Dimech Poeta

A book containing a collection of poems by Manwel Dimech will be launched on Friday to mark 100 years since his exile to Egypt.

Called Dimech Poeta: Mill-ħabs għall-eżilju (Dimech the poet: from prison to exile), the book was written by Jessica Micallef, a 22-year-old university graduate from Żebbuġ who holds a Masters in arts in Maltese literature.

The book includes a presentation by Oliver Friggieri and a study by Adrian Grima.

To mark the occasion, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca will unveil a commemorative plaque at Valletta waterfront. Afterwards, flowers will be thrown into the sea from traditional Maltese boats offered by the Kooperattiva Barklori.

One dgħajsa in particular will take pride of place. It is named Palomba and is reputed to be the oldest in the Maltese islands having been built more than 150 years ago.