Il-Mellieħa
L-Imġarr
Il-Mosta
In-Naxxar
San Pawl il-Baħar
L-Imtarfa
Ħal Balzan
Ħ'Attard
San Ġwann
Reġjun Tramuntana
Reġjun Tramuntana emcompasses 9 local government councils. Information about and interaction with each council, is to be found throughout these pages.
The objectve of this site and the supporting mobile application is to give local residents and visitors the most updated information to date.
As this is a community project, we welcome and encourage any suggestions made to continually improve the content.
The Local Councils
Il-Mellieħa
L-Imġarr
Il-Mosta
In-Naxxar
San Pawl il-Baħar
L-Imtarfa
Ħal Balzan
Ħ’Attard
San Ġwann
About Reġjun Tramuntana
Imagine a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of time, each strand representing a town or village nestled within the heart of Reġjun Tramuntana. Some threads boast ancient hues, their stories echoing back centuries, while others shimmer with the freshness of recent creation, less than three decades old.
Within this mosaic, vast landscapes unfurl in Il-Mellieħa, where sleepy hamlets like Selmun and Santa Maria dot the rural expanse. L-Imġarr, it’s name hypothetically meaning ‘the carrying place’, whispers tales of maritime connections, while Il-Mosta’s majestic Basilica, standing tall since the 18th century, serves as a silent sentinel.
In-Naxxar, steeped in history, boasts a charming core and hidden gems like the medieval tower and the Salini Catacombs. San Pawl il-Baħar, buzzing with tourism, pulsates with a modern rhythm, yet harbours pockets of serenity like Bugibba’s quaint promenade.
L-Imtarfa, perched on a hilltop, offers breathtaking views and whispers of military secrets, while Ħal Balzan, renowned for its lacemaking traditions, exudes a quaint charm. Ħ’Attard, once a hunting ground for nobility, now houses Verdala Palace, a presidential retreat, and San Ġwann, the youngest of the localities, brims with youthful energy.
Though diverse in size, history, and character, these localities share an invisible thread – a deep-rooted connection to the land, a vibrant cultural tapestry, and a warm sense of community. They come together like puzzle pieces, forming a cohesive whole, much like the unity in diversity Fernand Braudel spoke of in the Mediterranean.
Each locality, a unique brushstroke on the canvas of Reġjun Tramuntana, contributes its own color and vibrancy to the north. From the ancient whispers of Il-Mellieħa to the modern buzz of San Pawl il-Baħar, each town and village tells a story, weaving a rich narrative that celebrates the spirit of this remarkable region.
The President of Reġjun Tramuntana
Clifford Galea Vella Maslennikov (aka Clifford Galea) became the President of Reġjun Tramuntana after winning the regional election of October 9, 2021. He was born on November 30, 1985 and is from Naxxar. A teacher by profession in the history of Malta and Europe where he taught both in secondary schools and as a lecturer in ITS (Institute for Tourism Studies) for some years.
He is a graduate in History of Malta from the University of Malta, holds a PGCE certificate in History Teaching and a Masters in Baroque Studies. He studied political thought and religious diversity at the University of Tor Vergata in Rome. Clifford is also a PHD candidate within the Institute of Tourism, Travel and Culture at the University of Malta. He also obtained a Diploma from the London College of Music and Media at Thames Valley University in London in piano studies.
He contributed to the field of Maltese entertainment where he studied voice and also took part in the Malta Song For Europe among other events and also participated in international song festivals including in Bucharest in Romania and in Istanbul in -Turkey.
Writing is part of Clifford where he was and still is, an article writer for many local newspapers, online portals and even published a book about the experience of his life Nifs li kważi kissirni. In this regard, he is an activist to combat addiction, giving regular talks and even produced a television program about it on TVM. He has presented and produced many other programs on radio and television, especially those related to the culture and heritage of our country.
He was a Minority Leader of the Naxxar Local Council between 2009 and 2019 and also a candidate for the General Election in 2013. He is Vice President of the Peace Naxxar Musical Society and Vice President of Naxxar Lions FC as well as a member of the Order of St. John.
He is the Chair of the LGBTIQ + Advisory Council and a journalist.
Social aspect in humanity is very close to his heart. Clifford pariticipated in two missions; one in Kenya and the other in Peru and assisted in various philanthropic organisations for the benefit of the community.
Last December, Clifford was honoured with ‘Ġieħ in-Naxxar’ (Naxxar Tribute) by the Naxxar Local Council for his ongoing work for the betterment of society and in his hometown. Clifford also received the Silver Award given to him by Prince Edward in 2011 when he came to our country for his journey in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Program.
“With honesty, a lot of good can be achieved. Even with a genuine smile and heartfelt joy. ”- Clifford
