ODYSSÉE 2003

The Peace Vessel “M/V Constanta” entered the Grand Harbour at dusk on Wednesday 9th July 2003 and was given a truly spectacular welcome by several scout groups from the South District of the Scout Association of Malta. The “M/V Constanta” a Romanian Navy vessel sailing on a Peace voyage visited important ports around the Mediterranean as part of its ODYSSÉE 2003 voyage.

Teenagers from the various youth organizations, carrying lit fire torches, gave a short but symbolic display by forming the words “MERHBA U PACI” (Welcome and Peace). Scout bands from the towns of Cospicua, Marsa and Zejtun joined by the Birzebbugia, Fgura, Paola, Qrendi, Tarxien, Xghajra and Zurrieq scout groups, all localities in the South of Malta, opened a welcoming parade to receive the Odyssey ship and its crew and guests abroad. Guests of the Maltese Scouts and taking an active role in the welcome were the members of the Transport Scout group of Tunis dressed in Traditional Tunisian costumes.

Stilt walkers, wearing traditional Maltese theatre masks and carrying traditional flags followed percussionists and flag bearers whilst members of the Qrendi Scout Group wearing traditional Folklore attire joined a Girl Guide Unit from the South East District dressed in Maltese national colours (red and white).

Adult Leaders dressed in traditional costumes join in the fun.

The key attraction was a horse-drawn Maltese carriage, the Karrozin, carrying a Sun-Goddess and her two attendants, who approached the ship and personally received the foreign artistes.

A grand spectacular show “La Memoire et La Mer” (Memories of the Sea) was provided by the ship’s crew and took place aboard the ship following its berthing at Pinto Wharf, Floriana.

The “Groupe F” and “XARXA” presented from a truly spectacular pyrotechnic display aboard the ship whilst “Les Plasticiens Volants” occupied the ship’s scenic space with inflatables of sea creatures and sea monsters. Alexander Darie of the Bucharest Bulandra Theatre directed the ensemble and show.

The ensemble “Sauvages Organismes Sonores”, composed of eight musicians from diverse artistic backgrounds, is a sophisticated instrumental percussion ensemble. The instruments, either invented, traditional percussions, or digital, contribute to the landscape occupation where theatre, dance, and fire mixed together.

Transport Scout Group of Tunis proudly participate in the ODYSSÉE 2003 welcome

Traditional Tunisian song and dance as presented by the Transport Scout Group of Tunis

Constanta “Attacked” by a huge sea monster during its visit to the Grand Harbour Valletta