = 16.1
| area_note               = 
| area_footnotes          = 
| elevation_m             = 
| elevation_footnotes     = 
| population_total        = 4,840
| population_as_of        = 2021
| population_footnotes    = 
| population_density_km2  = auto
| population_note         = 
| population_demonym      = Mġarri (m), Mġarrija (f), Mġarrin (pl)
| timezone1               = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset1             = +1
| timezone1_DST           = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| utc_offset1_DST         = +2
| postal_code_type        = [[Postal codes in Malta|Postal code]]
| postal_code             = MGR
| area_code_type          = [[List of country calling codes|Dialing code]]
| area_code               = 356
| iso_code                = MT-31
| blank_name_sec1         = [[Religion in Malta#Patron Saints|Patron saint]]
| blank_info_sec1         = [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Santa Marija]]
| blank1_name_sec1        = [[Public holidays in Malta#Traditional Feasts|Day of festa]]
| blank1_info_sec1        = 1st Sunday after 15 August
| website                 = [http://mgarrlc.com/ Old Official website] <br>
[https://mgarrlc.gov.mt/en/ Local Council Website]
| footnotes               = 
}}

'''Mġarr''' ({{langx|mt|L-Imġarr}}), formerly known as ''Mgiarro'', is a village in the [[Northern Region, Malta|Northern Region]] of [[Malta]]. Mġarr is a rural village, isolated from nearby towns and cities. Mġarr lies west of [[Mosta]] and is surrounded by farmland and vineyards. Many of the 4,840<ref>{{Cite web |title=Census of Population and Housing 2021: Preliminary Report |url=https://nso.gov.mt/en/nso/Media/Salient-Points-of-Publications/Pages/2022/Census-of-Population-and-Housing-2021-Preliminary-Report.aspx |access-date=2022-12-07 |website=nso.gov.mt |language=en}}</ref> Imġarrin are farmers or otherwise engaged in agricultural activity.

==History==
===Prehistory===
The [[Ta' Skorba]] Temples are the earliest remains of human occupation in Mġarr, dating back to the Neolithic [[Għar Dalam phase]] of [[History of Malta|Maltese Prehistory]]. It is believed that they settled in Mġarr because of the fields, hills and water streams.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Deguara |first1=Alwiġ |title=L-Imġarr - Il-Ħajja u l-Ħidma ta' Niesu mill-Qedem sa llum |date=1999 |isbn=99909-84-09-3 |pages=35–36}}</ref> Skorba was excavated in the early 1960s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Skorba Prehistoric Site |url=https://heritagemalta.mt/explore/skorba-temples/ |website=Heritage Malta}}</ref>

The [[Ta' Ħaġrat Temples]] was built in two phases. The minor [[Saflieni phase|Saflieni Phase]] temple can be entered from the major temple, and was built by smaller rocks. The [[Ġgantija Phase]] temple consisted of the rest of the temple, including the majestic entrance.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Deguara |first1=Alwiġ |title=L-Imġarr - Il-Ħajja u l-Ħidma ta' Niesu mill-Qedem sa llum |date=1999 |isbn=99909-84-09-3 |pages=44–45}}</ref> These temples were discovered in 1917 and excavated between 1923 and 1926 by [[Sir Temi Zammit]]. The site was again excavated in 1954 and in 1961.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ta’ Ħaġrat Megalithic Site |url=https://heritagemalta.mt/explore/ta-hagrat-temples/ |website=Heritage Malta}}</ref>

=== Punic and Roman Rule ===
Punic Tombs are found scattered around Mġarr, including in Abbatija and near [[Ta' Skorba|Skorba]]. These prove that human occupation in Mġarr lasted till around the last century BC.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Deguara |first1=Alwiġ |title=L-Imġarr - Il-Ħajja u l-Ħidma ta' Niesu mill-Qedem sa llum |date=1999 |isbn=99909-84-09-3 |page=53}}</ref> Around 33 Punic Tombs have been found in Mġarr.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Said-Zammit |first1=George A. |title=The Punic tombs of the Maltese islands |url=https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/12011 |language=en |date=1993}}</ref>

The Binġemma Tombs, known as '''Għerien il-Lhud''' ([[English language|English]]: Jewish Caves) are dug into the Dwejra Hill. These have suffered considerable damage since the cave was used as a dwelling, to house animals and as a war shelter. There are various speculations about what these tombs were for. The Catacombs in Tar-Ragħad show the standing of early [[Roman Catholics]] in Malta.

The Roman Villa in Ras ir-Raħeb was apparently used as a site for sacred rites. The [[Għajn Tuffieħa Roman Baths]] nearby were erected approximately during the 1st or 2nd century AD. Various rooms including for hot baths, cold baths and relaxation were found. Rooms seem to have been added to be used for recreation.

From the 4th century onwards, there is no concrete proof of what happened in the Mġarr area. During the [[History of Malta|Arab period]], it can only be assumed that small settlements might have persisted in areas like tan-Nadur, ta' Binġemma and tas-Santi, since they were concealed by the hills.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Deguara |first1=Alwiġ |title=L-Imġarr - Il-Ħajja u l-Ħidma ta' Niesu mill-Qedem sa llum |date=1999 |isbn=99909-84-09-3}}</ref>

=== Norman and Hospitaller Rule ===
Once the [[Kingdom of Sicily|Normans]] conquered Malta and gradually gained full control of it, commerce in the Fomm ir-Riħ, Ġnejna, and Għajn Tuffieħa ports rose. [[Cotton]], [[cumin]] and [[vineyard]]s were also grown to generate income. Ever since 1419, watchmen were assigned to ensure that products were not stolen or looted. Parts of Binġemma and Santi during these times were sold as feudal lands.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Deguara |first1=Alwiġ |title=L-Imġarr - Il-Ħajja u l-Ħidma ta' Niesu mill-Qedem sa llum |date=1999 |isbn=99909-84-09-3}}</ref>

Mġarr also played a role in the [[Great Siege of Malta]]. The [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] invading army, led by Mustafa Pasha anchored their ships in Mġarr.<ref>{{cite web |title=The first days of the Great Siege of Malta |url=https://timesofmalta.com/article/the-first-days-of-the-great-siege-of-malta.954706 |website=Times of Malta |language=en-gb |date=15 May 2022}}</ref> Men from Mġarr also formed part of the Naxxar Dejma Company. 
<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cassar |first1=George |title=The role of the Maltese inhabitants during the Great Siege |url=https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50226 |publisher=Sacra Militia Foundation |language=en |date=2005}}</ref>

==Churches==
=== Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Church===
{{main|Parish Church of the Assumption, Mġarr}}
One of the earliest mentions of the chapel predating the Parish Church that is standing today was in the Rollo of 1436.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ir-Rollo 1436 |url=https://www.kappellimaltin.com/Kitbiet/Listi/Ir-Rollo_1436/ir-rollo_1436.html |website=Kappelli Maltin}}</ref> The Church used to fall under various parishes, including [[Mdina]], [[Naxxar]] and [[Mellieħa]]. It is understood that the chapel had been standing since the 1400s, and had major renovations in the 1600s to avoid it collapsing. However in 1918 the chapel was demolished and the Parish Church still standing today was built in its place.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mgarr Local Council - Churches & Chapels |url=https://mgarrlc.com/sites/church/ |website=mgarrlc.com |language=en}}</ref>

Mġarr and its surrounding zones became an autonomus Parish in 1898, when the population was around 581 and was rising steadily.<ref>{{cite web |title=After many difficulties, Mġarr parish church was completed 75 years ago |url=https://timesofmalta.com/article/many-difficulties-mgarr-parish-church-completed-75-years-ago.1024556 |website=Times of Malta |language=en-gb |date=11 April 2023}}</ref> This led to the Parish Priest and the parishioners wishing to erect a larger church than the one currently present. Work on the new Parish Church started in 1905. Its construction depended heavily on voluntary work and the generous contributions obtained by parishioners from the sale of agricultural products. Despite efforts to speed up the work, the church was not completed until 1946. The Church was completely finished and consecrated in 1948, due to interruptions because of the [[Second World War]], amongst others.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Deguara |first1=Alwiġ |title=L-Imġarr - Il-Ħajja u l-Ħidma ta' Niesu mill-Qedem sa llum |date=1999 |isbn=99909-84-09-3 |pages=127–142}}</ref>

The church is situated on elevated ground, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding fields and hills. Numerous houses still encompass the narrow streets surrounding the church, keeping the traditional feel of the church being the most imposing building of the town centre. This can especially be seen from the Binġemma area, where the church can be easily seen as the largest building in central Mġarr.

===St Anne Church, Żebbiegħ===

===Chapel of Our Lady of Itria, Binġemma===

===Defunct Chapels===
* St Mary Chapel, Żebbiegħ
* St Peter Chapel, Binġemma
* St Michael Archangel, Binġemma
* Tas-Santi Chapel, Santi

==Education==
===Saint Nicholas College, Mġarr Primary School===
The Mġarr Primary School was opened on 19 September 1923. Prior to its opening, only 1% of the population were literate in English and/or Italian, and only 4% were literate in Maltese. Fr Edgar Salomone worked hard and managed to influence the members of the newly elected Self Government in favour of the primary school. In 1946, Mġarr had the highest rate of school attendance nationally.<ref>{{cite web |title=100 years of Mġarr primary school |url=https://timesofmalta.com/article/100-years-mgarr-primary-school.1055932 |website=Times of Malta |language=en-gb |date=19 September 2023}}</ref>

Eventually, the school expanded and built new classes to accommodate the growth in the student population. It also joined the Saint Nicholas College network of schools.

===San Andrea School===
{{main|San Andrea School}}
[[San Andrea School]] is a private school located in Mġarr.<ref>{{cite web |title=Contact |url=https://www.sanandrea.edu.mt/contact |website=San Andrea School |language=en}}</ref> The school was founded in 1992 in [[Naxxar]]. It was founded by the Parents Foundation of Education, who also founded San Anton School.

===San Anton School===
{{main|San Anton School}}
[[San Anton School]] is a private school located in Mġarr.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Contact Us {{!}} San Anton School |url=https://www.sananton.edu.mt/contact-us |access-date=2024-04-07 |website=www.sananton.edu.mt |language=en}}</ref> The school was founded in 1988 in the village of [[Attard]], close to the President's [[San Anton Palace]], giving the school its name.<ref>{{cite web |title=San Anton School |url=http://www.sananton.edu.mt/ |website=www.sananton.edu.mt}}</ref>

==Local Groups==
===Mġarr United Football Club===
{{main|Mġarr United F.C.}}
Mġarr United F.C. was founded in 1967 after the disillusion of Mġarr Eagles F.C. The Club has had its fair share of successes, and is active in both training its club members and playing matches.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mgarr United FC – founded in 1967 |url=https://www.mgarrutd.com/}}</ref>

===Soċjetà Filarmonika Marija Mtellgħa s-Sema' L-Imġarr ===
The Santa Marija Mtellgħa s-Sema' Philharmonic Society was founded in October 2011. Preparations for the foundation of the band started before the 2011 Festa.

Apart from the Village Festa, the band also played during the possession ceremony of Mons Kalċidon Vassallo and Fr George Schembri as parish priest. The band also played in various local feasts outside of Imġarr. The band was also invited by the Italian [[Comune]] of [[Mathi]] in 2018, as the band's first service abroad.<ref>{{cite web |title=Storja – Il-Banda tal-Imġarr |url=https://www.bandamgarr.com/storja/ |website=Soċjetà Filarmonika Marija Mtellgħa s-Sema' |language=en}}</ref>

===Soċjetà Spettaklu Marija Assunta Mġarr===
The Society is responsible for the fireworks and spectacle events during the Village Festa and other events of local importance.

==Government==
The Mġarr Local Council was established by the Local Government Act of 1993, along with the other local councils of Malta.<ref>{{cite web |title=Att dwar Gvern Lokali |url=https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/363/20231222/mlt |website=LEĠIŻLAZZJONI MALTA}}</ref> The first election was held on 22 January 1994. Other elections were held in 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2013, 2019 and 2024. The present local council was elected in 2024. The local council is housed in a building in Triq Sir Harry Luke.

The current Mġarr Local Council as elected by the residents in the [[2024 Maltese local elections]]<ref>{{cite web |title=2024 Local Election - Mġarr |url=https://electoral.gov.mt/ElectionResults/LocalCouncil?year=261&v=932 |website=Electoral Commission Malta}}</ref>
* Paul Vella (Mayor) ([[Partit Nazzjonalista|PN]])
* Wistin Vella (Vice-Mayor) ([[Partit Nazzjonalista|PN]])
* Odette Muscat ([[Partit Nazzjonalista|PN]])
* Charles Said (Minority Leader) ([[Partit Laburista|PL]])
* Owen Galea ([[Partit Laburista|PL]])

The following have served as Mayors of Mġarr:<ref>{{cite web |title=Mgarr Local Council - Council members |url=https://mgarrlc.com/about-3/about-mgarr/ |website=mgarrlc.com}}</ref>
* Victor Camilleri (1994-2000) ([[Partit Nazzjonalista|PN]])
* Paul Vella (2000-Current) ([[Partit Nazzjonalista|PN]])

==Transport==
[[Malta Public Transport]] operates 3 bus routes that either depart from/ arrive to/ pass through Mġarr.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Routes that pass through Mġarr
|-
! Route Number!! From!! Via!! To !! Frequency
|-
| 44|| Valletta|| [[Floriana]], [[Pietà, Malta|Pietá]], [[Msida]], [[Swatar]], [[Birkirkara]], [[Lija]], [[Mosta]], Żebbiegħ, '''Mġarr''', [[Manikata]] || Għajn Tuffieħa|| Every 30 minutes
|-
| 101|| Ċirkewwa|| Marfa, [[Mellieħa]], [[Manikata]], [[Għajn Tuffieħa]], Iż-Żebbiegħ || Mġarr{{refn|group=lower-alpha|In Summer, the route gets extended and stops at Ġnejna Bay.}} || Every 1 hour
|-
| 238 || Valletta{{refn|group=lower-alpha|During weekdays, the route departs from Valletta.}}<br>Mater Dei{{refn|group=lower-alpha|During weekends, the route departs from Mater Dei Hospital.}}|| [[Floriana]], [[Pietà, Malta|Pietá]], [[Msida]], [[Mater Dei Hospital|Mater Dei]], [[San Ġwann]], [[Naxxar]], [[Mosta]], Żebbiegħ|| Mġarr || Every 1 hour
|}

==Zones in Mġarr==
Mġarr is not split into official zones, however the following zones are widely accepted as the main subdivisions of the town.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Deguara |first1=Alwiġ |title=L-Imġarr - Il-Ħajja u l-Ħidma ta' Niesu mill-Qedem sa llum |date=1999 |isbn=99909-84-09-3 |pages=1–34}}</ref>
*Binġemma
*[[Fomm ir-Riħ]]
*[[Għajn Tuffieħa]]
*Il-Ballut
*[[Gnejna Bay|Il-Ġnejna]]
*Is-Santi
*L-Imġarr ta' Barra
*L-Imġarr ta' Ġewwa
*L-Iskirvit
*[[Skorba Temples|L-Isqorba]]
*Ta' l-Abbatija
*Ta' Mrejnu
*Ta' Tewma
*Tar-Ragħad
*Iż-Żebbiegħ

==Notable people==
*[[Alicia Bugeja Said]] (born 1987), politician
*[[Christabelle Borg]] (born 1992), singer, represented Malta in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2018]]
*[[Myles Beerman]] (born 1999), professional footballer who plays as a defender for [[Rangers F.C.]]
*[[Gaia Cauchi]] (born 2002), singer, won the [[Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2013]]

==Twin towns – sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Malta}}

Mġarr is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Town twinning|url=https://mgarrlc.com/about-3/town-twinning/|website=mgarrlc.com|publisher=Mġarr|access-date=18 September 2019}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Mathi]], Italy

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://mgarrlc.com/ Mġarr Local Council Website]

{{Commons category-inline|Mġarr}}
{{Malta-LocalCouncils}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mgarr}}
[[Category:Mġarr| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Malta]]
[[Category:Local councils of Malta]]