Bidnija

Template:Towns (Malta) Bidnija is a rural hamlet situated in the central northern part of Malta, and home to 100 families(fewer than 350 people) which consider themselves as one family as they are all members of one big family. Bidnija is a tiny village even by Maltese standards, and is located between two valleys which are 'Wied Qannotta' and 'Wied Tal-Pwales'. It is still largely a farmer's village since it is entirely surrounded by fields which mainly belongs to the inhabitants themselves, although in recent years many have moved here in order to enjoy the quiet life amidst the countryside.

Bidnija has good horse riding facilities and is also home of a clay pigeon shooting club. One can also find a good restaurant here which specialises in the traditional Maltese Rabbit Stew. Its small church is dedicated to the Holy Family and a Feast is celebrated in July.

History of Bidnija

Altough Bidnija is a very small village and so it will be never in the center of attraction for historic research, it is very rich in history as many of the area has remained naturally. Geographically, this hamlet is situated in the northern central part of Malta which through ages was a very good position and active part in Malta.

Bidnija took its name from the 'Bidni olive trees' grove that is found in this village and can date back to 5,000 years. The inhabitants are very proud to have these olive trees in their village as they are indigenous Maltese olive trees which are found nowhere else on Earth except in Malta. These olives are of good importance to olive-oil's productivity. Archeologists and Researchers also believes that nearby can be found some Roman remains(e.g.Roman villa) as Bidnija makes part of the rural surroundings of Rabat(Mdina), which served as a City in those ages, and also is not far from Salina coast which is said that was a Roman harbour.

Bidnija Church

As the comunity began to grow in population, in 1920's a church was built in the area by the inhabitants themselves to serve for their spiritual needs. One can know that this church is dedicated to the Holy Family from the titular painting which together with two other works in this church are painted by Ganni Vella. The titular statue of the Holy Family made by Wistin Camilleri was blessed in July 1977 by the Archpriest of Mosta of those years Mons. Bezzina and a procession was made for the first time. The Feast with the procession in the streets of Bidnija is celebrated by the people of this village on the 3rd Sunday of July.

Streets in Bidnija

• Triq il-Bidnija
• Triq is-Sagra Familja
• Triq tal-Milord
• Triq il-Bdiewa
• Triq iż-Żebbuġ
• Triq il-Ħarruba
• Triq il-Girna
• Triq Għajn Riħana

Zones Around Bidnija

• Busewdien
• Għajn Astas
• Ħal Dragu
• Ħanxara
• Ħotba ta' San Martin
• Il-Folju
• Il-Palma
• Il-Qolla
• L-Arġentier
• L-Imbordin
• Ras il-Wied
• San Martin
• Simar
• Ta' Garrum
• Ta' Rkuplu
• Tal-Fjuri
• Tal-Ħireb
• Wardija
• Wied Qannotta
• Wied tal-Pwales

References

• Bidnija at mosta.gov.mt (Mosta Local Council)