The village of Safi, or Ħal Safi, situated in the south of Malta, is the home to 2066 inhabitants (NSO Census 2011). Probably, it derived its name from the fresh, pure (safi) air that surrounds it. Another theory is that during a nationwide epidemic, none of the residents of Ħal Safi were contaminated. The village's motto 'sine macula' and its coat of arms both emphasize the origin of its name. Thousands of years ago, the area which now hosts the village of Ħal Safi, was inhabited by Neolithic people; these were followed by the Phoenicians and the Romans. The birth of Safi village goes back to about seven hundred years. Farmers and peasants used to meet at a crossroad leading to some three or four neighbouring villages, and stop for a chat on their way back home from work. It is commonly assumed that a niche was soon erected there, and as people started to settle in the vicinity, a new village began to take shape. There is documented evidence which shows that Safi village already existed in 1417, a time when around 80 people resided there. It was then still part of the parish of Bir Miftuħ and later became part of the parish of Kirkop. After several attempts by the Safi community, in 1598 Bishop Gargallo finally declared Ħal Safi an independent parish. At that time, 210 people resided in the village. When Safi Parish was formed, it was dedicated to the Apostle St. Paul, with a special emphasis being put on his conversion. The largest church in the village, dedicated to St. Paul, was chosen to serve as a Parish Church. The origins of Ħal Safi go back to a rich farming heritage, where the people depended mainly on agriculture and the breeding of goats and sheep for a living. Nowadays, farming has mostly become a hobby and a part-time pursuit. Every year, the Ħalsafin celebrate the feast of St. Up until 1959, the feast used to be held on January 25th, but in 1960, in order to avoid inclement weather, the feast was transferred to the last Sunday in August. Celebrations include religious services, band marches, fireworks, decorations, lights, and the procession with the statue of St.
