THE MALTESE ISLANDS Events Calendar Highlights

THE MALTESE ISLANDS

Events Calendar

Highlights

2015

Discover what is happening in Malta with our

comprehensive events calendar! From opera

festivals and MTV concert to village feasts and

fireworks festivals there is always something going

on all year round for everybody.

Malta’s warm Mediterranean climate is reflected in

our personality. Kind, hospitable and friendly, we

go out of our way to make visitors feel at home and

share our passion for life. Whether you’re after

exploring the Island’s rich history and culture or to

dance the night away in the various nightclubs that

populate Malta’s entertainment hub, you are sure to

find an event to complement your tastes.

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Make use of the events calendar to plan your holiday ahead of time to be

sure you do not miss out.

Check our website

www.visitmalta.com/events

regularly as upcoming

events are updated frequently.

The things to see and do in Malta are endless, and we encourage you to

seek out your own Malta experience. Enjoy!

Valletta International Baroque Festival

The Valletta International Baroque Festival has been conceived purposely as a celebration of the baroque identity of Valletta. The first Festival was held in January 2013. During the Festival, Valletta shall resound with music from the baroque era. More importantly, an international festival like this forthcoming third edition of the Valletta International Baroque Festival will continue to not only confirm and enhance Valletta’s prestige but will also show Europe and beyond that this small Island in the Mediterranean has over the centuries played a vital role in European history.

Centring around the Teatru Manoel, one of the oldest working theatres in Europe which also happens to be the only one in Europe that also fulfils the role of a National Theatre, the Festival will also extend to the magnificence of St John’s Co-Cathedral, the atmospheric Valletta churches, the splendid Grandmasters’ Palace, the auberges and other baroque edifices.

January

MR PAUL BUGEJA

Chief Executive Officer, Malta Tourism Authority

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February

February

Launch of the Happy New Year Chinese Festivities

8th February

The Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, the China Cultural Centre and the Valletta Local Council will once again jointly hold the 2015 Happy Chinese New Year in Valletta to share the joy and happiness of the Year-of-Goat Spring Festival. The Ceremony includes two parades from Merchants Street to Republic Street and a performance by Guangxi Acrobatics Troupe.

Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck

10th February

The first of the year’s major feasts is celebrated in the parish church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck in Valletta and throughout the streets of Malta’s capital city. The feast commemorates the shipwreck of St Paul on the Maltese Islands, an event which took place in 60 AD and which is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. The feast is also a national public holiday.

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Carnival in Valletta, Floriana & Nadur (Gozo)

February brings with it Carnival week, which takes on a traditional flavour, including extravagantly-coloured floats perched on lorries and children in fancy costumes. A hive of activities takes place in the cities of Valletta and Floriana, though various towns and villages across the Island have their own festivities. Carnival in Nadur, Gozo, takes on a particularly comic and macabre tone with its spontaneous night-time carnival. Traditional carnival sweets are a firm favourite, and the love of good food prevails. Carnival week is a time to let your hair down and go with the flow – ideal for those who enjoy a good party.

Nadur is well known for its unique spontaneous carnival which takes place five days before lent. Literally thousands of people descend to Nadur during the five days of the Carnival. The spontaneous carnival attracts mainly youths but people from all age groups join in.

In addition to this unique carnival, the Nadur Local Council has for a number of years been organising a family carnival which takes place in St. Peter and St. Paul Square. In recent years, the Council has been organising this event on the Sunday before the actual Carnival weekend; this year it will be held on Sunday 8th February 2015. This event includes a variety of creativity including costumes, dances, floats and hilarious sketches. Foreign dance groups/bands and special commissioned groups will also feature during this event which ends with the traditional kukkanja.

February

Xagħra Carnival Festivities

The main Carnival programme in Xaghra includes Carnival band marches by the Victory Philharmonic Society, a performance of the traditional Carnival dance ‘Il-Kumittiva’, a performance by several Gozitan dance groups, Carnival floats and costumes etc. This will be held in Victory Square.

There will also be a varied Carnival programme for children held in Nazzarenu square, including Carnival competitions for the best costume on show, fun games etc.

February

Nadur Carnival - A Unique Experience

striving to continue this positive trend. This year there will be a number of bands playing at the festivities as well as traditional music.

A Carnival march will be organized in Triq San Bert and in San Gwann Battista Square. This will be done by ‘Banda Prekursur’. There will also be a variety of dancing from a number of different groups, large floats and grotesque masks, together with a competition for the best float and the best costume.

Xewkija Carnival

Music from Naples

The vastness of the Neapolitan repertoire extends in time over five centuries. Its great variety of forms from instrumental music to vocal music, from serious opera to opera buffa, from villanelle to sacred music, and the important contribution by composers from around the world make the city of Naples “temporal continent”. Renowned Italian folk singer Lucilla Galeazzi performs. The event will be held at the Manoel Theatre

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February

February

The Vodafone Malta Marathon allows participants to either participate in the full marathon (42.2km) or the half-marathon (21.1km), with both marathons passing through countryside and built up areas and finish in the popular town promenade of Sliema.

Both routes include a drop of 200 meters from start to finish. As part of the Half Marathon, there will also be the Vodafone Malta ‘Endo’ Walkathon where participants may walk, jog or run at any time. This Marathon which is held in February, is

anticipating another record of participants for the 2015 event.

Vodafone Malta Marathon

22nd February

Now in the run-up to the sixth edition, the BLM Annual Conference remains true to the original, straightforward concept: a knowledge-sharing conference for business leaders. The BLM Annual Conference is where leaders share their experiences with peers in an informal setting, with some networking and team-building fun thrown in for good measure.

The BLM Annual Conference registration book is a who’s who of the local business community – entrepreneurs, decision-makers, influencers, management professionals. People with a passion for doing business. Real business leaders.

This must-attend event is arguably the most highly anticipated networking event on Malta’s business calendar. We manage an extraordinary feat every year – we bring even the most elusive, hard-to-pin-down businesspeople together in the same space for five hours. That’s why we ensure there are ample networking opportunities in the

conference programme, which means participants are able to make new contacts, exchange business cards, and discuss opportunities and ideas with peers or potential partners.

The Business Leaders Annual Conference

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March

March

This year’s annual Teatru Manoel opera production will be Gaetano Donizetti’s comic opera L’Elisir d’Amore directed by Denise Mulholland.

L’Elisir D’Amore

Italian music legend Riccardo Fogli will be coming back to Malta after an eight-year break to perform at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. Together with Hit Italy band, Riccardo Fogli, one of the most famous Italian singers, promises to bring back the joy of listening to his most famous songs Having more than a dozen hits in his discography, the singer will perform his most famous ballads: “Una donna così”, “Amore di guerra”, “Giorgi Cantao, Voglio sognare”, and many others.

Riccardo Fogli’s sensuous music has captured the hearts of millions of listeners. His music style consists mainly of ballads and pop songs with Italian lyrics. Riccardo won the Festival di Sanremo in 1982 with the song “Storie di Tutti i Giorni”. Up till now Riccardo Fogli has already released more than thirty albums!

This undoubtedly places him amongst the most productive music artists in the world. The Italian has had numerous collaborations with famous music stars and composers, and has produced music for movies and theatre performances.

Riccardo Fogli & hit Italy band

To be held at the Banca Giuratale in Victoria, Gozo

Pawlu Camilleri Cauchi Art Exhibition

The feast of St. Joseph is celebrated in Rabat, Malta, and is also a public holiday across the Maltese Islands.

Feast of St. Joseph

19th March

Spring Equinox

Experience the Spring Equinox from the Mnajdra Temples. Afterwards there will be a tour of the Visitor Centre and refreshments. Tickets can be purchased from all Heritage Malta sites and museums.

March

March

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The Biological Conservation Research Foundation, BICREF, Malta is organising the 29th Conference of the European Cetacean Society from the 23rd till the 25th March 2015. Programme will include 2 days of workshops on the 21st and 22nd March apart from the 3 days of plenary sessions.

This Conference is held in association with The Conservation Biology Research Group of the University of Malta.The theme of the 2015 ECS Conference in Malta is Marine Mammal Conservation - from Local to Global. This theme shall be supported by a number of keynote presentations that will look at how conservation efforts are being managed at a range of levels and the links between them.

This will include consideration of local, national, regional and global conservation initiatives, as well as methods and mechanisms for addressing both short and long-term impacts. In addition to original research contributions on the usual range of topics that include, but are not limited to, health, genetics, by-catch, acoustics, abundance, distribution, ecology, breeding, behaviour, conservation, welfare, historical perspectives, we also welcome critical assessments of conservation policy.

The Conference will be of relevance to conservation research and management, as well as to the effective implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Inte-grated Fisheries, Blue Growth, Education, Tourism and Maritime policies, the Natura 2000, the Habitats Directive, the Agreements for the Conservation of Cetaceans and the

Conventions on Migratory Species and Biodiversity.

29th Conference of the European Cetacean Society

The Tour Ta Malta is an international cycling race established in 1990 which takes place in Malta and Gozo and is spread over 4 consecutive days. The race is made up of 4 stages, 1 per day. The race kicks off with an individual time trial of 25km at the St Paul’s Bay Bypass. The next stage consists of a 100km/60km road race on the San Martin Circuit. The next stage will take the participants to Nadur in Malta’s sister island of Gozo where a 60km road race takes place. The final stage of the Tour Ta Malta is a 12km road race at the Ta’ Pinellu circuit in the outskirts of Valletta, Malta’s Capital City.

Tour Ta’ Malta

March

March

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Since its launch in 2007, the RC44 Championship Tour has established itself as a key series to compete on in the international yacht racing circuit. The defining spirit of the Tour brings together the worlds of sailing and business, allowing amateur owner drivers to race, high performance one-design yachts, with some of the world’s elite sailors, competing at some of the most beautiful and diverse sailing venues around the world.

This year Malta has been chosen to host the Valletta Cup as part of the RC 44 Championship tour.

RC 44

For the first time, Malta will be hosting one of the 38 triathlons in the XTERRA World Tour and will be the first country to kick off the XTERRA European Tour 2015. It will be made up of a 750m swim in the clear waters of Ghajn Tuffieha Bay followed by a 15km mountain bike race and a 5.5 km trail run which will be held in two nature reserves, The Majjistral and the Gnejna Plateau. The XTERRA Malta weekend will also consist of a sprint, team relay race and children’s swim- run- swim at Golden Bay.

X Terra Triathlon

Freedom Day (Jum il-Helsien) is one of Malta’s public holidays and commemorates the closure of the last military base in Malta in 1979, when the Defence Treaty with Britain came to an end as the last British forces left the Island.

Apart from the state ceremonies held in Valletta and Birgu wharf, Freedom Day is also renowned for the afternoon regatta held in the waters of the majestic Grand Harbour. Food and drink stalls line the harbour adding to the celebratory feel created by locals and tourists alike.

Freedom Day – Regatta in the Grand Harbour

31st March

Photo - Clive Vella

April

April

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Good Friday and Easter are celebrated in Malta in a liturgical and ceremonially

prominent manner. On Palm Sunday, one may assist to the liturgical rites that usher in Holy Week. On Thursday evening and Friday morning, churches have their paintings draped over in purple or black velvet. The Maltese folk turn out in their thousands to visit and pray in seven different churches as traditionally observed.

Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter Sunday

On Good Friday, late afternoon, some 17 different towns and villages commemorate the Passion of the Christ by an organised and very solemn procession of statues. Each of these statues represents a particular episode in the Passion of the Christ and is

carried by pallbearers. Between one statue and another (some ten in all) participants are dressed as biblical characters who take part in the procession in a dignified manner. Many processions include men in penitence bearing a cross and sometimes dragging chains as well tied to their bare feet as penitence.

Easter manifests itself in a happier and festive mood. The Statue of the Risen Christ signifies the last act of the Passion of the Christ - Christ triumphant over death. This time all will rejoice to the commemoration that ‘Christ is Risen from the Dead’. Tradition dictates that children carry their Easter pastry (figolla) to be blessed by the statue of the Risen Christ. Easter is a demarcation line in the calendar of Malta’s seasonal calendar as it heralds the beginning of spring.

Lost & Found will be set across 8 core venues, with beach parties and boat parties conveniently located a stone’s throw from one another, revellers can party from dusk till dawn, on land or at sea, without having to negotiate long distances back to their accommodation. A festival transport service will also be operating around the island, further enabling attendees to easily travel between all venues.

Annie Mac presents Lost & Found Festival

Established in December 2005, with the first edition taking place in April 2007, the International Spring Orchestra Festival has become one of the most sought after classical music events in the Mediterranean. The International Spring Orchestra Festival takes place annually the week following Easter and is hosted at the Teatru Manoel, Valletta.

Malta International Spring Orchestra Festival

April

April

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To be held at the Banca Giuratale in Victoria, Gozo

Domenique Cancio Art Exhibition

The picturesque parish square in the agricultural village of Imgarr, surrounded by lush green valleys will once again host ‘Festa Frawli’ - the annual Strawberry Fair. Now in its 9th edition, this event is now a much awaited fixture in the Maltese calendar.

A constant supply of freshly picked strawberries will be on sale throughout the day, ferried regularly to the square by the farmers themselves. A wide variety of desserts, snacks and beverages will be available in an open air kitchen, all made with fresh Imgarr strawberries. Professional chefs will also be preparing novelty strawberry based gourmet dishes such as ravioli and a non-alcoholic cocktail bar. Homemade strawberry wine, jams, conserves and other typical products will also be on sale. Souvenirs, artworks and crafts will be exhibited by the craftsmen themselves. A second open air kitchen will be offering typical Maltese dishes.

Festa Frawli

Folk and Ethnic music performed by leading Maltese artists using traditional instruments, and folk dance troupes from all around Malta and Gozo will provide fitting entertainment for this unique celebration of Maltese agricultural heritage. Special activities will also take place throughout the day; these will include the unveiling of a record breaking (Malta’s largest ever) strawberry gateau and a strawberry cupcake competition together with a painting competition open to all.

The evocation of the bestowment of the George Cross to the people of Malta in April 15, 1942 by King George VI. In this event the there will be the participation of the Armed Forces of Malta Band and a Police Squad. A re-enactment of the presentation of the George Cross by Viscount Lord Gort, Governor of Malta to Sir George Borg, Chief Jus-tice will take place.

Commemoration of the Award of the George Cross

A competition of unique ground fireworks displays between local fireworks factories. Each fireworks factory displays two gigantic pieces of mechanised ground fireworks at Malta’s largest Square.

The festival starts at 22.30 hrs and fireworks will be accompanied by music and live commentary.

Entrance is free of charge.

For further information please contact the Floriana Local Council on floriana.lc@gov.mt or Leon Promotions on info@leonpromotions.net

The Malta Mechanised Ground Fireworks Festival, Floriana

April

April

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The Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority will be organizing the 14th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival. The Festival has become a landmark event in the Islands’ calendar of events, with the closing display this year taking place in the tourist hub of Bugibba.

The festival forms part of the anniversary celebrations of Malta’s accession to the European Union and the colourful spectacle annually attracts thousands of locals and visitors alike.

The Malta International Fireworks Festival 2015

Following last year’s success, this year’s events shall kick off once again in the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk on Saturday 25th April. The spectacle will continue on Thursday 30th April in the unique settings of Valletta’s Grand Harbour and the closing display in the tourist hub of Bugibba on Saturday 02nd May. The festival has rightfully earned the title “International” as over the years it has attracted foreign pyrotechnic companies from as far afield as Australia, Canada and Venezuela and closer to home like, Italy, Austria, Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

Several Maltese and foreign fireworks factories will be taking part in the upcoming Malta International Fireworks Festival, who will together put on a spectacular

pyrotechnic show with fantastic fireworks displays synchronized to music. Our Islands are renowned for the love of fireworks, which form a core part of almost any celebration or event organised, be it secular or religious. This year’s event will prove to be an added reason to visit some of Malta’s most scenic and historic spots during April and May.

The Gozo Half marathon is one of Gozo’s most popular and sought after marathons and was first organized in Xaghra, Gozo in 1977. This established marathon starts in Xaghra, Gozo and up until last year, it has attracted over 440 athletes from 16 different

countries.

It is made up of a 13.1 Mile run and mountain bike race, an 8mile run and a 4 KM and 2 KM fun run. The route is of varying elevation and takes the participants through various Gozitan villages and breathtaking views of the Gozitan landscape.

Gozo Half Marathon

June

May

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To be held at the Banca Giuratale in Victoria, Gozo

Gorg Fenech Art Exhibition

1st-31st May

The Gozo 55KM ultra trail, run or mountain bike, is Gozo’s toughest race but is probably one of the Mediterranean’s most scenic races. This race is made up of the 55KM run or bike route as well as a 21km running route. The course has a total elevation of around D1, 400m with two steep parts. The rest of the trail is of varying gradients that allow the participants to enjoy cliff tracks, valley and water courses, seaside saltpans, sandy beaches as well as rocky terrains.

Gozo Ultra Trail

On 7th June every year, Malta commemorates the tragic events of 7-6-1919 known as the ‘Sette Giugno’. This is in remembrance of the riots of 1919 when the Maltese people revolted against the British administration and demanded some form of representative government for the island. Four people died on that fateful day. A commemorative ceremony will be held at St. George’s Square Valletta, Malta organised by the National Festivities Committee. A similar commemoration will take place in Xagħra, Gozo.

Sette Giugno

7th June

The Victoria International Arts Festival Foundation is a non-profit organisation which organises a full 5-week run of uninterrupted cultural activities. It is the organisation’s mission to organise and present these cultural events free of charge each year. Providing cultural activity for free over an uninterrupted period of five weeks helps the organisers reach out to a wide spectrum of patrons and it also enables the organisers to agree on a very moderate financial agreement with participating artistes. This policy has earned the organisation the respect and admiration of both Maltese and foreign musicians who participate in the Festival.

A major focus is on voluntary work. Indeed, to date, the organising committee has always offered its professional services for free and this is encouraging young people to come on board and help out, also on a voluntary basis, in anything that is required of them.

Over the past years, the Festival has gone beyond the fondest dreams of the organisers to the extent that for some years now, the Festival has established itself solidly as Malta’s longest-running high culture event with an ever-widening international dimension.

Victoria International Arts Festival, GOZO

June

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Għanafest offers a unique opportunity to experience the different styles of għana. Besides Maltese folk music, the festival presents a programme of local musicians and ensembles. The festival also hosts a series of workshops on traditional instruments and a special programme for children. A wonderful event for the whole family

complemented by traditional Maltese food and the marvellous surroundings of the Argotti Botanical Gardens in Floriana.

Għanafest

The Trophee Bailli de Suffren is a classic yacht race covering 600 miles from

Saint-Tropez to Grand Harbour Marina in Malta, whilst visiting some of the most exotic ports in the Mediterranean such as Porto Rotundo and Trapani. This event highlights an antique connection that exists between Malta and France, way back to 1748 where cruises by French Admiral Pierre Andre de Suffren were organised with the galleys of the Order of the Knights of St John.

The Mediterranean’s most beautiful yacht race is also the longest race for classic yachts which is run over three legs; Leg 1: Saint-Tropez to Porto Rotondo, Sardinia (193nm) Leg 2: Porto Rotondo, Sardinia to Trapani, Sicily (230nm) Leg 3: Trapani, Sicily to Grand Harbour, Malta (169nm)

Trophee Bailli de Suffren

This feast marks an important event in the calendar of Maltese popular customs and traditions. It is a country harvest and folk festival as well as a religious holiday. It dates back even further than the arrival of the Knights of St John in 1530, thus making it one of the oldest feasts celebrated on the Maltese Islands.

Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul; L-Imnarja

29th June

The Feast commemorates two important Saints in Maltese religious lore, St. Peter and St. Paul. The word luminarja is derived from the Latin word Luminare - to light up. It is named after the bonfires that used to light up the festivities in the towns of Mdina and Rabat. This was the way people manifested their joy in recognition of a particular feast, such lighting being offered by burning bonfires and candles. This feast has somewhat moved away from the traditional village ‘festa’ style and has developed a different type of merriment which is held in Buskett Garden on the eve of June 29 the day of the feast.

During the late afternoon hours, numerous horse and donkey races are held in a country lane situated just below and at some distance from Mdina. The contenders vie for the Palju (a traditional banner that is presented as a trophy to the winners of various categories of races) which in olden times used to be presented to the winners by none other than the Grand Master of the Order. The feast of St. Peter and St. Paul is also celebrated in Nadur, Gozo, and this time in the usual festive manner that is normally held in towns and villages.

It is also a Public Holiday.

July

June/July

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The origins of this festival date back to before the arrival of the Knights of St John in 1530. It acquired its name from the bonfires that used to light up the festivities in Mdina and Rabat. Today, the feast is marked by various events. On the eve, families and friends gather at Buskett Gardens, Malta’s largest woodland area, for a picnic which normally carries on into the night. The traditional rabbit dish and wine will be at the top of the day’s menu, accompanied by the singing and music of local folk bands. On the following day, the celebrations continue with an agricultural show, followed by bareback horse and donkey races at Saqqajja Hill, just below Mdina.

Summer Folk Festival, Buskett Gardens

The 8th Edition of the Marsovin Summer Wine festival is set to be a wine festival with a difference. The location alone lends itself perfectly, to a walk through garden wine festival whilst enjoying the majestic views from the Valletta bastions. The event is set to have a highly cultural and entertaining concept offering a myriad of professional musicians performing daily throughout the festival.

The line-up on show shall include some of Malta’s leading bands and live acts. A wine competition bar shall also be amongst the attractions that shall be lined up for each night of this special event. Marsovin has also engaged various restaurants and caterers, to showcase their cuisine offering a small but enticing selection of dishes at very reasonable prices.

Marsovin will be offering a selection of 30 different D.O.K and I.Ġ.T wines from grapes grown around Malta and Gozo.

Marsovin Summer Wine Festival

The Isle of MTV Concert is the apex of a week-long festival of live music. The annual Isle of MTV music event in Malta is an MTV Networks International production. A world class line up of artistes will play in a free live concert on the Granaries in Floriana in front of a crowd which annually tops the 50,000 mark. Once again this promises to be one of the summer’s must-see musical events.

The Isle of MTV Malta is unique in offering young people across Europe an exclusive opportunity to experience some of the world’s best new and established artistes here in Malta. This event has become an important annual destination for music lovers.

Isle of MTV Malta Special

July

July

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The Festival offers a broad range of genres and artistic forms through a varied

programme of theatre, music, dance and visual arts. Held mainly in open-air venues thanks to Malta’s warm summer nights, the event has over the years opened up

little-used and special venues, and has been an impetus for the islands to set about providing a greater diversity of art and performance spaces.

The Malta Arts Festival aims to balance quality popular acts with lesser-known

intriguing work which nevertheless pushes boundaries. The festival also prides itself on supporting emerging artists. Residencies and workshops also play an essential role in this festival.

The Malta Arts Festival

The Malta Jazz Festival has become a synonym for high-calibre performances which delight jazz aficionados and lay persons alike. For almost 25 years, the Malta Jazz Festival has been raising the bar for jazz in Malta, keeping its soul alive.

In the days preceding and following the festival, a number of events part of “Jazz on the Fringe” including master classes and open-air concerts will be held. In 2013, the first editions of the Malta Summer Jazz Camp and Jazz Contest were included in Jazz on the Fringe.

The Malta Jazz Festival

Photo - Joe Smith Photo - Rene Rossignaud

August

July

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The Internationally acclaimed Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja last year delighted

thousands of people on the granaries in a concert that featured the best of classical music together with the more modern songs of Leona Lewis, Claudio Baglioni and Bryn Terfel. This year, the tenor shall be once again presenting his magical voice through a concert at the Granaries in Floriana.

Joseph Calleja live in Concert

NB: Every Saturday Xlendi Bay will be illuminated by hundreds of traditional flaming torches which transform the bay into a truly magical place

Summer Night Music

Saturday 4th July – Tramps Live – Xlendi, Gozo

Monday 6th July – Mario Caruana in Concert – Marsalforn, Gozo Saturday 11th July – Brass Delights – Imgarr Harbour, Gozo

The Gozo Ceramics Festival shall be a presentation of ceramic items by local artists who will be working live, demonstrating different techniques such as throwing, coiling, modelling, slab building and also firing.

Gozo Ceramics Festival, Xlendi

MALTA’S GREATEST WINE EVENT IS BACK - for its 14th year, at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta on 6/7/8/9th August 2015, from 7.00pm until midnight – and then 3 weeks later on 28/29/30th August it happens all over again in Nadur, Gozo.

At both festivals the way it works is simple – Entrance is free but should one want to drink wine, you will have to purchase a wristband and a souvenir glass (which is then yours to keep) and try as many of the twenty wines on offer as you like, as often as you like. The last glasses shall be sold at 11.00pm, last wine poured at 11.30pm and the festivals close at midnight. No glasses will be sold or alcohol poured to anyone under the age of 17.

There will be a wide range of award winning D.O.K. Malta and Gozo quality wine brands available to taste such as Gran Cavalier, Grand vin de Hauteville, Pjazza Regina, Medina, Victoria Heights, the Maltese Falcon, Delicata’s Frizzantes, all produced from a number of locally grown grapes varieties such as Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Vermentino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and of course the two unique indigenous Maltese grapes Girgentina and Gellewza.

The Delicata Wine Festival, Valletta & Nadur

At the Valletta festival, Maltese dishes such as Suckling Pig, Maltese Fried Rabbit, Pasta, Pizza as well as international dishes including seafood specialities, sushi platters, oriental noodle dishes, Indian dishes, paella and a selection of platters with a variety of tasty cheeses and charcuterie shall be on offer. Downstairs at the Saluting Battery a fully seated restaurant will be set up where diners can enjoy breath-taking views over the harbour and the ancient floodlit 3 cities beyond, whilst enjoying themed buffet nights accompanied by Delicata wines. Reservations are highly recommended.

Live entertainment shall be performed every night in Valletta by some of Malta’s leading artistes including Big Band Brothers, The Spiteri Lucas Band, The Crowns, Cash & Band and George Curmi (Puse) and his band.

In Nadur Gozo, there shall also be live entertainment every night and an assortment of food stalls selling both Gozitan and International dishes. There will also be a regular shuttle service operating each night between the Mgarr ferry terminal and the festival in Nadur, as well as a public bus service.

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This annual fireworks show is a spectacular fireworks night at the Grand Harbour kicking off at 22:00 hrs...and free of charge for all to enjoy.

The show shall include fireworks synchronised to music and traditional Maltese fireworks which will be fired off of barges in the Grand Harbour.

The show is organised by the ‘10th August Pyrotechnic Association’ of Vittoriosa, on the occasion of the feast of St. Lawrence of Vittoriosa.

The best venue to enjoy the fireworks is in the vicinity of the Vittoriosa Regatta Club. For further information please contact 10th August Pyrotechnic Association on info@ leonpromotions.net

“La Notte di San Lorenzo” – Annual Summer Fireworks show

Malta’s largest producer of premium wine will be holding an event called The Marsovin Grape Harvest Feast at their Marnisi Estate in Marsaxlokk. As the event name suggests the winery will be celebrating the start of the grape harvest for vintage 2015, whilst also giving patrons the opportunity to taste the wines produced from the Marnisi Estate in the idyllic setting of the vineyard.

The event gives all patrons the opportunity to admire the vineyard at the peak of its annual lifecycle. For those who wish to have a closer look, a guided vineyard tour will also be held at 7pm by Marsovin’s wine specialists.

Marsovin Grape Harvest Feast

The overall aim of such events is to give people the opportunity to further appreciate the value of Maltese viticulture as a whole. Mouth-watering food, Malta’s leading musicians and the idyllic surroundings of Marnisi Estate, promise to make this event a truly memorable experience!

The Feast of the Assumption, also known as the feast of ‘Santa Maria’, is celebrated every year on the 15th of August and marks the ascent into heaven by the Virgin Mary. The feast of the Assumption is honoured all around the Maltese Islands, and also has a prominent place in the history of Malta. This popular Maltese ‘festa’ is the peak of the summer season of religious village feasts and is celebrated in 7 towns and villages: Għaxaq, Gudja, Ħ’Attard, Mosta, Mqabba and Qrendi in Malta, and Victoria in Gozo. It is also a public holiday.

The Feast of the Assumption of our Lady

September

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To be held at the Banca Giuratale in Victoria, Gozo

Summer Night Music

Monday 3rd August – Straitahead – Marsalforn, Gozo

Saturday 8th August – Divine Sinners – Imgarr Harbour, Gozo Sunday 16th August – D Capitals – Marsalforn, Gozo

Saturday 22nd August – Brass Tubes – Imgarr Harbour, Gozo Monday 31st August – Upper Lip – Marsalforn, Gozo

Henry Alamango – Water Colours Art Exhibition

This date commemorates the end of the Great Siege of 1565, the end of the French occupation of Malta in 1800 and co-incidentally enough the armistice of the Fascist regime in Italy in 1943. In the latter, the connection with Malta was two-fold: the bombardments by the ‘Aeronautica’ were over and the Italian Navy was brought to Malta to remain moored at St. Paul’s Bay until the end of the war.

The morning will be taken up by various State ceremonies amongst which a parade by the Armed Forces of Malta. During the afternoon, an avidly contested traditional rowing boat regatta is held in the Grand Harbour. In the evening, there are at least four towns in Malta and Gozo, which celebrate the feast of Our Lady as a Child (Maria Bambina/Our Lady of Victory). Indeed the feast which is centuries old changed its name to

Il-Madonna tal-Vitorja, following the end of the Great Siege of 1565.

Il-Vitorja

8th September

Commemoration of 450 years from the end of the Great Siege

The Traditional village feast commemorating the Nativity of Our Lady is celebrated locally in four different villages. These villages are Senglea, Naxxar and Mellieha in Malta, as well as Xaghra in Gozo.

Feast of Maria Bambina

8th September

The traditional Victory Day Regatta is held on September 8th in Grand Harbour to celebrate Malta’s victories during the Great Siege of 1565 and the Second World War. The magnificent Fort St Angelo provides an imposing backdrop to the sleek and colourful Maltese boats. Rowing teams from the cities bordering Grand Harbour such as Valletta, Vittoriosa, Senglea, Kalkara, Cospicua, Marsaxlokk and Marsa, participate in a number of very exciting races, marked by extreme rivalry between participating teams and their respective supporters.

For weeks on end, the competitors prepare for the races with fanatic zeal and rivalry. In the afternoon of Regatta day thousands of people crowd the waterfront and the surrounding bastions and craft of every description converge to the Grand Harbour to watch the races. The first 3 winners in each race are awarded prizes and the club with the highest overall points wins the Aggregate Shield. Each year the different regatta clubs do their best to win the shield, which is strongly contested.

Victory Day Regatta

8th September

In its second edition in 2015, the Valletta International Visual Arts (VIVA) Festival shall be creating a unique platform for contemporary art in Malta whilst initiating a process of change in the local cultural scene. With a wide variety of local and international artists presenting recent work or collaborating in joint projects, VIVA is creating new

international networks which will last far beyond the festival itself.

VIVA 2015

8th September

Photo - Clive Vella

September

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A six-day festival consisting of bands, majorette, groups, marching bands, folk groups, street bands, piper bands, form the sixth edition of the Malta International Musical Bands Festival 2015. During the festival there shall be three parades, each of half a day, taking place in various towns on the island.

Malta International Musical Bands Festival

Malta gained its political Independence from Britain on the 21st of September 1964. On the night of the 20-21st September, the Maltese flag was raised at Independence Arena, Floriana, amidst the cheers of the large crowd present. Malta had become an

independent nation.

Various activities are held every year to mark this important date in Maltese history.

Independence Day

21st September

Held annually each September at the Malta International Airport (ex: RAF Luqa), the Malta International Air Show, one of Malta’s largest outdoor events, has gained the well-earned reputation as one of Malta’s top outdoor family events.

The Malta International Airshow is the result of strong lobbying from the Malta Aviation Society for many years until approval was given to hold the first display in September of 1993.

Twenty two years have elapsed since the very first proper air show held in Malta and the event has grown both in numbers as well as quality. Over the years, the Malta

International Airshow has attracted many interesting aircraft including Israeli F-15s and F-16s, Czech L-39, Italian F-104s and Do-228, Ex-Israeli A-4 Skyhawks, US Navy F-14, EA-6B, S-3s, F-18s, Tornados, B-52, B-1B, Spitfire and Hurricane plus most of the European national display teams including the Red Arrows, Patrouille de France, Frecce Tricolori, the Spanish team Patruila Aguoila, Swiss PC-7 Team and Breitling Jet Team.

Malta International Airshow

26th-27th September

Żejt iż-Żejtun, the event celebrating the olive picking season and olive pressing for oil will be held in Żejtun during the evening of Saturday, 26th and Sunday, 27th September. Drummers and flag bearers in medieval costumes, together with folk singers and dancers, will provide the traditional musical input in celebration of a bountiful harvest. An exhibition of agricultural tools, agricultural products and folk art will deck the village in traditional attire that will come alive in a celebration of colour, music, movement and food. Pride of place will, of course, be given to the olive tree. Maltese ftajjar and bread dressed in freshly pressed olive oil will be distributed for free tasting.

Olive trees and associated products will also be on sale. An audio visual presentation will feature olive tree varieties and techniques for their proper cultivation.

Żejt iż-Żejtun

Summer Night Music

Saturday 5th September – Jazz Do – Imgarr Harbour, Gozo Saturday 12th September – Travellers – Marsalforn, Gozo Saturday 19th September – Novel Band – Xlendi, Gozo

October

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Notte Bianca is once again set to light up the cityscape of Valletta, with a spectacular nocturnal celebration of people, culture and arts. The streets and cultural venues in the Maltese capital will play host to a motley assortment of entertainment.

State palaces and museums will be opening their doors to delight patrons with visual art exhibitions and theatre performances, while the open-air streets and piazzas will showcase some of the finest local and international musicians and dancers. Cafes and restaurants will be open until late with further food stalls and tables occupying the streets.

All of Valletta, from City Gate to Fort St. Elmo, shall come alive on Notte Bianca, guaranteeing a memorable night that truly holds something for everyone.

Notte Bianca

3rd October

The Mdina Grand Prix Classic Car Event will be held this year between the 8th October and 11th October. As late summer beckons the arrival of early autumn, the Mdina street circuit, set in the idyllic countryside beneath the imposing bastions of the Old Capital City, will be host, for the fourth consecutive year, the Mdina Grand Prix, promising a magical weekend of classic car racing on the 10th and 11th. A variety of cultural and other activities will also be organised for the participants and their guests during the days preceding the races which will include guided tours of Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities and also a tour of the sister Island of Gozo.

The Mdina Grand Prix

Birgu is one of Malta’s oldest and most historically-important cities. During the Birgu by Candlelight event the streets are lit up by the gentle glow of thousands of candles. However, Birgufest has developed further, offering a varied programme of entertainment and events held in both indoor and outdoor locations.

The historic re-enactments, museums with extended opening hours, cheaper entrance fees and the opening to the public of other venues including churches, emphasize the

immense historic value of this city. In addition, food stalls offering Maltese cuisine and other food, various musical concerts and various exhibitions, make this event truly outstanding and a must-visit.

Birgufest

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The Malta Military Tattoo is set to provide the public with a highly entertaining atmosphere with precision marching and formations displays and above all good music. The Tattoo will once again include foreign military bands and local massed pipes and drums band, the Malta Police Precision Drill team, the Malta Police Band and the Armed Forces of Malta Band

Malta Military Tattoo

The 9th edition of “Lejl f’Casal Fornaro” will take place on Saturday, 17th October 2015. This is an event designed to promote Qormi’s culture, tradition and folklore, focusing on the town’s traditional bakeries and its longstanding association with the Maltese loaf.

The Kummissjoni Żgħażagħ Bastjaniżi, the organising committee, is once again planning innovative varied cultural, social and entertaining activities for all

attendees.

Casal Fornaro

Malta is proud to host the Rolex Middle Sea yachting race which takes place in the heart of the Mediterranean and covers one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The offshore exciting race kicks off in the beautiful clear waters off the capital city of Valletta. Unique for a race of this length in that it starts and finishes in the same place, the 606-mile route starts in Malta’s magnificent Grand Harbour and also ends there. This race runs by incomparable scenery and is a true challenge to skippers and crews who have to be at their very best to cope with the often unpredictable and tough conditions.

Rolex Middle Sea Race

17th-24th October The aim of this feast is to celebrate one of the products that the farmers of Manikata cultivate with great ability and abundance. One can find various stands with savoury and sweet food, all with the flavour of pumpkin. One of the most popular items on offer are the pumpkin pies, a typical recipe of the North West of Malta. This year there will also be new items on the menu, such as the chicken risotto and pumpkin tortellini. For those with a sweet tooth there will be various cakes and pudding, all made with pumpkin.

For all those who like to include pumpkins in their cooking, the Pumpkin Feast is also an opportunity to buy pumpkins, which can be kept on a window sill all year round and then used for soups, pies and sweets. The farmers will also be selling fresh local vegetables on the day.

This is an activity suitable for all the family, where everyone can find something they like, with regards to food and entertainment.

Pumpkin Festival

October / November

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La Traviata - Just as the great master, Giuseppe Verdi completed Il Trovatore and La Traviata in succession, Gozo’s Teatru tal-Opra Aurora has taken the bold decision to stage these two masterpieces in the same sequence. Thus, after the 2014 successful production of Il Trovatore, the Aurora is proudly announcing La Traviata for October 17th, 2015.

With a plot that sends us back to the heart of 1700’s Paris, La Traviata has always been considered as the ultimate operatic fashion-parade of music, drama, scenery and costumes.

La Traviata opera in Gozo at the Teatru Aurora

La Boheme - If as the saying goes “music has to be played or sung from the heart to the heart”, this is especially so in the case of Puccini’s all-time great, and the opera lovers’ all-time favourite, La Boheme. La Boheme is sheer liquid beauty from the word go. The molten passion, which once released simply flows on and on in highly-charged

passionate singing, is difficult to equate in Italian Opera. La Boheme is all about beautiful singing. Puccini is well-known for his creative powers when it comes to composing endearing melodies which sets him firmly in the finest of the Italian tradition, yet sets him apart in some way. It is his uncanny ability at conjuring the most ravishing of musical phrases seemingly out of nowhere. La Boheme is the supreme testimony to this particular trait.

It is quintessentially emotional. If there is the ideal way to sing one’s heart out to one’s love than it is surely the poignant and sweeping ‘O soave fanciulla’.

Teatru Astra will be presenting a vintage production on the 29th and 31st October 2015 - the highlight of the fourteenth edition of Festival Mediterranea.

La Boheme opera in Gozo at the Teatru Astra

The festival is open to various categories of choirs which hail from all over the world. It is expected that the number of

participants this year will be greater than that of previous years. The festival takes place in various locations, ranging from theatres to churches and other public places in Malta and Gozo.

Malta International Choir Festival

The Festival Mediterranea is an annual celebration of culture taking place at the very heart of the Mediterranean, on the history laden island of Gozo.

Mythology has it that the charm of this island aided the most beautiful nymph Calypso to halt Ulysses on his journeys and hair-raising quests, to lull him, lure him away from his travels for seven mystical years. Gozo’s charm seeks to lure its visitors into a

kaleidoscope of events. Through Festival Mediterranea’s diverse events, visitors can embark on their very own cultural adventure surfing through the island’s seven

thousand years of known history.

The festival uncovers the island in all its aspects, without eliminating the thrills of exploration and discovery. Festival Mediterranea offers all that Gozo boasts of in the cultural and artistic arena. Opera, classical and symphonic music, a wealth of

archaeology and history that is Gozo’s heritage, folklore and cuisine as well as the creativity of the Gozitan people who are a true and genuine people ... as are their products. The backdrop to this festival is Gozo’s sheer, natural beauty in warm autumn. Festival Mediterranea unveils Gozo as a mosaic of Mediterranean civilisation, heritage and art. It is indeed a showpiece, an opportunity for a break from the routine of conventional life; a chance to immerse oneself in the mellow world of Gozo’s autumn, and explore and live the cultural tradition of its 7000 years of history.

Festival Mediterranea

November

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This Marathon is a unique one in the Maltese islands as it is spread over 3 consecutive days, measuring a distance of exactly 42.195KM. Each day consists of a marathon in different parts of the Maltese islands. Day 1 covers a distance of 11.195KM and starts off in the medieval city of Mdina and runs through the western part of Malta, boasting great panoramic views of Dingli cliffs. Day 2 takes you down south, to Birzebbugia where a marathon of 6KM takes place.

The final day consists of a 25KM marathon which starts off in the Northern area of Malta, St Paul’s bay and continues towards Sliema, finishing in Malta’s capital City, Valletta. The Malta Challenge Marathon is considered as one of Europe’s most challenging three day marathon.

Malta International Challenge Marathon

The sumptuous interiors of the Presidential Palaces provide the backdrop to a music festival featuring a mix of classical, modern and jazz music. ‘The Three Palaces:

Celebrating Music’ brings together a glittering line-up of international artists as well as established and upcoming local performers, who have all shown excellence in their field.

Three Palaces – Celebrating Music

2nd-8th November

ŻiguŻajg is an annual International Arts Festival for children and young adults. The main objective of this festival is to place children and young people at the core of Malta’s creative ecology.

The festival aims to do this by showcasing professional arts specifically designed for children and young people in various disciplines at a high level of excellence. It does this through the development of a national repertoire of works for children and young people and by creating an accessible and inclusive artistic programme which increases cultural participation.

Żigużajg 2015

Malta is hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting for a second time, having successfully done so in 2005. As an island state in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta has served throughout history as a bridge between North Africa and Europe. Now, as the CHOGM host for 2015, Malta provides a platform for Commonwealth countries to come together to build bridges of cooperation.

CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting)

December

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Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem offers a naturalistic reproduction of the environment of Bethlehem as it was 2000 years ago. Upon entering, a map is given to all visitors to enhance the overall experience. Attractions include the carpenter and blacksmith’s dwellings, the bakery, an open-air market selling seasonal fruits, fish and a wide selection of vegetables, a local crafts area promoting traditional skills and folklore, a tavern, a farmhouse with panoramic roof and the Bethlehem Inn. Each dwelling is inhabited and animated by whole families, to remind everyone that Christmas is a celebration of the family.

The tavern offers local food and wine while the picnic area offers a unique surrounding for a family outing on Sundays. Oil lamps will be

distributed for those who want to visit the live crib by night. Fresh water will be flowing along these structures through a small stream with various water features. The main attraction is certainly the grotto, with baby Jesus in the caring hands of Mary assisted by Joseph with a donkey and a cow close by.

Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem

First weekend of December till First weekend of January

The Gozitano Agricultural Village will be hosting a series of events and activities throughout the festive period. The site will be transformed through music, illuminations and food stalls offering an impressive selection of wines from different countries and different wine regions with over 1000 different wine labels of wine. Other traditional mouth-watering Christmas fare will also be available from these stalls. Other Gozitano attractions include production of traditional Christmas sweets produced by the Institute of Tourism.

Christmas Village (Gozo)

The feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady is regarded as an important feast in Malta’s liturgical calendar, held in the historic town of Bormla, one of the

famous ‘Three Cities’.

The feast is also one of the few major feasts celebrated outside the summer months and it is also a public holiday.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Cospicua (Bormla)

On the 13th December 1974 the Maltese Constitution was amended and Malta became a Republic, having Sir Anthony Mamo as its first President.

Activities marking this historic date take place every year, mostly in Valletta.

Republic Day

13th December

The Euromed young sailors challenge is a competitive sailing race where the

protagonists are youngsters under the age of 16. Launched in 2000, the Euromed Malta Championship today enjoys record entries of around 150 participants from 10 different countries. This sailing challenge is held over 4 days and is open to all boats of the following classes: - [a] Optimist Class [1a] Open Division [1b] Cadet Division [2] Beginners Division - Boys and Girls and have only been sailing for 12 months. [b] Laser 4.7 class, [c] Laser Radial class, [d] Laser Standard Class.

Euromed Young Sailors Challenge

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This grand exhibition of cribs consists of a great variety of artistic work, all of which are the products of numerous enthusiasts involved in the art of crib making. These works are will also be accompanied by colourful floral decorations, all of which are

related to the Nativity theme. The long-standing tradition of crib-making is highlighted in a unique exhibition of cribs made from various materials and utilizing a wide range of techniques.

Cribs & Christmas Art Exhibition

Christmas is a highly celebrated festivity in Malta and Gozo, both for its religious significance as well as its more social aspect. Nativity scenes, cribs displays, carol services and other events are organised in each locality.

For a very special, spiritual evening, one may join the congregation at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta for candlelit carol singing. All churches have a calendar of events, ranging from the procession of Mary and Joseph, to streets with groups of children carol singing. Their interiors will be decked out in papal crimson and altars are adorned with flowers.

Cribs are positively everywhere, from private houses to small chapels. Visiting cribs is a popular activity at Christmastime and many locals spend time going round touring the various ‘presepju’ displays.

Restaurants, hotels, bars and clubs all have their own entertainment, making for an abundant choice of what to do and see.

Christmas Day

On New Year’s Eve, Malta and Gozo offer a very diverse entertainment programme which should suit all kinds of tastes. Activities range from lavish gala nights with the very best Maltese and continental cuisine to top musical acts in and around various venues on the Islands. Certainly, when it comes to welcoming the New Year, Malta pulls out all the stops, especially thanks to our vibrant and exciting Mediterranean character.

New Year’s Eve in Malta & Gozo

The IN GUARDIA PARADE is a re-enactment that evokes an

authentic event that took place regularly inside important military fortifications in Malta and Gozo. The re-enactment portrays the inspection of Fort St Elmo by the Grand Bailiff in charge of military affairs in order to ensure that the fort is in good condition to defend the Valletta peninsula and the two harbours situated on either side of it.

During the re-enactment, the soldiers and knights of the fort’s garrison - some 50 re-enactors in all - are kitted out in their finest uniforms to perform their military drill in order to demonstrate to the Grand Bailiff their state of readiness in the event of a military threat.

The show starts at 11.00 hrs and lasts 45 minutes.

www.wirtartna.org

In Guardia, Fort St Elmo

Various Sundays throughout the year from February till December

One of the main defensive batteries to protect Valletta and the Grand Harbour, the Saluting Battery also doubled as the principle ceremonial gun platform. From here, gun salutes were fired to honour the arrival or departure of a dignitary or naval vessel, as well as to mark sunrise, sunset and the passage of midday. This open-air live-museum is open to the public daily. Gun firings take place daily at 12:00 and 16:00.

www.wirtartna.org

The Saluting Battery

Recurring Events

DATES AND EVENTS DETAILS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION AND LATEST UPDATES PLEASE CONSULT

www.visitmalta.com/events

(TBC) - TO BE CONFIRMED, PRECISE DETAILS OF DATES, VENUES OR ARTISTS WERE STILL TO BE CONFIRMED AT

THE TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. Updated _Events

Calendar Photo - Christian Mangion

www.visitmalta.com/events

THE MALTESE ISLANDS Events Calendar Highlights 2015