Il-borża ta' San Martin

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Il-borża ta' San Martin
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In Malta, the tradition of St. Martin’s sack (il-borża ta’ San Martin) is celebrated on 11th November, where children receive a festive bag filled with seasonal treats — traditionally nuts and fruits, but now often tailored to their personal preferences.

Here’s a deeper look into this charming Maltese custom:

🎁 The Tradition of St. Martin’s Sack

  • Date Celebrated: 11th November, coinciding with the feast of San Martin ta’ Tours.
  • Original Contents: The sack was traditionally filled with walnuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts, almonds, figs, apples, oranges, tangerines, and pomegranates. A sweet bun known as Ħobża ta’ San Martin was often included.
  • Symbolism: The tradition reflects the generosity of St. Martin, who famously shared his cloak with a beggar. The sack is seen as a gesture of sharing and abundance before the fasting season that historically began on this day.
  • Modern Twist: Today, the contents of the sack have evolved to include sweets, chocolates, and small toys — chosen based on what children enjoy most. This shift keeps the tradition alive while adapting to contemporary tastes.


🍂 Cultural Significance

The feast of St. Martin also marks the beginning of a historical fasting period that eventually evolved into Advent. It was a time of indulgence before spiritual preparation.

In rural communities, it was also associated with the first tasting of wine from the summer harvest, as St. Martin is the patron saint of winemakers.

This tradition remains a beloved part of Maltese culture, blending religious heritage with joyful childhood memories. If you’re preparing a St. Martin’s sack this year, you might include a mix of traditional items and personalized goodies — a perfect way to honor the past while delighting the present.

 

Size: approx. W.30cm x H.40cm

Material: burlap

 

You can choose among 3 options:

  1. Empty bag
  2. Traditional bag
    • apple
    • orange
    • walnuts
    • almonds
    • chestnuts
    • ħobża ta' San Martin
    • juice
    • random chocolate
  3. Modern bag
    • drawing book
    • colours
    • maze 
    • wooden spinning top
    • keychain 
    • bubble toy
    • random chocolate
    • packet of crisps
    • juice
    • ħobża ta' San Martin

Nonetheless, with every choosen bag, you will find the story of Saint Martin.