Malta – exciting events all year round
Friday 7, January 2011
Programming a diverse array of events and festivals, from the alternative to the spectacular, Malta provides numerous reasons to visit this exciting island in 2011.
At only a 3 hour flight away, Malta is an ideal destination for a weekend break and the islands’ variety of events throughout the year means there’s something for everyone;
Gastronomes can sample Malta’s distinctive flavours and unique culinary techniques in a series of mouth watering festivals that celebrate the island’s delicious food and drink. Film Buffs will discover a special connection with the Maltese Islands, visiting stunning locations around the islands.
Music fans can choose from a multitude of events in stunning locations; With Malta Music Week, which includes the huge Isle of MTV concert, opera festivals, moonlit Jazz concerts and more, Malta is fast becoming Europe’s top music destination and party animals will love the outdoor clubs and plethora of world class DJs who visit.
From Megalithic temples and medieval architecture to Caravaggio and Contemporary Art, Malta’s history and culture is rich with magnificent artefacts and emerging new talent. The place to be for Dance, Theatre, Religious Feasts and Art Exhibitions - those with a passion for history and the arts will be dazzled by the islands’ vibrant cultural events, taking place throughout the year.
Malta is accessible from all over the UK with regular, direct flights scheduled from airports including London, Bristol, Birmingham, East Midlands, Bournemouth, Liverpool, Leeds-Bradford, Manchester, Belfast, Newcastle and Edinburgh. Carriers include Air Malta, Easyjet, BMI Baby and Ryanair.
Please see Malta’s 2011 event programme below
9th & 14th January
Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Performances, Teatru Manoel
A fantastic New Year Concert will be performed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert on the 14th features Maltese virtuoso guitarist Simon Schembri playing with The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Playing Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez this is a
performance not to be missed.
Website: www.teatrumanoel.com.mt & www.maltaculture.com.mt
For further information: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt or 00356 2124 6389.
13th, 22nd & 30th Jan & 4th Feb
FELA! The Musical
St. James Cavalier, Valletta
A provocative and wholly unique hybrid of dance, theatre and music, FELA! explores the world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Tickets €5 - €12.
Website: www.sjcav.org
For further information or to purchase tickets: info@sjcav.org/ 00356 2122 3200.
19th February
Feast of the Shipwreck of St. Paul, Valletta
The first of 2011’s major feasts is celebrated in the Parish Church of St. Paul in Valletta. The Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck remembers the saint's miracles after he took refuge on the island. A procession carries his statue through the streets accompanied by marching bands and fireworks. The feast is also a national holiday in Malta.
For further information contact: Parish Office, info@maltachurch.org.mt /+356 212 23348.
27th February
Malta Marathon (Rabat – Silema)
The first major sport event of the year to be held in Malta has some 700-800 local and international athletes participating each year. The race begins at the gates of the medieval Mdina, taking athletes through pretty countryside and villages and finishing at the seaside resort of Sliema. Entries are already open, please visit the website for an application form.
Website: www.maltamarathon.com
For further information: info@maltamarthon.com
Entry fees: Malta Residents €25.00, UK £30.00, Europe €35.00.
4-8th March
Carnival in Malta
Malta’s Carnival dates back several hundred years to the 16th century when Maltese and the Knights of St John would hold a week-long event leading up to Ash Wednesday.
Today, carnival is celebrated in numerous towns and villages, but especially in Valletta, Floriana and Nadur, Gozo. A riot of colour with decorated floats and extravagant costumes, Carnival is family affair with plenty of merrymaking and marvelling at the inventiveness of the float designers and crews.
The official carnival festivities take place in Valletta from the Friday until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, ending with big procession to Floriana and a fireworks display. Events are held in various locations throughout the week and some charge a small fee
Website: www.maltaculture.com
For further information: 00356 21245168/info@maltaculture.com.
22nd-24th April
Good Friday and Easter celebrations
Easter is a great time to visit the Maltese Islands. Good Friday and Easter are celebrated all over Malta and Gozo with many towns and villages organising processions and pageantry. Main venues for the celebrations will be Zebbug, Qormi, Mosta, Zejtun and Valletta.
Website: www.Visitmalta.com
For further information: info@visitmalta.com
29th-30th April
Malta’s International Fireworks Festival, Valletta
Malta is famous for its fireworks, a tradition which goes back to the time of the Order Of the Knights of St. John. In this spectacular show both local and foreign pyrotechnic companies participate and The Grand Harbour provides the perfect backdrop. The event will feature fireworks displays synchronized to music, as well as a series of competitive displays by Maltese fireworks factories. The festival will form part of the 7th anniversary celebrations of Malta's accession to the European Union.
Website: www.visitmalta.com
For further information: martin.morana@visitmalta.com
7-8th May
Malta Spring Fest (Festa tar-Rebbiegha), Qormi
A celebration of spring with a range of food, entertainment and stalls to promote agriculture and Maltese crafts in the local area. Spread across two days, the town will also host art exhibitions and musical concerts by singers from the local churches.
Website: www.qormilocalcouncil.com
For further information please contact: qormi.lc@gov.mt
16th – 22nd May
Valletta Grand Prix, Valletta, Malta
This annual historic classic car event is the only one of its kind staged entirely around Valletta’s ring road. The main event is the hill climb up Great Siege Road. The event is organised by The Valletta Grand Prix Foundation.
Website: www.vallettagrandprix.com
For further information: info@vallettagrandprix.com
21st-22nd May
Spring Rikottafest, Kirkop
An event built around the manufacturing and use of cottage cheese, treats include delicious pies and sweets.
Website: www.kirkop.gov.mt
For further information: kirkop.lc@gov.mt
10th June
Tadamata, Fgura
The event consists of a food throwing game and a food eating challenge. Various sporting activities and team building events will take place in the centre of Fgura.
For further information please contact: fgura.lc@gov.mt
28th & 29th June
Mnarja Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, Buskett Gardens
Mnarja is one of the oldest festival in the country. A traditional agrarian affair accompanied by folk singing and outdoor feasting of traditional food. Coinciding with the feast of St Peter and St Paul, Mnarji opens the Maltese summer season with open-air folk dancing, singing and horse and donkey races. Join the unusual night-long picnic to sample the original fenkata (stewed rabbit).
Website: www.maltaculture.org
For further information: 00356 21245168/ info@maltaculture.com
1-23rd July
Malta Arts Festival, various locations
From an island whose history is a manifestation of cultures that converge, comes a festival which brings hundreds of artists to its performance platform. The Malta Arts Festival emphasizes the belief that culture is for all and offers an unique journey beyond the boundaries of cultures through music, theatre, dance and visual arts.
The Malta Arts Festival attracts people with different tastes, expectations and of all ages and includes performances by top Maltese and foreign artists.
Website: http://www.maltaartsfestival.com
For further information: info@maltaartsfestvial.com or 00356 2124 5168
14-16th July
Malta International Jazz Festival, Ta’ Liesse
The Malta Jazz Festival is held over three nights at Ta’ Liesse, with its breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour. This Festival features a line-up of top international and Maltese artists who present an eclectic mix of jazz styles from the current musical scene.
Website http://www.maltajazzfestival.org
For more information: 00356 2124 5168 or info@maltaculture.com
30th July
Farsons Great Beer Festival, Ta’ Qali, Malta
Held at Malta's Ta'Qali National Park, the Farsons Great Beer Festival is a celebration of live music, food and drink. Take part in the beer-drinking competition or just sample different brews in the many bars.
Tickets: Entrance is free
Website: http://www.farsons.com/beerfestival/page.asp?n=thefestival
For further information, please contact: Yanika Mattei at yanikam@farsons.com
15th September
Qala International Folk Festival, Qala, Gozo
During this day various local and foreign folk groups entertain the public. The little village Qala is located in Gozo. Music, dancing, singing, colourful cloths and the unique atmosphere turn the quiet village into a fascinating centre of culture and multinational
folklore traditions.
Website: www.qala.gov.mt
For further information: qala.lc@gov.mt
24th&25th September
Malta International Air Show, Luga
Visitors will be thrilled by static and mobile displays of aircraft from all over the world. Meet the pilots and watch parachutists drifting down from the skies.
Website: www.maltairshow.com
Tickets: €10 and under 14s free. Daily schedule 10am-5.30pm.
Contact: 00356-9947-1429 or 00356 2369 6320
October (date tbc)
Rolex Middle Sea Race, Malta
One of the oldest and toughest offshore racing Classics, the Middle Sea Race takes the fleet on a 606-mile journey from Malta's historic Grand Harbour around the Italian island of Sicily and back. Over 40 seasoned sailors will race in boats from the world's top designers, braving demanding conditions. Entrants can submit online entry - forms at the website listed below.
Website: www.rolexmiddlesearace.com
For further information: Alex on +356 21333109 or alex@rmyc.org
30th October
Chocolate Festival, Hamrun
A celebration of all things chocolate. The festival includes various uses of chocolate, exhibition of chocolate sculptures and paintings as well as a chocolate cake competition.
The highlight of the festival will see Grand Master Perellos parade through the streets and come to taste the original chocolate drink of his era.
For further information: hamrun.lc@gov.mt
2nd-6th November
Malta International Choir Festival, Floriana - Valletta
The Malta International Choir Competition & Festival, or the Festival of Sacred and Secular Music, invites international choral groups of various levels to perform in several churches.
Website: www.interkultur.com
For further information: martin.morana@visitmalta.com
3rd-5th December
Nadur Christmas market, Gozo
Organised by Nadur local council, this market consists of local crafts, toys, cakes and Christmas decorations, held in the main square of Nadur.
Website: www.nadur.gov.mt
For further details: 00356 2155 8080 or nadur.lc@gov.mt
28th – 30th December
The Malta International Folk Festival, Various locations
Street defiles in Bormla, Zebbug and Tarxien with 12 different folk groups and bands from 11 countries including France, Italy Greece and India.
Website: www.zebbuggozo.com/ www.bormla.gov.mt/ www.tarxienlocalcouncil.org
For further information: zebbug.lc@gov.mt/ tarxien.lc@gov.mt
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