Sunday, 7th February 2010
Police to vet Nadur carnival song lyrics
A man dressed up as Jesus Christ during last year's Nadur carnival.
Rock bands booked to perform during the Nadur Carnival have been asked to submit their planned 'repertoire' to the local council and police in an attempt to eradicate offensive or vulgar lyrics.
The Sunday Times was alerted by a concerned band member who said the council was requesting to vet lyrics before the event. The Nadur Carnival, which kicks off on Friday, has made its name on spontaneity.
"It doesn't make much of a difference to my band because we sing cover versions, so if there's anything contentious about our lyrics they might as well ban the radio stations," said the band member, who preferred to remain anonymous.
But what annoyed him was the very notion of having music scrutinised before a performance.
"Are we now going to start censoring music now too?" he asked.
When contacted, Nadur mayor Miriam Portelli said the police made the suggestion to vet the lyrics so she did not know the reasons behind it.
She was not even sure if bands had to submit a description of the type of music they would be playing or if it was the full list of songs and lyrics.
However, she said this was the first time such a demand had been made.
A police inspector involved in the event's organisation confirmed that the police were attempting to stamp out "offensive" or "vulgar" language, so unless the songs were well-known they wanted to vet the lyrics.
"If it's Stairway to Heaven we don't need the lyrics because we all know the song. But what we want to avoid is language that could make people upset or start a fight," he said.
The Nadur carnival traditionally attracts thousands of people to Gozo for the five-day festivities, creating a series of management problems.
Last year, controversy arose when some revellers dressed up as Jesus Christ and nuns.
Amid condemnation from the bishops, the revellers ended up in court for choosing costumes deemed to be illegal and offensive to the Roman Catholic religion.
Last week, the mayor explained that police presence would this year be stepped up to ensure public morals were respected, traffic was well managed and glass bottles were banned from the streets.
In the past weeks, the council held a series of meetings with police to try to minimise the usual problems of traffic congestion and the odd squabble. However, a group was set up on Facebook last year with a page entitled 'Friends of Jesus: Nadur 2010' which said it was organising a "peaceful protest against a modern-day inquisition".
The group hopes to encourage hundreds of people to dress up as Jesus in an attempt to overwhelm any fear of retribution "by numbers".
It was sparked by the decision to hand down a one-month suspended jail term to a 26-year-old man who pleaded guilty to dressing up as Jesus.
RSS
Comments
I was presuming that the Maltese keep their households in order. Am I wrong?
"and please, do cite the law the states that you can threaten other human beings online."
I don't know of any such law. In fact, I don't remember ever saying there was one.
and please, do cite the law the states that you can threaten other human beings online.
What I'm saying is arguing for the fun of it (or whatever you think you're doing) doesn't make you any right about the matter, especially when your arguments only strengthen mine.
That apart, mind debating my arguments than myself?
Other then that, I'll repeat my last questions for your convenience;
"What you pointed out in fact goes against your reason (where it isn't strangers' fault for their uncivilized behavior).
Please do cite the law that states that you can go to anywhere you want and make a mess out of it as long as it's not your place."
In that case, your first argument, threatening all the Maltese, was VERY 'against the point' of the original article by the Times. Or do you only stick to your point when you have an argument and 'think' you're right?
The point is not who brought the Maltese.
The point is why foreigners/tourists/Maltese have to damage property, disrespect local [traditions] and cause all this trouble just to "have a lough"?
What you pointed out in fact goes against your reason (where it isn't strangers' fault for their uncivilized behavior).
Please do cite the law that states that you can go to anywhere you want and make a mess out of it as long as it's not your place.
Here is the reason why:
http://www.june29th.com/replyvick.htm
You're from Nadur and never checked out the Nadur website? Where it also brags that even the Council of Europe knows about the Nadur Carnival?
http://www.june29th.com/vicki_interview.htm
http://www.june29th.com/satirecarnival.htm
http://www.june29th.com/carnival_feature.htm
I used to attend the Nadur Carnival before because I have close friends in Gozo - I only stopped a few years ago when I could only meet Maltese people rather than Gozitans - so yes you're right.
But the point is - do not blame the Maltese for this, because you were the ones to put it into an anthropological study for all the world to know about it. Now deal with it.
As for Dr. Vicki Cremona’s study, I haven’t heard of it. You are the first person mentioning her to me. Nadur's carnival is what it is today because of a bunch of business men and politicians. I can guarantee you, that I’m not one of both, so it’s not my fault. I as a resident, and a true Nadur carnival lover, never wanted to see something I use to anticipate all year around, turn into a dump.
I’m a resident from Nadur. I know what happens in Carnival since I always managed to attend. -trust me- Each year, more and more tourists are crossing to Gozo for Carnival, mostly Maltese. This carnival there was 30,000 tourists who crossed to Gozo, an island of 35,000 inhabitants. Before this great influx, vandalism and violence was extremely low, and everyone would have a blast, but over the past 6 years violence and damage to private property (INCLUDING MINE) has increased drastically. I have nothing against Maltese, but other Gozitan’s are definitely biased because of what happens to them and I don’t blame them.
I don't want irresponsible 10-20 year old kids (don't talk to me about who's considered minor) damaging any public/private property, be it Maltese or Gozitan.
As someone already said, the Maltese "do as they see fellow Gozitans do".
First of, I don't believe it (for one thing, there are gozitans that value order...).
Secondly, I'd expect better behaviour from Maltese (kids copy each other, "wise men follow their own ways").
Lastly, how can the Maltese not affect the event when it is comprised of 3 Maltese for every 1 Gozitan?
I suppose the rest didn't understand your sytax then Mr Camilleri,and decided to let it go.
Well, so you complain of the Maltese who come once or twice a year and wreck streets that are already full of Gozitans throwing dead fish, Gozitans going round with real working chain-saws (What were they thinking?),and Gozitans stealing drips and other useful devices from hospital just so their "maskarat" can be funny - trust me - I know about it. I wonder then if the people actually having a crap in front of other people's houses are Maltese, since Gozitans have no respect for the same Gozitans by doing the above mentioned things and others.
And you still haven't replied about the Dr Vicki Cremona argument. I'm sure that if you're from Nadur you know about her study. So it is your fault.
Mr Camilleri - fine, stick to your little world up there. I'm not saying that Malta is much bigger, but at least we have no problem sharing it with the little ones who enjoy Carnival just because there's nothing else to do. Hurray!
If my english isn't good enough for your likings, tooooo bad!!!! You are the only person who bothered to argue with me
'Tourist is not being away from the mainland for 24 hours - ....' - Your saying that. Not me.
'tourist is leaving the mainland with the aim of returning.' - Tell me something I dont know.
You obviously dont know how to define a 'tourist', however you still tend to prove me wrong as if you know. Toursim exsists in different forms. It doesn't necessarily mean that you have to go to a foreign country to be a tourist. Maltese crossing over to Gozo are tourists. FACT! They're domestic tourists. i.e tourists who spends at least one night away from their normal place of residence, but is still within the country he or she lives. Accept it. Like it or not. I dont know why you are making a big fuss about it.
Oh, and shame goes on those same Gozitans who ignored completely Vicky Cremona's insight into the future of the Nadur carnival, and then complain about what happened.
My friend, all you Gozitans need to is put your right hand on your chest, beat it three times and say "Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa"
Tourist is not being away from the mainland for 24 hours - tourist is leaving the mainland with the aim of returning.
And yes, it does affect me that Gozitans (just like all the other foreigners) break down apartments and make noise till the small hours of the morning. Because I have to endure it. And it's just the same as when Gozitan owners of farmhouses and apartments complain when Maltese people wreck their property.
Mr Camilleri, I'm only doing what you're doing, as we say in Maltese "inpoggu lil kulhadd f'keffa wahda". So please, don't generalise about us if you're not all the same.
Oh, and check your grammar. You might need some more of those tourist visits in Malta for some English lessons.
If you think Gozitan students who live in Malta, are people who go home after school, host a party in the flat they reside in, and get rip roaring drunk, you are greatly mistaken, and I highly suggest you to go out more often.
BTW. Its not my fault that Nadur is what it is. Nadur Carnival was put on the market by a bunch of buisness men, and politicians. Not by me or other locals. We were always happy with it before it was broadcasted all over Malta.
'you complain because of the ONE TIME IN A YEAR when the maltese come over for some fun, yet you ignore all the times when silly university students break down flats and apartments in malta because finally they get away from their parents' grasps and the close minded gozitans?'
If Gozitan students 'break' the flats they live in, does it effect you in any way? Well, you cant really argue about that cant you? btw. The vandalism Maltese tourists create are greater. Especially when its targeted at a locals property.
Shame on you
Yes, for your information, Maltese who cross over to Gozo, and spend more then 24 hours away from their home for pleasure are tourists. and yes. Most Gozitans who live in Malta are not considered tourists because they are away from home due to education or work related activity. Is there something wrong with that? Is that offensive to you? Being called a 'tourist'? Oh please.... Dont be pathetic.
Apparently you havent been Msida, since you definitly dont know what you are talking about. Therefore its quite easy for you to point and accuse all Gozitan students for being 'party animals'.
So when Maltese leave their mainland, they're tourists? But you definitely don't call yourselves tourists when you cross over everyday to go to work or university, and that's just mentioning anything that does not involve entertainment.
you complain because of the ONE TIME IN A YEAR when the maltese come over for some fun, yet you ignore all the times when silly university students break down flats and apartments in malta because finally they get away from their parents' grasps and the close minded gozitans?
and if you didn't want the maltese TOURISTS to come over, you should have NEVER put the nadur carnival on the market. you can't have the cake and eat it too. you should have listened to vicky cremona and her wise words of insight!
Oh, and P.S., if you would like to call us tourists, start by gaining independence first.
The idea that intentionally offending someone being a criminal offense is right out of Kafka.
The surreal Kafkaesque nightmare world of menacing bureaucracy and the powerlessness of the individual to fight it, as in Franz Kafka’s story, "The Trial". Unfortunately, Kafka’s nightmare vision is now becoming reality in Europe.
You state that you respect and yet heavily ‘criticise’ your opponents. Now, there is a contradiction from you!
The point being, is that you agree that your sacrosanct right to speak your opinion without censure is dependent on how sensitive the party being criticised is and how high or low their "criticism meter" is set. How would you know when you have reached this threshold?
If your opponents were intelligent and open-minded, they would accept the correction or come up with a rebuttal. In Western culture and thought, nobody will get too hysterical about it. For example, I can get insulted, even hurt if someone calls me a lazy fat man, but should the judiciary in my county be taking up such frivolous cases? Barring libel, I do not think so. It is par for the course. Seeking legal redress for real or perceived ‘insults’ or "lack of respect” is foreign to Western thought and jurisprudence. It has however been steadily and stealthily creeping in our culture to accommodate multiculturalism.
And that is why, the English say, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but word will never hurt me”
Who told you that we have to 'respect' anyone or anything? Don't you know that like, love, respect has to be earned. And certainly, some of the people and entities you mentioned certainly do not deserve our respect under any circumstances. More like they deserve our condemnation and derision.
If this is the way you have been brought up, to kowtow and respect all forms of authority and authority figures, just because they are on top, then I certainly feel sorry for you and the kind of world you will bequeath to your descendants.
Is our police force thinking of following suit, albeit in funadmentalist catholic terms????
This is an absolute waste of tax payers money and police time, I can think of quite a few things that the police should be doing, for example solving all those unsolved cases of arson, murder, theft etc .
The tax payer pays the force to protect us from criminality this foray into censorship is medevial to say the least.
@C. Busuttil. what has Sliema got to do with it. first of all, sliema is not the same Sliema of say 40 years ago, alot of the real Slimizi, don't live there anymore, there are people from all over Malta living there, trying to be Slimizi. (I am one of them).what is wrong with that. where do you come from BUBAQRA.!!!
@ Some of you. you are careful of not insulting,the blacks, the muslims,the gays,etc, becauseyou call it discremination, then when it boils down to our values, you think that you have the right to say what you want (because we are EUROPEANS)
Freedom of speech was a right that our ancestors have fought for, to obtain respect and tolerance in a civilised world. However, it seems that we are now going overboard and using this same right to offend and disrespect other people, thus taking us back to the middle ages.
What happened to normal humour and fun, do we really have to stoop so low for half a laugh!?
correct me if im wrong, this is what the article was about, vet the lyrics, thus im confused about your outburst.
btw, people not only from malta but from all over act that way, and its down to the personal manners of each individual, probably not manifisted only at the nadur carnival, but then again has nothing to do with censoring music
That's were our roads differ. I respect and *heavily* criticize my opponents, rather then insult them personally. Sure, insult my be part of human nature, as is killing your kin. But *some* people refrain from unreasonable actions.
"Who are you to judge and who is going to be the arbiter in such subjective matters."
Wait, weren't you the one saying everyone could criticize others? Was this a trick question or something? Because if it were, I didn't get the point of contradicting yourself.
"Do not tell me that you agree with making certain people (both historical or ficticious) or ideologies, beyond the reach of parody and humour?"
Humour is picturing Osama in a US office (cartoon) for instance. Not someone imitating Osama half-naked during Carnival.
"Humour frees the mind." and disrespect breaks up society and human relationships (even between countries).
"claim heaven as their birthright and their religion as the magic carpet"
Where exactly did I say so? Some even (wrongfully) claim that I'm an Atheist...
No one and nothing should be above insult and criticism. Insult or blasphemy like beauty are in the eye of the beholder. What is insulting to some is comical to others. Who are you to judge and who is going to be the arbiter in such subjective matters. Are we in Iran and you some Ayottalah?
Do not tell me that you agree with making certain people (both historical or ficticious) or ideologies, beyond the reach of parody and humour? Humour frees the mind. I highly recommend you watch the movie, "In the name of the Rose" starring Sean Connery to find out why certain people who claim heaven as their birthright and their religion as the magic carpet that will get them there are almost always devoid of humour (this trend is to be found in all retrograde and anal retentive creeds worldwide).
Do not tell me now that we should respect the despots such as Hitler and other beauties you mentioned. Get yourself a sense of humour and join the human race.
"The reality is that SOME nadur residents break their nuts with the carnival." Not exactly. They break their nuts on what SOME people made out of carnival.
"Nadur Carnival is a synonym with 'crazy fun'." Where does "outright disrespectful" get into your equation?
"TOLERANCE." Tolerance is ignoring the high-volume music and crowd noise, finding roads littered with food.
Two years ago (if memory serves right) they filled streets with lemons. Where's the good old fun gone to? Vomit and booze is pushing it. What next, excretion in public? Oh wait, they already do that!
@n.vella "Start with the following, [talk talk talk]" - The good thing about TV is that no one forces me to watch late night shows. Yet outside you don't hear anything less then vulgar and obscene language.
"...many maltese are bright enough..." - You see, impositions go two ways; force it on and from someone. I'd disagree with this censoring since music is not the problem at all.
@Charmaine Marmara' - Why should I not participate in the only/best carnival just because some idiots decided to show off their maturity?
Nobody said that this is some derby between Gozitans and Maltese. I at least dont think so. In fact Im going to be living with a group of MALTESE friends for your information.
But lets get things straight. Maltese people who leave the main land ARE tourists. To be more precise, a tourist is anyone who leaves their area of habitation for more then 24 hours for leisure. Check it up.
@Christian Scibberras, ever watched Little Britian? that will pretty answer your question
That carnival has been gone for a few years now. It's just a street part and nothing else.
However, one must point out to C. Sciberras, that local business interests want the carnival to be as big as it is. It's useless blaming the Maltese for that. It's the largest annual party on the islands for the past 10 years now. I, for one, am nostalgic about the good old days.
As far as censorship goes, this country has been going to the far theological right for some time now.
@T. camilleri - please brush up on freedom of expression and speech. I have all the right to offend you as long as I don't incite hatred. You also have the right to get offended but you do not have the right to NOT get offended if you get my drift.
So for the revellers I say why the hassle of crossing over to our sister island when you can stay and enjoy the Carnival in Malta. I can already hear the whining and howling for loss of business.
not of many, its the sole creater of them all.
@ Christian Sciberras (4 hours, 30 minutes ago)
"Charles Grixti - Be it Christ, Hitler, ......
There is a limit to "freedom of expression" and this is pushing too far."
Start with the following: cancel your tv subscription along with any radio and internet, do not buy any books or audio material, along with video and other entertainment material and do not travel..you might still be offended in some way but after finding whats at fault, get rid of it too. to make sure you can live happily ever after.
i am sure (or should i hope?) many maltese are bright enough to read/listen/watch what they deem fit for themselves instead of being imposed what they can or cannot enjoy in their free time.
Nadur Carnival is a synonym with 'crazy fun'. Same thing goes for the police and those people who, in some way or another, are trying (or rather managing) to censor parts of this carnival (possibly with a view to remove some of the 'crazy fun' from it all). These people find the carnival an inconvenience - extra work for the police, the council has to clean up the utter mess afterwards.. I'm sure these people have better things to do (honestly!) and I'm not gonna bs anyone with questions like "where are our freedoms?". No. The matter in question is one simple word:
TOLERANCE.
@ Christian Sciberras (2nd Comment).. As for the legal basis for it: Well your comparison with the crucifixes thing is absolutely inappropriate. Secondly, you're being contradictory since first you're telling us how offensive it is to dress up as someone and make fun of him/her, then in another post you're telling us oh but wait I'm no moralist, take down those crucifixes!
@ Paul Camilleri: Seriously? "Maltese" are "Tourists"? Wow! As someone rightly said.. I think we're all missing the point here. It's not a "Derby" between Malta and Gozo.. It's simply the (seemingly) arbitrary interference by public authorities in such matters.
@ Christian Sciberras: The Nadur Carnival has never been that popular with (REAL) tourists (i.e. foreigners).. If anything, the foreigners would stay in Malta for the more... "VISUAL" (if I may) Valletta Carnival. So that excuse I find hard to believe. The reality of the matter is that everyone is trying to clothe his own personal preferences with some bs preaching about morals, and increase in economy, and justice and what not... The reality is that SOME nadur residents break their nuts with the carnival. Of course they do! For some: especially the elderly, the sick, those who simply don't appreciate carnival or those who are just plain boring, the whole Nadur carnival is a pure inconvenience! For others, like me, (of course I admit it!)
But hell, what do they came here for? Mhux ghal xalata? Getting drunk is part of the fun, nevermind cheap or not!
Is impersonating (comically) Hitler, Einstein or Elvis offensive and insulting?
Why is that?
Why not subvert the idea of carnival totally and transform it into a 'Piety Festival' or better still a 'A most proper celebration of the Nanny state ' perhaps that would appease the Wicc Laskri brigade !!!! Should not cause any problem for the thought police either! Think of the new categories and the prizes they could hand out!!!!!
As if humour can be swept into nothingness by a single splendid movement of the arm
Think of it .... a nation marching forward in perfect unity, all thinking the same thoughts and shouting the same slogans, perpetually working, fighting, triumphing, persecuting ....i.e. glum and humourless - 400, 000 people all with the same face !!!!
Well Carnival is certainly moribund and the future 'unimaginable!! '
With apologies to George Orwell
Well said, the maltese have ruined the Nadur carnival. They ruin everything because they can't appreciate anything, their only culture is that of Paceville. It's always the fault of others the curia, muscat, gonzi or the police but never their fault.
To the rest
Why don't you organize a carnival in Sliema or St. julian's they are the ideal venure "ksuhat ma ksuhat" I forgot that the people of Sliema like the rest of the maltese are incapable of holding such event.
Malti u nisthi minn certu maltin
Don't you think that more Toilets, and clean ones please.. Should HELP??
I find this growing mentality offensive, what next, impersonating mentally retarded people?
This is what "ksuhat zejda" is all about. No one diserves to be impersonated and no one has any kind of right to do so.
There is a limit to "freedom of expression" and this is pushing too far.
X'D
Prosit to the Gozitans who promoted it....you wanted business, so you have it now. Gawdu l-marmalja ta' Maltin li jitilghu....that is the price you paid when you shed light on it a few years ago. Kif ma kinux jafu bih il Maltin meta l-karnival tan Nadur ilu ghexieren ta snin isehh??
First we had the Manoel drama banned, then the "morality" minister removed the mannequins at Mosta, then Realta,s author, it was announced, will be taken to court, and now the way one is dressed up or sings ( at Carnival) will be vetted by the Police!
I suppose the "modern" and "liberal" Youth section of the PN will be siding with their conservative elders! The irony is that whilst on one side we have the Government working hard on trivial "morality" aspects, it completely turns askance, where the more important issues of "public morality" are concerned; Power Station contract,Ministers riding a free ticket, and the "hala" in Government spending! All this is sheer hypocrisy and an excuse totackle the real "morality" issues!
You should probably keep in mind, that the booze and the food available at Nadur, is made by Gozitans. So really, these 'vomit' incidents can be reduced if booze is not found so easily and as cheap.
I don't think you have the right to insulting the Maltese. I know several Gozitans who attend the Carnival, and they are usually drunk as well mind you. Stop blaming the Maltese for the Carnival. It's everyone's fault - if there's a fault at all.
Living in certain places, is of a disadvantage. It's not just Nadur. In Malta, we have Paceville. Which is in constant rubbish ALL YEAR ROUND. Now, do we come say, it's Gozitan's fault? WE DON'T, even though we know they ARE part of it, like the rest of us.
The Police should not be wasted on vetting songs - they should be out there protecting citizens and preventing crime, which is what taxpayers are paying them for.
Alessandro Lia - "Your intentions being: 'avoid drunken youth taking a leak on your doorstep'?"
My intentions being proving that there is some good out of the Carnival, increasing tourist via increasing [positive] fame. While at it, make some progressive money off the masses.
However, we can see where the fame is at with a comment bellow, "Nadur Carnival==orga...".
"She said she's against the censorship, against the excessive policing, in poor words, against everything another CS (another Nadur resident right?) is saying... I don't get it! Slow me!"
I don't know who this person is so I'm keep on your words. Obviously this person doesn't know that for order to exist, there must be some form of law or policy, be it fully kept or not.
"I've checked Criminal Code, Code of Police Laws...."
Don't want to change subject, but this reminds me of a comment by some other person saying that crucifixes are to be held in classes as per force, yet no law dictates so.
1. the freedom to express oneself artistically without censorship. (if the Carnival organisers had doubts about the bands they CHOSE, then they should have seen that before they actually booked them)
2. the concept of Carnival as a festival of fun and also a critique of society (and not as a drunken free-for-all piss up)
3. the total lack of knowledge on what the Nadur carnival is (or rather 'was') all about; which has now been ruined by institutionalising it.
4. the dangers of self-righteousness where we see only the speck of dust in each other's eyes and not the wooden beam protruding from our own...let's say 'eye' for now..;)
The locals want respect from tourists. Was it that hard to understand?
Your intentions being: 'avoid drunken youth taking a leak on your doorstep'?
Because if that is not it, I am not getting your message: I also enjoyed reading the post from another Nadur local. She said she's against the censorship, against the excessive policing, in poor words, against everything another CS (another Nadur resident right?) is saying... I don't get it! Slow me!
@ Anyone who can answer me:
I've checked Criminal Code, Code of Police Laws, as well as some legal notices... Is there a legal basis for vetting the carnival songs? Not really into criminal law so pardonnez my ignorance.
How Christian of you!!!
What are you trying to prove?
Nobody wrote that Maltese have the right to vandalise other people property, but apparently some Maltese toursits do think they can. Just because they are away from home and they are in a quiet area, they think they have the authority to do what they please. Im referring to those people. Il 'ksuhat maltin' according to Mr. Justin Meli
Think twice about my intentions.
If you aren't satisfied with Gozo, don't come. People of your likes and Joe Genovese's aren't welcome here.
Just because of a bunch of egocentric 'buisness' men, it doesnt give you the right to stereotype me and other Gozitans as selfish, greedy people. Only god knows how many Maltese tourists I endure in the summer months asking for directions and I have always tried to help them in the best way I can. Shame on you.
It's one day in a year. Everyone experiences something fudged up every now and then - be it a carnival, be it horse-crap in his drive-in, be it cars parked in front of your door, be it someone trying to be a moralist E-Rambo on timesofmalta.com...
I'm sure you get my drift..
Besides that:
@ David Borg: although you are actually right in saying that they have a right to prosecute criminal offences, since when did the so-called, "rude words" become a criminal offence? and since when did rude words not yet exhibited in public become a criminal offence? Please enlighten me...
Dr. A. Lia
"l ghawdxin u in nadurin jigru b lampuki frizati , annimali mejta u zibel iehor dak le?"
There's a difference between rotting material and sick people (vomit etc).
"il karnival tan nadur ilhu f din il qagha u ghalekk jintogob ghax karnival ta l adulti . iservi ghal maltin u ghawdxin bhala harba mir rutina u in norma."
Now that's some nice explanation. People usually change routine with prostitutes. I recallwe were talking about adults no?
"il karnival ta malta hu karnival ghat tfal."
Thanks for making Nadur/Gozo the next generation of sin city then. very nice of you.
"il brazil in nisa johorgu ghera fil karnival , ha tmur tghidilhom INT li mhux sew ghax mhux jimxu mal morali tighek u tan nadurin?"
Again, why are you putting words in my mouth? Why should I care about what people do in Brazil?
I do genuinely dislike Carnival, as I do about the Maltese[/Gozitan] curia, the major [and wannabe] political parties. There's a difference between throwing mud/seaweed etc around and between vomiting every couple of turns, littering anywhere with hazardous materials etc.
Then people complain about health!
In the past (as much past as a year ago) I've had to visit the carnival, and as far as I can remember, all this trouble started increasing seriously these last 3 years not the 20 odd ones Carnival's been going round.
It might not be Maltese, it can't be Gozitans doing damage to themselves, it can't be foreigners (negligible amount of) so who's blame is it?
No one?
What I DO find offensive:
Quote: 'Paul Camilleri (3 hours, 27 minutes ago)
@ Justin Meli
So just because you are helping Gozo's economy, Maltese people have every right to try to disrespect the local's??? Ghidli naqa'. There are further examples of this self-same word elsewhere on this rather long list of comments, generated by a good-old village Carnival. I cannot, however, be bothered to go over the whole lot with a fine tooth-comb all over again. In any case, it is endemic elsewhere as I have had sad occasion to note. I am of course referring to the word 'naqa' - to be found within the quote of this disturbing comment of mine, in case your attention-span faltered. This is not a one-off typo. Nothing to do with Gozitan dialectal quaintness. It is encountered time and again, authored by various members of the people, linguistically mobbing but not much else. The word 'naqa' (properly naqra) means variously 'I read' or 'a little (of something)'. It seems naqra has now mutated into naqa and has been accepted as such. Tell me someone, please, that I am seeing things. Franco, are you there?
Read Justin Meli's comment :
'ha nkun arroganti jien u nejdlek li minghajr dawn il ksuhat maltin , ghawdex ma taqalawx x tieklu ,nista?'
@ Madame Margaret Richards
I should hang my head in shame? For protesting about something that happens each year to my property? Who do you think you are? To be honest, I think you do deserve such treatment. Your comment reflects what kind of 'person' you are.
--> Yup that's a pure Gozitan thing, something they boast about for Carnival - yet... dressing as Jesus Christ, or obscene lyrics is worse than this.... Beheaded chickens, seaweed, MUD, dough (Last year!!) is not bad! And people going to hospital, because they were stepped over by one of these Gozitan Trucks...
Rest assured... the Carnival's "mistakes" are made by both Maltese and Gozitans...
So please, Christian Sciberrras - stop blaming the Maltese, especially when I personally know, that you do not visit Carnival and that you hate it.
everyone is subject to ridiculism. why didnt you jump out when people where dressing like buddhists or muslims?
and for yourr information in the moment of DEATH i will turn to my self and say , WE LIVED MY FRIEND, and hopefully die free from those fear imposing , mambo jumbo religions
il brazil in nisa johorgu ghera fil karnival , ha tmur tghidilhom INT li mhux sew ghax mhux jimxu mal morali tighek u tan nadurin?
You asked Simon Sullivan "You have obviously been fed a lot of fairy-tales about "Mintoff's time".. Were you actually born then"
He may not have been born then but I was and remember very well the days when you couldn't even write the word 'Malta' without specific from high up!! No fairy tales at all!!.....maybe it is you who has been brainwashed into thinking that all the PN says about those days is just an exaggeration!!
As for this story, yet we are back to pathetic times and we need to take a stand before these censorial practices take hold again!
Last year, I had the most unfortunate experience of having to fix a fault near the center. I recall myself struggling through the crowd trying to avoid pools of vomit (and other excrement..) to get to the doorstep which I found to be covered in pee.
Yea fun, it was VERY FUNNY indeed!
According to you:
"So how could you comment on something you've never been to? I won't reply anymore to you because I see it's completely useless."
So people cannot comment about what's happening in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Inquisition etc etc just because they have never been there?
I am commenting about an issue, and as you said I won't reply anymore to you because I see it's completely useless.
Funniest thing was when I went a couple of years ago and saw a woman with, wait for it, a pram, trying to get through the crowd. "Ghandi t-tfal hi!" Classic, lol.
Do you need to humiliate the symbol of the lord Jesus Christ to show that you are someone/something special?
Just ask yourselves: To whom you will be turning to at the hour of truth?
First you TRY to ridicule him and then as for his forgiveness!!
Now, all those who want to control the Nadur Carnival, please back off. Trying to control what a band is playing is ridiculous and an insult. Please, back-off. We should take this case to the EU as a human rights issue. We live in the year 2010 and are mature to decide on our own what is right or wrong. Back-off Big Brother.
That said, I do sympathise with how you feel about your carnival becoming so commercialised over the past few years. Our organisers' fault for organising an incredibly boring and uneventful one. But if you really love your Carnival, then you won't stand fo this blatant and ridiculous censorship either.
Paul Camilleri is 100% right, I am Maltese but I am ashamed of the behaviour of certain maltese that flock to Nadur and transform it into Paceville style. Carnival was held in nadur by the villagers one of the last of its kind on these islands. It was their feast until the Maltese ruined it with their bad tastes and behaviour.
@Justin Meli
Is-soltu mentalita maltija tahseb li ghax tohrog il-flus kollox issir tieghek. Ghalfejn ma tghidx li ahna l-Maltin spiccajna nies kapaci ma naghmlu xejn. Ghalfejn ma tghidx li biex tgawdi Karnival ikollok tmur f'rahal zghir f'Ghawdex, mentri hawn Malta 67 lokalita mhux kapaci jaghmlu wiehed sura ta' nies. Dak li jsir il-Belt huwa artificjali, n-nadurin daqt jispiccaw l-istess ghax gew fin-nofs il-maltin. Tiftahar tant bil-flus il-Maltin u li kieku ma konniex ahna l-ghawdxin imutu bil-guh imma ma tghidx li minkejja l-flus taghna kollha mhux kapaci naghmlu karnival, taf ghalfejn ? ghax hawn Malta kollox sar artificjali, l-ghawdxin zammew hajjin certu tradizzjonijiet, ghandhom sens ta' komunita haj, mentri hawn kollox miet dik hi il-verita. Kieku le mhemmx bzonn imorru n-Nadur.
Paul Camilleri is right, no one has the right to destroy property, pollute the environment or show any kind of disrespect just because you assume the Gozitans are stupid enough to let you away with it.
Also, do show me the statistics that show the Gozitans live off the "mercies" of visiting Maltese.
I apologize if my statements have been too broad but I didn't mean to say "the Maltese are disrespectful" but rather that "does who are, keep it at their home".
If those of you have no idea what I'm talking about, do participate at Carnival during 1 AM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Singing_Nun
I demand the right to be offended. Otherwise, I, and you, and you, and you, might miss something that could well enhance our miserable lives. Life's about taking chances after all. Being stuck in the mud is not an option.
joe scerri - So how could you comment on something you've never been to? I won't reply anymore to you because I see it's completely useless.
W.Attard - Be it Maltese or Gozitan that behave in an uncivilized manner, is of course both wrong. But there is a difference between controlling some people from round the island (Gozo) vs the hundreds that come from Malta. Also, interestingly, the Maltese come to Gozo with an idea of "xalata". No need to reason any further.
Alex Vella Gregory - It isn't about lyrics as much as it is about a spec of control and order.
Justin Meli - What do you think? That I'm selling hotdogs? I could do without obsenities, thank you very much. Besides, for your information, te industry I'm in is independent of Malta [and Gozo] (thank God!).
J. Borg & ALL - Why not go to Valetta and do what otherwise you would do in Nadur? No one forces you to come to Gozo...
We ban theatrical plays, ban publications, order shops to coverup maniquins! (for goodness sake, is this Saudi or Yemen?! plastic shop maniquins we're talking about here!!!), interrogate bloggers, arrest blog hosting individual, monitor carnival costumes ... and now for the straw ... inspect music lyrics!!! This is O P P R E S S I O N !!!
This government is nationalist only by name. It is an ultra conservative party going fundamentalist. What next?
What next
At this rate, much of what Malta stands for will be killed off, leaving nothing for future generations, homegrown or otherwise, to inherit. Thanks goodness I will not be here to witness this when it happens. As it must.
It's also interesting to compare the "efficiency" of the Gozo church and other authorities in dealing with this carnival nonsense with the slow response of the same Gozo church and authorities whenever its clergy are involved in accusations of child abuse.
So just because you are helping Gozo's economy, Maltese people have every right to try to disrespect the local's??? Ghidli naqa.
We dont appreciate your lot coming over, and harresing locals bil hamallagni taghkom. Stay in Malta if you think that your gonna get away with kicking somebody's door in or taking a dump on ones doorstep because we arent gonna tolerate it.
To stop revellers from dressing up as Jesus & using foul language, doing obscene things and make a horrible mess/vandalism is acceptable. But to censor bands is really stupid!
I also noted this:
"Rock bands booked to perform during the Nadur Carnival have been asked to submit their planned 'repertoire' to the local council and police in an attempt to eradicate offensive or vulgar lyrics."
Then:
"When contacted, Nadur mayor Miriam Portelli said the police made the suggestion to vet the lyrics so she did not know the reasons behind it."
May. Miriam Portelli... If you do not know the reasons behind it then why did you accept/agree with it!?!?!?! Can you please enlighten us?
For this year I'll suggest the bands to play Hannah Montana songs so that they will be on the safe side!!
I'm really starting to get bored of Malta and it's mentality!
We d locals and the pure carnival lovers we do not agree with these matters happening within the police force. The nadur carnival should be spontaneous in every way and it is very stupid who had d idea to vet lyrics. The only thing is dat der should be control like any event that happens in the world.
CD - Nadur
la int kont arroganti u ghidt lil maltin izommu l ksuhat taghhom malta , ha nkun arroganti jien u nejdlek li minghajr dawn il ksuhat maltin , ghawdex ma taqalawx x tieklu ,nista? kieku ghawdex ma jitilawx maltin aktar , ghal karnival , ghal santa marija u ghal ragunijiet ohra x jigri?
public morals? min jaghmilhom dawn il kriterji? int?
We're flushing the whole concept of order down the drain to inflate our pompous heads with some sort of illusion of grandeur... and we'll regret it sooner or later.
Secondly, Nadur or not, Carnival is what it is. It IS offensive because it takes a dig at all that is respected and established. And EVERYTHING is up for criticism, no matter how uncomfortable that makes anyone feel. It is easy to play the blameless martyr, but to all those self-righteous holier-than-thou people, just think that YOUR attitude is also offensive to many.
Finally, what do LYRICS have to do with Carnival and public order? We are here impinging on artistic freedom. If listening to a song makes you want to comit a criminal act than quite honestly the problem lies with YOU and not with the song.
The police have the right and duty to prevent, investigate and prosecute any criminal offences.
There is no right to offend or use vulgar language. It seems many are favoring a society based on ararchy and a false concept of the ideal of liberty. Freedom of speech, as many other rights and freedoms, is not an absolute right but has its limits, mainly respecting the rights, beliefs and values of others.
You have obviously been fed a lot of fairy-tales about "Mintoff's time".. Were you actually born then?
Ilni nitla il-karnival ghal dawn l-ahhar 3 snin u jekk xi snin kien hemm xi glied nassigura lil kulhadd li l-glied qatt ma beda frott tal-liriki tad-diski. Possibli hemm min hu daqsekk injorant fit-tmexxijja taghna li haseb dan!!
L-ewwel nett ahna kull meta gejna, biex naraw lin-nadurin jibelhu bihom infushom, ghax ahna qatt ma llbisna tal-karnival, la hemm u lanqas Malta. L-aktar atti oxxeni rajthom min ghadwcin, umbad sfortunatament Maltin bdew jikkupjawhom.
It-tielet - jekk fhimt il-kumment tieghek sew, qed tisfida lill Maltin ghal boycott fuq ghawdex?
Spjega ruhek cens.....
No Matt. you are wrong. You have NO right to insult anyone.
Peter Bonnici
"Since when do the police vet lyrics to check for offensive language that can start a fight?"
The police are not only empowered but also OBLIGED by law to PREVENT the commission of an offence.
Unless you mean I could shoot anyone damaging my property (during carnival) I'm afraid that point is crap.
John Michael Mizzi - Sad? Show up at the carnival, get a couple of punches in the face and then we'll talk again about what's sad.
l. theuma - Oh I am SORRY if a core Maltese value was INSULTING LOCALS and DISGUSTING BEHAVIOR. Guess I should let you people with your cultural values of peeing against churches...
Personally I never went to Nadur carnival and I don't care. I hate carnival. I don’t visit Gozo. What I am against is this total bigotry and medieval mentality that has besieged Malta. Reminds me of the Inquisition. How about we start burning people at the stake or drowning them like the most Holy Christian church used to do in the past. What a joke of a country we live in.
I would take that as a threat or treat this as the absolute ignorance of some people... Some people better learn how to enjoy themselves and let their hair down once in a year! Being able to make fun of oneself is the key to happiness...
Tinduna bil-presenza taghhom ghax jiddistingwu ruhhom mall-ewwel b'nuqqas ta' rispett, imgieba hazina u xi nghidu ghal "gosti" fil-kostumi. Sfortunatament mhux biss jirrovinnaw il-Karnival tan-Nadurin imma ta' dawk il-Maltin li genwinament ikunu hemm biex jiehdu pjacir minghajr ma jdejqu lil haddiehor u dan nghidu bhala Malti ghax malajr jkun hawn x'hadd jahseb li jien xi ghawdxi.
Il-Karnival tan-Nadur ISSA spicca b'dawn ir-restrizzjonijiet minhabba l-imgieba ta' certu Maltin.
So the only reason why bands should be playing in Nadur on this occasion would be to be part of this licentious environment and not to make the place yet another meaningless street party or beer festival. This is in itself already reducing the amount of spontaneity since the various stages create specific focal points along the route and spontaneous actions have to compete with the organised line-up. Research has also shown that people often conglomerate in the surrounding bars to listen to some pounding traditional music that can only heard during this time of year.
Instead of censoring and ruining the essence of what makes the Nadur carnival unique the mayor should assess how her intervention will make the space a safer place for the visiting participants, most of whom visit with no knowledge of the carnival, promote the importance of such a celebration and allow the community who ultimately owns this celebration, to play the game!
It is evident that the Nadur Mayor has not managed to grasp an understanding of the same communal celebration that takes place in her own locality. Perhaps she should read some of the extensive research by Dr. Vicki Ann Cremona. The Nadur carnival is based on the spontaneity of the participants and the subversion of the three most important aspects of that society (politics, morality and the rural life). All these are manifested through a game of improvised scenes with make-shift floats and gory costumes which are highly codified. i.e all must be masked (feet and hands also covered) and must not talk so as not to reveal one’s identity. This is why people dressed as clowns, doctors and nurses (often Maltese people) have no space in what’s known as the devil’s feast!
In the past, such behaviour was only permissible during Carnival however in the 21st century Madame Mayor is taking this a step further. Ironically all this happened the same day Malta launched its cultural policy, which clearly states that laws will be changed to address our contemporary reality.
"Il-freedom f speech ma jfissirx il inti tinsolenta lil haddiehor Danica."
I think you'll find it does mean that, in part. The right to offend is just as important as the right to be offended. If, hypothetically, you think I insulted you (and we're talking about words here not physical violence), you have every right to say something back.
Re. the story, well I guess that means 80% of AC/DC's discography is out then. Hell, make that a huge portion of rock music. Let's get all the bands to play Jonas Brothers! Yay! Good clean family fun =D
Very SAD Indeed!!!!!!
W.Attard - No one asked you to come, the less people there is, the better. If you planned to come down to Gozo to express some vulgar behavior, think twice.
Victor Laiviera - Why don't you ask your beloved Gonzi to "fix this up"? Eh?
Stephanie Vella - Last year was a complete disaster, this year watch out, it ain't just police but locals.
Danica Vella - I'm afraid that neither freedom of speech nor expression gives you the right to insult public morals.
Ghamlulna pjacir lilna Nadurin u zommu il-ksuhat l-ghandkom Malta qabel tigu hawn.
Is this becoming a police state, "Maltin Qumu ghax dalwaqt nigu pajjiz pulzjesk"
George Orwell, 1984.
What will constitute as 'censorship' I might ask?
It's either cause this establishment is so lost that has lost any idea on what to turn our minds to or that we are really back to the Nazi Era. Gonzi PN has remembered why the colour black is still on its official emblem.
to all swimming people in summer , Beware you might go to jail for swimming in bathing suits.
to all aspiring musicians, dont aspire anything that doesnt confirm with what the policce says.
to all artists , find a job .
this is the road maalta has taken. instead of a road of secularism , in the year 2012 , we are taking the road to inquisition.
Since when do the police vet lyrics to check for offensive language that can start a fight?
Who will be offended by music? it's art !! it's expression of joy and of life.Shame !!.THIS IS WRONG
Welcome to NADURISTAN.
Ganni tal-hotdogs
Perth Western Australia
Il-freedom f speech ma jfissirx il inti tinsolenta lil haddiehor Danica.
And it is not some isolated incident we are talking about. The latest involves a Jesuit college in Berlin where widespread sex abuse on children was practiced for years and swept under the carpet.
http://www.euronews.net/2010/02/02/german-anger-at-catholic-school-sex-abuse/
Those who want to protest against this hypocrisy should vote with their feet and keep away from churches and not dress up as nuns for Carnival. God is everywhere, not just in churches, He needs neither agents nor showrooms to reach us.
Il karnival tan-Nadur dejjem kien karnival SPONTANJU u kien maghruf ghaldaqstant!! U issa tigu taghmlu hekk? Ok, li jintlibsu kostumi ta xempji religjuzi nifimha b'xi mod, imma din LE!
Wellcome back to the years of Nikolai Caucescu, and Stalin.