Birkirkara
Birkirkara (abbreviated as B'Kara) is a city in the central region of Malta. It is the second most populous on the island, with 24,356 inhabitants as of 2020. The town consists of five autonomous parishes: Saint Helen, Saint Joseph the Worker, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Saint Mary and San Gorg Preca. The city's motto is "In hoc signo vinces", and its coat of arms is a plain red cross, surmounted by a crown. Etymology. "Birkirkara" means "cold water" or "running water". This is attributed to the valley in the town. Originally, the name was written as "Birchircara , as influenced by Italian spelling which traditionally does not use the letter 'K'. It is often abbreviated as B'kara/Kara". Geography. Birkirkara is situated in a valley, which is most likely where it gets its name from. It is known for flooding on heavy stormy days. Several projects have been proposed. The area has also received embellishment works from time to time. Climate. Birkirkara features a Csa Mediterranean climate under the Köppen climate classification. Birkirkara features mild, wet winters and dry hot summers. The city's temperature varies from during the course of a year. Description. Birkirkara is one of  Malta's oldest towns with a recorded mention in 1402 with The Cappella of Birkarkam which is understood to be an error for Birkirkara. It received mention in the 1436 Ecclesiastical Report mentioning the then existing parishes in Malta and Gozo, from which Birkirkara emerged as the largest parish. Various parishes and suburbs developed out of Birkirkara over the years, including Sliema, St. Julian's, Msida, Ħamrun in the 19th century and Santa Venera in the early 20th century. In more recent years, San Ġwann (1965) and Ta' l-Ibraġ hived off Birkirkara to form part of the new parish  and locality of Swieqi in 1993. Birkirkara has grown into an important commercial centre as well as a densely populated residential area. Churches, architecture and notable places. Notable places. Birkirkara is home to many locations of importance. Churches. Birkirkara's main religious feast is that of St Helen at St. Helen's Basilica, which is celebrated on 18 August or on the first Sunday after that date. The main event of the celebration is a procession with a wooden statue carved by the Maltese master-sculptor Salvu Psaila. Notably, this is the only procession on the island carried out in  the morning. The procession leaves the basilica at exactly 8:00 a.m. and returns to it at 10:45 am. The statue is lifted to shoulder-height by a group of townsmen through the main streets of the town. The Church of Our Lady of Victories is a small church found within the small narrow streets in the area known as 'Has-Sajjied'. This church was known to have existed as far back as 1575. In the 17th century when the parish church was being built this church was dismantled to allow easy access to the quarry that was supplying the stones  needed. It was erected once again after the 1675–1676 Malta plague epidemic. The present church was built between 1728 and 1736 in the Baroque style. The internal pilasters follow the Tuscan style with the dome featuring floral motifs and emblems of the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Birkirkara Local Council. The Birkirkara Local Council forms part of the Birkirkara Civice Centre building. The current Birkirkara local council members are: Sport. Birkirkara has a multi-sport club in Birkirkara Saint Joseph Sports Club mostly known for its Athletics section, however, it also has active sections responsible for cycling, triathlon, swimming , and football, which competes in the Maltese Inter-Amateur Soccer Competition. Birkirkara F.C. has won the Maltese Premier League four times. Birkirkara F.C. participated in the 2015–16 UEFA Europa League beating West Ham United F.C., only to be eliminated via penalties. Birkirkara also eliminated Heart of Midlothian in the 2016–17 UEFA Europa League. Malta's leader of the opposition Adrian Deliaserved as Birkirkara F.C. president from 2015-2016 and 2017-2018. Natives. Iacob Heraclid, the Greco-Maltese adventurer who ruled over Moldavia in the 1560s, was born in the city. Eddie Fenech Adami, who served as Prime Minister and President  of Malta, was born there, as was Anthony Mamo, the first President of Malta. Twin towns – sister cities. Birkirkara is twinned with: