The islands of Malta , which are in the heart of the Mediterranean, are strongly featured in their Mediterranean Culture. The Maltese Language is the official language of the country , however one has to mention that one hundred and fifty years of British rule in the Maltese Islands , made the English Language another official language in the Maltese Islands. One also has to appreciate the heritage and history that the Maltese Islands enjoy. The Catholic Church and Catholicism plays a very important role in this country. One also have to mention that in every town or village you will find at least one church belonging to a particular Saint. One also has to mention the fact that the Maltese people spend half of the year celebrating their saints, and especially in the summer periods you will surely find a feast in a town or village in Malta. In these feasts you will see the traditional way that the Maltese people celebrate the anniversary of their patron saints. You will also notice that in every town you will find a Band Club or more belonging to that particular town. In these feasts you will find several stands offering pop corn, confetti, nougat, pastizzi, etc. If you are in the Maltese Islands especially in the Summer periods , you definitely must pay these feasts a visit. Many linguists trace the origin of Maltese to the Phoenician occupation of the islands. Maltese, a Semitic language, has survived the influence of Roman language for hundreds of years, though it bears traces of Sicilian, Italian, Spanish, French and English. Malta is noted for its fine crafts - particularly its handmade lace, hand woven fabrics, blown glass and silver filigree. Folk traditions in music are very strong, and Malta holds a folksong competition every year. The strongest influence on Maltese cuisine is Sicilian, though the popularity of grilled chops and roast and three veg reveals a strong partiality to all things British. Local specialties include pastizzi (savoury cheese pastries), timpana (a macaroni, cheese and egg pie), and fenek (rabbit), which is usually fried or baked in a casserole or pie.