When the Mdina Ghost Tour Became Too Real

The Unquiet Spirits of Mdina – Or So They Thought

The walled city of Mdina is known for its eerie silence at dusk. That’s when Tonio, clad in his finest pseudo-historical garb, would lead the most ‘authentic’ ghost tours in all of Malta. He was convinced that his dramatic flair, coupled with Mdina’s ancient streets, provided the perfect recipe for a night of spine-tingling adventure.

His latest group was an eclectic mix, including a group of expats who had just learned the word ‘Uwejja’ and used it whenever the shadow of a tree startled them. But, things took a peculiar turn on this fateful evening, right as Tonio began recounting the tale of the headless knight said to ride down Villegaignon Street.

The Unexplained Phenomena

As Tonio raised his arms dramatically to the sky, the streetlamps flickered, bathing the tourists in darkness. Suddenly, a horse’s whinny cut through the night, causing the group to exchange uneasy glances.

“Calm down folks, it’s just part of the act… I think,” Tonio stammered, his gleeful smile turning to confusion.

But it was neither Tonio’s act nor the expats bringing something new to the classic ‘Jaħasra!’ expression. A shadowy figure galloped toward them. The clip-clop of spectral hooves echoed off the silent city walls as the tourists, frozen in both terror and disbelief, witnessed the spectral silhouette of a headless rider pass them by.

Ħobż biż-Żejt Saves the Day!

Among the tourists was a retired baker from Ħaż-Żebbuġ named Salvu, who had initially come for the rumored sightings but was now more concerned about his beating heart. Salvu, never one to face danger without a plan, deftly reached into his satchel and pulled out slices of Ħobż biż-Żejt he had lovingly prepared earlier.

“Take these, spirits! It’s said that the Maltese bread can soothe even the most restless of souls!” Salvu exclaimed.

It was the most unexpected of actions – ancient spirits being offered tomato paste-slathered bread with tuna and capers. And predictably, the headless rider did not pause for a snack but vanished into the fog that now blanketed the Silent City.

The Unmistakable Aroma of Pastizzi

In a plot twist no one saw coming, a hidden speaker behind one of the limestone walls crackled to life. “Well, that was unexpected,” said a voice from the shadows, followed by the smell of freshly baked pastizzi wafting through the air. Out from a nearby alley shone a light, revealing not a headless knight but Ċensu, a well-intentioned prankster from Gozo who wanted to bring some excitement to the ghost tour.

He had planned to reveal himself after enough oohs and aahs. But Salvu’s heroic bread-throwing had thrown him off his game—along with the scent of the pastizzi he had baked as a peace offering for his final reveal. Ironically, it was his culinary skills that exposed him.

Celebration in True Maltese Fashion

The mood quickly shifted from fear to revelry as Ċensu handed out his delicious pastries. The expats, learning yet another quintessential Maltese word, cheered “Kollox sew, bruv!” embracing the comical turn of events.

Tonio, seeing an opportunity, announced a new addition to his tours – the ‘Ghostly Pastizzi’ experience, featuring true Maltese hospitality alongside ‘100% real’ ghostly encounters. Whether it was the thrill of the scare or the buttery layers of the pastizzi, bookings soared.

The Unexpected Interview

Tonight on “L-Aħħar Ħareġ”: “I’m just pleased that my pastizzi were the real heroes tonight,” says Ċensu, with a twinkle in his eye. “Who would have thought that puff pastry could outshine a ghost story in Mdina?’

The ‘Times of Mela’ always knew Maltese food could bring people together, but who would’ve imagined it’d also tame the phantoms of Mdina? Mela, in the end, it’s always the simple things – and a good dose of humor – that make life on these islands unforgettable.