Ausonio and Wenzu were father and son and were known as the Sonijiet. The tradition of the Easter katuba (drum) in Birgu started thanks to Ausonio. Wenzu was always with his donkey and he used to go round selling various savouries such as olives, herrings etc… The Sonijiet also played traditional instruments. Ausonio played the żaqq and Wenzu the drum, as seen in this depiction.

Paul Boffa was born in Birgu on 30 June 1890 to Carmelo and Carmela née Serracino. He started his education at the primary school of Birgu and continued at the Lyceum in Valletta. Graduating from the Royal University of Malta as a medical doctor in 1913.

Louis Shickluna, born in Isla in 1808, was a prominent shipbuilder in Canada, known for his high-quality ships and contributions to St. Catherine’s community, before his death in 1881.

Dominican friar Giovanni Matteo Rispoli, born in Isla in 1582, was the son of Giovanni Vincenzo and Caterina. His father, a respected galley pilot for the Order of Saint John, was held in high regard by Grand Master Fra Aloph de Wignacourt.

Andrea Debono, born in Isla in 1821, was a Maltese explorer and trader who became the first European to explore the Sobat River, but his reputation was tarnished by slave trading accusations before his death in 1871.

Charles Clews was born in September 1919. He was the son of William George Clews and Mary Scerri.

Maria De Domenicis, born in Birgu in 1645 to an artistic Neapolitan family who had settled in Malta.

Born in 1926, Vitorin Galea became a celebrated Maltese performer who, despite facing societal prejudices, left a lasting legacy in theatre and cinema.

Saint Emily de Vialar, born in 1797 in Gaillac, France, founded the Congregation of Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition in 1832, dedicating her life to caring for the needy and educating children.

Juan Bautista Azzopardo, born in Isla in 1772, was a successful naval architect and privateer who later became the first commander of the Argentine Navy.

Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici, born in Bormla in 1897, was a lawyer and politician who played a significant role in student rights and later served as Minister of Finance and Police, contributing to social welfare reforms before his death in 1948.

Michele Gonzi, born in Birgu in 1885, served as Archbishop of Malta from 1944 until his resignation in 1976, having previously been the 5th Bishop of Gozo from 1924 to 1943.

Dominic Mintoff, born in Bormla in 1916, was an architect and politician who served as Prime Minister from 1955 to 1958 and from 1971 to 1984, playing a key role in shaping Malta’s modern history.

Sebastiano Conca, an Italian painter born in Gaeta in 1680, died in Naples in 1764. He received his artistic training under Francesco Solimena.

Ferdinando Mattei was a Maltese prelate who was appointed bishop of Malta in 1807 and Archbishop of Rhodes.

Emmanuel de Rohan was born in la Mancha, Spain on 18 April 1725. His father was French, but had been banished to Spain.

Francesco Zahra can be described as the most important Maltese artist of the 18th century.

Vincenzo Labini, born in Bitonto, Italy in 1735, was appointed Bishop of Malta in 1780 and became its first Archbishop in 1797 when the bishops of Malta were given the dual title of Archbishops of Rhodes and Bishops of Malta.

Carlo Darmanin was a talented Maltese sculptor renowned for his mastery of papier mâché religious imagery. His work set a high standard for this art form in Malta.

Artist who produced secular works, landscape paintings, cartoons and stamp design

Rocco Buhagiar, born in Bormla in 1723, was a Maltese Baroque painter renowned for his religious works and church designs. In his later years, frail and retired, he sought refuge in the convent of the Discalced Carmelite Friars in Bormla, where he passed away in 1805.

Paul Alphéran de Bussan became Bishop of Malta in 1728-1757. He was instrumental in building the Mdina Seminary and promoting religious education in Malta.

Gian Francesco Abela, born in Birgu, was a distinguished priest, historian, and vice-chancellor of the Order of St. John, renowned for his 1647 publication “Della Descrittione di Malta,” making him the Father of Maltese History.

Professor Robert V. Galea, born in Valletta in 1882, was an architect and politician who served as professor of engineering and architecture at the University of Malta and holding various governmental positions, including Minister of Health and Deputy Prime Minister.

Miguel Jerónimo de Molina, born in Fortanete in 1638, served as Bishop of Malta from 1678 to 1682, during which he reformed the diocese and established new parishes in Gozo.

Mattia Preti, born in Taverna, Calabria, in 1613, was a major Italian Baroque painter known for his powerful religious works, who spent the latter part of his career in Malta before his death in 1699.

Romano Fortunato Carapecchia, born in Rome in 1666, was an influential architect who moved to Valletta in 1707. Favored by the Grand Master, he played a key role in transforming Valletta into a Baroque city through his designs of churches, palaces, and other buildings.

Bishop Gaspare Gori-Mancini, born in Rigomagno, Italy, in 1653, was ordained a priest of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in 1676 and was appointed Bishop of Malta in 1722.

Melchiorre Gafa, a prominent sculptor, became one of Rome’s leading artists in the 17th century and significantly influenced late Baroque sculpture, while his brother Lorenzo, also a notable architect and sculptor, made lasting contributions to Maltese architecture.

Turgut Reis Dragut was a renowned Ottoman naval commander and admiral who lived in the 16th century. He was born in 1485 and died in June 1565 during the Great Siege of Malta.

Admiral Sir Ralph Leatham served in both World Wars and held key positions, including Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station and Deputy Governor of Malta.

Sir Alexander John Ball, born in 1757 in Gloucestershire, England, served as the Governor of Malta from 1802 until his death in 1809.

Gerolamo Cassar was a pivotal architect and military engineer who significantly contributed to the construction of Malta’s capital city, including the Conventual Church of St John the Baptist.

Winston Churchill, born in 1874, was a prominent British politician who served as Prime Minister during WWII, renowned for his speeches and leadership.

Born to a noble family in Parisot, France, circa 1495, Jean Parisot de Valette entered the Order of St. John at 20 years old.