Every August during the St Julian’s feast, teams of local men take it in turns to run up a greasy pole to try and grab hold of a series of flags, in a tradition known as the ġostra.
This unique sport has even attracted international attention in recent years, and this year’s edition, which takes place on Sunday, will be even more challenging.
“We wanted to take this year’s event up a notch, but there’s only so much lard you can add to the pole,” said organiser David Pace.”
“So we thought – what’s the slimiest, slipperiest, most greasy thing in Malta? The answer was obvious – Konrad Mizzi, of course.”
The Tourism Minister’s skin secretes a lubricant that makes it almost impossible to grab hold of him.
As part of the event, Mizzi will be strapped to the end of the ġostra pole that is suspended above the sea, with flags stuck to him.
The best flag, which competitors have to claim to win the top prize, will be stuck in his hair.
“It’s going to be very tough but I’m confident I can make it to the end of the pole and step on Konrad’s face on my way to victory,” said last year’s winner Karl Vella.
Mizzi himself said he is delighted to be part of the feast.
“I am ferħan ħafna that my slipperiness naturali is not just useful biex nevita investigations, but also helps to itejjeb our product turistiku,” he said.
