Bidnija

Il-Bidnija
Ir-Raħal tal-Bidnija
Village
Il-Bidnija
Il-Bidnija
Coordinates: 35°55′37″N 14°23′54″E / 35.92694°N 14.39833°E / 35.92694; 14.39833Coordinates: 35°55′37″N 14°23′54″E / 35.92694°N 14.39833°E / 35.92694; 14.39833
Country  Malta
Island Malta Island
Suburb of Mosta
Borders Mġarr, Mosta, St. Paul's Bay
Area
 • Total 6.4 km2 (2.5 sq mi)
Population (2nd smallest village)
 • Total 308
 • Density 48/km2 (120/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Tal-Bidnija
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal codes MST / SPB
Dialing code 356
Patron saint Sacred Family
Day of festa 3rd Sunday of July

The village of Bidnija is situated on a rural hamlet in the central northern part of Malta, and home to 308 people (by 2008) which means that it is the second smallest village in the Maltese islands after Mdina (306 people). Bidnija is a tiny village even by Maltese standards, and is located between two main valleys which are 'Wied Qannotta' and 'Wied Tal-Pwales' that extends into other small valleys surrounding the area. It is still largely a farmer's village since it is entirely surrounded by fields which mainly belongs to the inhabitants themselves, although in recent years many have moved here in order to enjoy the quiet life amidst the countryside.

In the present, Bidnija does not have its own local council. However, in these last years Bidnija has become divided into 2 parts with the main part of the village in the limits of Mosta local council and another part in the limits of St. Paul's Bay local council.

Bidnija has good horse riding facilities and is also home of a clay pigeon shooting club. There is also a small restaurant which specialises in the traditional Maltese Rabbit Stew.

Bidnija's small church is dedicated to the Holy Family and a Feast is celebrated in July.

History of Bidnija

Bidnija is situated in the northern central part of Malta which through ages was a very good position and active part in Malta.

Bidnija took its name from the 'Bidni olive trees' grove that is found in this village and can date back to 5,000 years. Antique Olive Grove at Bidnija has a Protected area status.[1] These olives are of good importance to olive-oil's productivity. Archaeologists and Researchers also believe some Roman remains (e.g. Roman villas; tombs) can be found nearby, as Bidnija makes part of the rural surroundings of Rabat (Mdina), which served as a City in those ages, and also is not far from Salina coast which was a Roman harbour in the past.

Apart from this, one can notice the cart ruts that are found in the surroundings of Bidnija. This proves that Bidnija was already active from thousands of years ago.

Along the years, the farmers of the locality built their own farmhouses in Bidnija which nowadays are inherited by their own children, grandchidren and relatives which are still living in the village and makes part of its history. It was during this period that the inhabitants which in population where about 25 families, showed their wish to build a church to serve for their spiritual needs. The works on the church's building started in 1920 and was ready in two years time.

In the early 1900s, a number of small rooms were built all around the hill's edges. These served for the British soldiers to stay in watching the Maltese island during the World War II when Malta was a British colony. A number of war shelters are also spread all around Bidnija. These shelters served as a shelter to the farmers and the inhabitants of the village during the war.

Bidnija Church

In the 1920s a church designed by master mason Salvu Zahra, was built in the area by the inhabitants themselves to serve for their spiritual needs. In two years time, the church was built and each family in Bidnija decided to donate something to furnish the church. This church is dedicated to the Holy Family of Nazareth. A titular painting, together with two other works in this church are painted by Ganni Vella.

The titular statue of the Holy Family was made by Wistin Camilleri and blessed in July 1977 by the Archpriest of Mosta of those years Mons. Bartolomeo Bezzina and a procession was made for the first time. The statue was commissioned and paid for by Angelo Galea (tat-Tork) as an ex-voto.The Feast with the procession in the streets of Bidnija is celebrated by the people of this village on the 3rd Sunday of July.

Streets in Bidnija

Valleys Around Bidnija

Zones Around Bidnija

References

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