Malta it is
an old tradition that fireworks displays accompany our numerous religious
feasts all over the island. The festa season kicks off with the feast of St.
Publius just after Easter Sunday, and ends with the feast of St. Leonard in
mid-September. Firework preparations commence in mid-October when the local
temperature starts to drop. In Malta there are about 33 licensed fireworks
factories. One of the traditions in fireworks is what is normally known as
Catherine Wheels or Irdieden.
These
type of wheels are very popular and are presently being constructed in large
forms. There are Irdieden of nine meters diameter and even larger. These
constructions are fixed to wooden masts which are then fitted into holes in
the ground of the village square.
Irdieden displays are mainly staged on the eve of a particular feast being
celebrated. Displays usually start at about 23:00. All shows normally start
with a wheel of one meter in diameter. This is a notification to all
spectators that the display is about to commence.
Normally, a wheel consists of six drivers tied in sequence to the
circumference of the wheel. The wheel also has a few lances fixed to the
inside so that while the wheel spins, beautifully colored designs will be
formed. One wheel lasts about a minute. After these come the mechanical and
mechanized wheels.
Mechanical
and Mechanized Irdieden
The main part used in several mechanized Irdieden, is the
universal joint which was first introduced in 1960, for the feast of Santa
Marija at Mqabba, by Joseph Ghigo. The universal joint was used to keep a
six pointed star circulating simultaneously. The universal joint was one of
the great inventions that revolutionized Irdieden.
From that
point onwards the universal joint underwent modifications and was used to
produce more beautiful shapes.
More
Complicated Irdieden
Greater and
more complicated Irdieden were constructed. Some of these included the use
of bicycle chains, gears and O-rings. Also crown wheels, pinions, and cogs
were used. All this was introduced to form more beautiful kaleidoscopic
effects. The usage of these mechanical parts depends upon the effects you
wants to produce. More movements will produce more effects!!!
The
Grand Finale
Every
display ends with a Grand Finale with each village having its own tradition.
This consists of a number of poles, each with small wheels attached to it.
Normally the number of poles depends upon the size of the village square.
The minimum used are 3 poles and the maximum used are 9 poles. These are
ignited instantaneously using electric igniters.
These
type of wheels are very popular and are presently being constructed in large
forms. There are Irdieden of nine meters diameter and even larger. These
constructions are fixed to wooden masts which are then fitted into holes in
the ground of the village square.
