Gibraltar, the vibrant British Overseas Territory perched at the Mediterranean’s gateway, thrives on a remarkable blend of cultures. Captured by Moors in 711 AD, it later became Spanish until seized by an Anglo-Dutch force in 1704 during the War of Spanish Succession and formally ceded to Britain in 1713. Its history is etched with sieges, most famously the ‘Great Siege’ (1779-1783), shaping its resilient identity.

Centuries of strategic importance have woven a tapestry of influences – British, Spanish, Genoese, Maltese, Portuguese, and Moroccan – creating a uniquely diverse society. This rich heritage is deliciously evident in its food, where traditional British fish and chips sit comfortably alongside Spanish tapas, hearty Italian pasta, aromatic Moroccan tagines, and flavorful Indian curries, with local specialties like “Calentita”(chickpea flatbread) holding pride of place. Similarly, the languages echo this fusion: English is official, Spanish is widely spoken, and the unique local hybrid “Llanito” – a colourful mix of Andalusian Spanish and British English, often peppered with words from Genoese, Hebrew, Arabic, and other languages – is the heartbeat of everyday conversation. Gibraltar’s true identity lies in this harmonious coexistence of global traditions on its iconic Rock.

PARTICIPATION

The Gibraltar National Netball team players are known as the ‘Gibraltar Campions’. This name embodies their team ethic, drawing inspiration from the resilience of the Gibraltar flower once thought extinct. Demonstrating this spirit, the U21s made a remarkable debut at the Europe Netball U21 Challenge Cup in Oct 2023, winning the gold medal.

FACTS

1995 – Gibraltar Netball joins World Netball

2012 – First International Ranking

2019 – Bronze medal HK 4 Nations

2021 – Won  bid to host NWYC2025

2024 – Gold medal EN Open Challenge Cup

2025 – NWYC2025 Hosts