“Il-Gostra” is a traditional Maltese Game.

One of Malta's oldest sports, the “Gostra,” involves contestants trying to climb a greasy pole to retrieve a flag before falling into the water below. The game is played during the feasts of St Joseph in Msida and St Julian in St Julians.

A sizable wooden pole (between 10 and 16 metres in length) would be raised over the sea in numerous seaside villages around the Maltese Islands. It was then hauled to the harbour while mounted atop a coal barge. The huge pole sticking out over the water would be dripping with grease and pig fat.

The object of the game is to take one of the three flags at the end of the pole, which are a blue and white flag for St. Mary, a yellow and white flag for the Vatican, and the Belgian tricolour, which is said to be dedicated to St. Julian.

Many people return home with a few bumps, but only a few people bring home medals and awards! However, you risk injury just like in other sports.