International Fireworks Festival – April 2016

Fireworks in Malta have a long tradition which goes back to the time of the Order of the Knights of St. John. The feu de joie using gun salutes, the musketterija firing of muskets, the solfarelli d’aria, St. Catherine’s wheels (irdieden) and other forms of fireworks originated from explosives that were lit off from mortars (maskli) as an expression of rejoicing. Special occasions when such festivities were held were: the election of a Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St. John, the election of a Pope who was the overall protector and ruler of the Order, the birth of a prince from a friendly European state or else to mark an important victory over the Ottoman military might. Fireworks developed into a craft when the Maltese started to celebrate the events connected to their British rulers in the 19th and 20th centuries. This centuries-old tradition is still very much alive in the crowded calendar of village festas that take place all over Malta and Gozo, especially in the summer months.

The Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority will be organising the 15th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival.

Pyrothecnic displays will take place on:
Saturday 16th April, Saturday 23rd April and Saturday 30th April 2016

Carnival 2016 – That time of the year again!

Carnival in Malta is a colourful extravaganza of huge artistic papier-maché floats parade through the streets of Valletta, accompanied by boisterous brass bands and a cacophony of dancers and revellers in outrageous costumes. By night the party continues in the clubs and bars of Paceville.

In Nadur, Gozo, carnival takes on a zany and yet macabre mood, with grotesque masks and satirical floats parading through the streets of the town at night.

Book your accommodation in Nadur, Gozo

Malta’s own Baroque Festival

Built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565 and consequently adorned by its eight langues, Valletta not only had to serve as a powerful fort, but was also to become a strongpoint of culture, economy and politics in the world. Embellished at the height of the baroque period, Valletta rose to become a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen.

The Valletta International Baroque Festival has been conceived purposely as a celebration of this baroque identity of Valletta. For two weeks, between the 16th and the 30th of January 2016, Valletta will resound with music from the period when it was built.

For more details, visit http://www.vallettabaroquefestival.com.mt.

Malta: Top 10 Photos for 2015

2015 has been an eventful year for the Maltese Islands with international events such as the Valletta Summit and The Commonwealth Heads of State Meeting (CHOGM). We have celebrated the opening of the new Parliament designed by the world renowened architect, Renzo Piano. Auberge de Castille housing the Prime Minister’s office had a new square done up, and Fort St. Angelo was ready from restoration, just in time to host the dignitaries attending the CHOGM.

Above are the TOP 10 Photos taken in 2015 as shortlisted by Maltavillageholidays.com

Maltese Festa colours in 2015 Calendar

The Maltese Village ‘festa’ is a colourful expression of the Maltese culture and identity, that which can be referred to as “Maltese Moments”, the Maltese way to celebrate. These are some of the moments captured on film that manifest the true colours of the Maltese festa.

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These images are taken from the 2015 MTA Desk Calendar.

Voli Palermo – Malta da €78

E’ stato da poco lanciato un servizio aereo tra la Sicilia e Malta con voli diretti fra l’aeroporto Falcone–Borsellino di Palermo e quello dell’isola maltese.

Si può prenotare un volo per soli €78. La compania aerea MaltaFly sta pubblicizzando il servizio operando un aero Embraer EMB 120 da 30 posti.

Per maggiore informazione e la possibilità di prenotare online – Maltafly.it

Fly Malta – Palermo from just €78

A new service between the islands of Malta and Sicily has been recently launched offering direct return flights between Malta International Airport and Falcone–Borsellino Airport in Palermo, Sicily.

From just €78, one can book a flight between the islands on the 30-passenger Embraer EMB 120 advertised by the company.

More information and online booking at Maltafly.it