The firilla is one of the Maltese traditional boats displaying the bright colours. If you look out at sea or on shore you might be lucky to see one of the few remaining firilli. It is recognizable from its much longer stem post. It is also narrower and lower than the other boats making her faster. However, being less sturdy, it can only be operated within the sheltered harbour or along the coastline.
The firilla was the first of all the traditional fishing boats to have been mentioned in history with its first reference dating back to the 17th century. This does not exclude the possibility that it might have sailed the seas at an earlier date. It is believed that the firilla evolved sometime during the early part of the 17th century from the now extinct Xprunara, which was yet another traditional Maltese boat.
The firilla was popular with the fisher folk by the end of the 19th century. Being lower in height also rendered the firilla ideal for fishermen working with different types of nets, bottom long-lines and traps since this feature facilitated the hauling of fish onboard.
Eventually the firilla lost its place in the local fishing repertoire as well and none were ever built after World War II, meaning that the youngest firilli must be at least 80 years old. The last few firilli can be seen scattered here and there in the fishing villages especially at Marsaxlokk due to a number of reasons including the introduction of other traditional Maltese boats namely the kajjik and luzzu.
