Festa Traditions

14 Jan 2016

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International Fireworks Festival – April 2016

Sticky Post By Editor On January 14, 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

09 Jan 2016

Sticky Post By Editor Posted in Activities, Events, Festa Traditions, Heritage, News Permalink

Carnival 2016 – That time of the year again!

Sticky Post By Editor On January 9, 2016

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

05 Dec 2014

Sticky Post By Editor Posted in Festa Traditions, Photos, Religious Traditions With 1 Comment Permalink

Maltese Festa colours in 2015 Calendar

Sticky Post By Editor On December 5, 2014 With 1 Comment

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.

06 Nov 2014

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Christmas in Malta

Sticky Post By Editor On November 6, 2014 With No Comments

Christmas is a one of the most celebrated feasts on the Maltese islands. It has its high religious significance but also a social aspect bringing the families and community together. During the festive season one can visit various nativity scenes, displays of cribs, carol services and other events organised in each locality on the islands. For the special spiritual evening, join the congregation at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta for candlelit carol singing.

The spectacular cribs, considered as one of the unique traditions in Malta, are available for display in small chapels, village halls and even in private houses. In fact, visiting the artistic and elaborate crib displays during Christmas-time is a popular activity both amongst locals and visitors. Some of them are a result of long hours of meticulous work by dedicated craftsmen.

Spending the Christmas time in Malta is a memorable experience.

16 Sep 2014

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Notte Bianca Valletta 2014

Sticky Post By Editor On September 16, 2014 With No Comments

Notte Bianca is once again set to light up the cityscape of Valletta on 4th October 2014. This year’s edition promises again a spectacular all-night-long celebration of people, culture and arts. The streets and cultural venues in the Maltese capital Valletta will host a variety of entertainment for all ages.

State palaces and museums will open 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, will come alive on Notte Bianca, guaranteeing a memorable night that truly holds something for everyone.

18 Aug 2014

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From Grape to Wine (See how it is done)

Sticky Post By Editor On August 18, 2014 With No Comments

The village of Siggiewi is known for its agricultural heritage, it’s picturesque bay and the stunning views from Laferla Cross. This same hill that hosts one of the island’s most important landmarks, also hosts numerous vineyards that produce award-winning wines.

For the third year running, the village will be hosting Festa Gheneb – a feast celebrating the crop and its main product – wine. Cuddled in the village’s main square, under the imposing statue of Saint Nicholas, Siggiewi will once again welcome locals and foreigners to enjoy the traditional art of wine making and taste some of its best produce.

The festival is to be held on Saturday 23rd August and visitors are welcome to join in from 7:00pm onwards. Entrance to the event is free of charge.

18 Jul 2014

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Join the fun at Malta’s largest Beer Festival

Sticky Post By Editor On July 18, 2014 With No Comments

The Farsons Beer Festival is ready to celebrate another summer in a 10-day traditional festival held at Ta’ Qali Park. Featuring the best in local and international award-winning beers, the festival is also a great opportunity to enjoy live music with Malta’s best line-up of musicians and artists.

At the Farsons Beer Festival you cannot miss the popular local brand of lagers and ales; the Cisk. This range of Maltese beer includes Cisk Lager, Cisk Export Premium Lager, Cisk Chill, Cisk Excel Low-Carbohydrate Lager, and classic brews such as Hopleaf Pale Ale and Blue Label Ale.

The festival also features a range of international beers and ciders including speciality brews from the UK. With over thirteen bars, sixty draught installations and fourteen local and international award-winning beer brands, the Farsons Beer Festival, Malta’s largest outdoor event of the year, is truly a celebration of the best beers on the island.

Since 1981, the Farsons Beer Festival has been building a reputation of showcasing top Maltese artists and bands. This year, a selection of talented local and international musicians will perform on two stages every night within the unique setting of Malta’s National Park.

Enjoyed by people of all ages, the open-air Festival is a safe and great family outing or night out with friends and with free entrance and parking provided, it is the summer event not to be missed.

The Festival runs from Friday, 25th July to Sunday 3th August 2014, and opens at 8pm every night.

Download the full Programme for Farsons Beer Festival 2014

24 Jun 2014

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[PHOTOS] Agricultural Fair in the heart of Gozo

Sticky Post By Editor On June 24, 2014 With No Comments

Walking into the small square behind the Parish Church in Nadur, known to the local folk as il-pjazzetta, you could already notice the smell of hay as it welcomed visitors to the 21st Annual Agrarian Festival. A small, picturesque fair showcasing the villagers’ love and pride.

Thinking of spending your holiday in Gozo? Check out this romantic Farmhouse Villa in Nadur.

07 Apr 2014

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Mgarr turns red during Strawberry Festival

Sticky Post By Editor On April 7, 2014 With No Comments

The annual strawberry festival has once again attracted hoards of locals and tourists to the quiet farmers’ village of Mgarr. The otherwise calm village square turns red with fresh strawberries and other food and drink items with strawberry as their main ingredient. The red, ripe hand-picked fruit attracts thousands of visitors to taste not just the fresh fruit, but also the tasty pastries, pancakes, waffles, ice-cream, sorbets, milkshakes and the much sought-after delicate strawberry wine.

We also spotted a pizza with strawberries on one of the stalls surrounding the village Church.

Visitors enjoyed their Sunday outing followed by lunch in the square or a picnic in the rural area, close to the gorgeous Gnejna Bay.

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Malta Village Holidays recommends staying at the following properties to explore and enjoy Mgarr and the surroundings:

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01 Apr 2014

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Religion and Traditions in Gozo: Easter 2014

Sticky Post By Editor On April 1, 2014 With No Comments

Discover the Easter rites and traditions during a 2-week intensive programme on the island of Gozo. Find out how the locals immerse themselves in the rituals pertaining to this holy period of the year, and how they celebrate Easter in Church and in their villages.

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Download Programme in PDF
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