If you’ve ever strolled along the coastal promenades of Malta, chances are your eyes were instantly drawn to what looks like several floating rainbows. Yes, those brightly painted and bright eyed wooden boats bobbing gently in the water. These are what the locals call the luzzus – the iconic fishing boats of Malta, which have been guarding the sea for generations and inspiring local art and traditions through the centuries. More than just another boat, the luzzus are a living symbol of Maltese culture, superstition, and resilience.
Through this article we want you to learn more about this Maltese icon, and hopefully get you to love it as much as locals do!
What is a Luzzu?
The luzzu is a traditional Maltese fishing boat which is instantly recognisable for its bold colours. When you see a luzzu, you’ll realise that it usually sports reds, yellows, greens, and blues. It also has a sturdy double-ended wooden hull. This boat seems to date as far back as Phoenician times and has gone through quite an interesting evolution through history. Back in the day, it was powered by oars and sails. However, nowadays, luzzus run on diesel engines, making them stronger and more reliable against the currents and winds of the Mediterranean sea.
Despite modernisation, each luzzu is still hand-built, with techniques passed down through generations. And as you may have well guessed, maintaining one is no small task. In fact, fishermen need to strip and repaint the wood regularly, while also ensuring to immediately repair any cracks to keep these floating wonders seaworthy.
Uncovering the Eye of the Luzzu
One could say that this is perhaps the most striking feature of a luzzu: the pair of eyes painted, or sometimes even carved, on its bow. Known as the Eye of Osiris or Eye of Horus, this is an ancient Phoenician symbol that is believed to protect fishermen from evil spirits, ensure good health, and watch over them at sea. Up until this very day, fishermen and boat-builders uphold this tradition, continuing to see the eyes as the silent guardians that help in keeping danger at bay.
Colours, Symbols, and Hidden Meanings
The beauty of a luzzu goes far beyond its aesthetics. Every detail, from the moustache-shaped stripe (mustaċċ) to the choice of colours, tells a story. In fact, for several centuries, fishermen painted their boats in specific ways to show where they came from:
- A yellow mustaċċ often marked that they came from Marsaxlokk or Marsascala.
- A red mustaċċ could signal St Paul’s Bay.
- While a black stripe serves as a sign of mourning in the fisherman’s family.
Apart from their bright colours, some luzzus also carry depicted decorations such as suns, Maltese crosses, fish, or birds alongside the protective eyes. These designs not only reflect local identity but continue to add on to the transformation of Malta’s harbours into adorable open-air art galleries. With each luzzu being a floating canvas of identity and tradition.
A Boat of Many Roles
The luzzu has always been versatile. During World War II, it played a vital role in Valletta’s Grand Harbour as it helped with transportation of supplies and people between warships and the docks. After the war, it went back to performing its main duty: fishing. Even today, on early Sunday mornings in Marsaxlokk, you can watch fishermen unloading their fresh catch straight from their luzzus to sell at the lively fish market.
In recent years, the luzzu has also found a new place in tourism. Visitors can hop on one in Valletta to cross the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities, with gondoliers ready to share stories of history and superstition along the way.
Where to Find Them
Marsaxlokk is the beating heart of the luzzu tradition. This picturesque fishing village is home to hundreds of the boats, their reflections serving as the perfect backdrop at sunset or during the fish market, bright and early on Sunday morning. Sundays are especially vibrant, with the harbour filled with colour and the market buzzing with fresh seafood and local life.
However, luzzus are not only found in Marsaxlokk. You’ll also spot luzzus in other parts of the island such as Spinola Bay in St Julian’s, Marsascala, St Paul’s Bay, and occasionally Valletta’s Grand Harbour. Wherever you see them, they bring a splash of colour and a reminder of Malta’s seafaring heritage.
Guardians of Malta’s Heritage
The luzzu is far more than a fishing boat. It is a true symbol of Malta itself: a country that is bold, resilient, and deeply rooted in tradition. With their watchful eyes and vibrant colours, luzzus are guardians of the sea and vibrant storytellers of the island’s past.
Whether you capture them in a photo, take a ride across the harbour, or simply watch them bobbing in Marsaxlokk, the luzzu is a piece of Malta you won’t forget.
