Guide Me February/March 2018

February/march 2018 €3 The official visitors’ guide of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association

A SHOWCASE OF MALTA

Culture

Exploring Maltese band clubs

Gozo

The island’s seasonal highlights

Cuisine

The flavours of Mediterranean and local cuisines

The national events, shows and festivities you mustn’t miss

your guide to events | fashion | eating & drinking | shopping

INSIDE

February/March 2018 EDITOR Martina Said PUBLISHERS Content House Group ADVERTISING Head of Advertising Sales Matthew Spiteri Advertising Sales Executives Jean Mark Meli, Matthew Sciriha Advertising Sales Coordinator Elena Dimech Art Direction & Design Antoinette Micallef Box Design – T: +356 7969 1212

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Photo: viewingmalta.com

12 Calendar of events

21 Valletta

The major events taking place in Malta and Gozo throughout February and March 2018.

Surrounded by sea – Curator Maren Richter tells Marie-Claire Grima about the largest contemporary art exhibition taking place during Valletta’s year as European Capital of Culture.

15 Cover story

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Photo: viewingmalta.com

The rich revelry of Maltese feasts – Rebecca Anastasi delves into the many local happenings taking place over the coming months, including street parties, local pageantry and traditional festivities.

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Photography A Maltese Mouthful; Ali Tollervey; Chris Azzopardi; Design Sorbet; Kelly Allison Photography; Little Rock; Malta Tourism Authority; Michele Agius; Our Lady of the Lily Band Club of Mqabba; Picture Perfect Malta; St Gabriel Band Club; The Phoenicia; Tom Doms

Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel, BKR3000.

T: +356 2132 0713 E: info@contenthouse.com.mt W: www.contenthouse.com.mt Guide Me is published every two months in Malta.

This issue covers the period February/March 2018.

The magazine is the official visitors’ guide of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association. The publication is distributed free of charge in the individual rooms of three, four and five star hotels.

Guide Me is also distributed for free from MTA offices in Malta and Gozo and at the La Valette Club within the Malta International Airport (MIA). It is also sold at leading newsagents in Malta and Gozo, including those at The Valletta Waterfront and at MIA.

Cover picture:

Ray Chen will be performing at the Malta International Music Festival on 26th April 2018 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

For more information refer to pages 4 & 5.

Photo: Tom Doms

Editorial opinions expressed in Guide Me are not necessarily those of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association or of Content House Group and both organisations do not accept responsibility for editorial or advertising content.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited.

INSIDE

February/March 2018 page 31

Ġgantija Temples - Photo: viewingmalta.com

31 Gozo

A Gozitan weekend getaway – Despite its miniscule size, the sister island of Gozo is brimming with charm and character, especially at this time of year. Sarah Micallef recommends what not to miss.

43 Weddings

Let’s get married in Malta! – Planning your very own destination wedding? Jo Caruana rounds up the top reasons why you should get married in Malta.

47 Fashion

8 fashion trends to expect in 2018 – From lovely shades of lavender to embellished shoes and… plastic, Martina Said selects eight fashion trends that are expected to be big this year.

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55 Cuisine

A snapshot of Maltese cuisine – There’s a lot to love about Mediterranean, and Maltese, cuisines.

Jo Caruana discovers what’s in season at this time of year, and how best to savour it.

61 Eating & Drinking Find the perfect place to wine and dine on the islands with our handy restaurant guide.

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page 83

67 Culture

Welcome to the club – Band clubs are a unique part of local culture, but what are they exactly, and what is their role in modern Maltese society?

Marie-Claire Grima finds out.

Photo: Little Rock

FOREWORD

Welcome to the Maltese islands!

ISSUE

77 February/March 2018

Valletta

T

he start of a new year leaves us feeling all sorts of things – confused at how fast the previous year came and went, motivated about prospects the new year might bring, and also a little underwhelmed after a very busy December, when our personal and cultural calendars are at an annual high. Well, 2018 is shaping up to be a consistently jam-packed year, not least in view of Valletta’s role as European Capital of Culture (Valletta 2018).

After an impressive opening

event on 20th January, the year’s calendar of events has kicked off, and it’s looking very exciting indeed.

For a full spectrum of national and local events taking place over the coming months, turn to the Cover Story and the Valletta feature on pages 15 and 21 respectively – from Carnival revelry and Easter week festivities to an interview with Maren Richter about the largest Valletta 2018 contemporary art exhibition taking place in the coming months which she’ll be curating, there’s a variety of events to appeal to all.

If you’re after a typically Maltese experience in a truly local setting, then a visit to a band club is an absolute must. But what is a band club, and what is its role in Maltese culture? Turn to page 67 to find out.

From a snapshot of Maltese cuisine within our Mediterranean context to a round-up of the best things to see and do in Gozo at this time of year, and much more, we hope you enjoy this issue of Guide Me.

Martina Said EDITOR

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2018 1 February-1 March Embedded - Exhibition by Violet Kulewska – A collection of abstract, biomorphic paintings by Violet Kulewska, inspired by the marine fossil remains found inside Maltese limestone, will be exhibited to the public free of charge at Palazzo De La Salle in Valletta. Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-7pm; Sat until 1.30pm.

event is celebrated across the Maltese islands, with the boldest and brightest activities centred in the capital city of Valletta. For four days, the city’s historic streets come to life with marching bands, fancy dress competitions and dancers in elaborate costume. But the highlight of this age-old celebration is certainly the carnival float parade that features all manner of impressive hand-made floats. www.artscouncilmalta.org

2-4 February My Fair Lady The Musical – One of the most popular musicals of all time, My Fair Lady, tells the tale of a Cockney flower girl who takes speech lessons from Prof.

Higgins, so that she may pass as a lady.

For tickets, visit www.mcc.com.mt

9 February Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Concert Carmen Fantasy – 20th-century American double bass pedagogue Stuart Sankey dedicated his career to expanding the instrument’s repertoire, and his Carmen Fantasy, inspired

by Bizet’s famous opera, will be the centrepiece of this Malta Philharmonic Orchestra concert. Directed by the MPO’s resident conductor Michael Laus, and taking place at the Teatru Manoel, the concert also features a performance of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony and Ravel’s Ma Mère l’Oye. www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

9-13 February Carnival – The Maltese carnival is one of Malta’s oldest festivities, harking back to the rule of the Knights of the Order of Saint John. Today, this colourful

10 February Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck – The feast is held to commemorate the shipwreck of St Paul, who was on his way to Rome from Jerusalem when a storm blew his vessel onto Malta’s shores. According to tradition, St Paul established the first Christian community on the island. Religious ceremonies and street festivities are held in and around St Paul’s Shipwreck Parish, Valletta. This event is a national public holiday and a religious feast.

11, 18, 25 February, 4, 11, 18, 25 March In Guardia Parade – The In Guardia Parade is a re-enactment that portrays an authentic event that took place inside Malta’s major fortifications. The re-enactment portrays the inspection of Fort St Elmo and its garrison by the Grand Bailiff of the Order of the Knights of St John in charge of military affairs.

During the re-enactment, some 50 actors kitted-out in their uniforms perform their military drill to demonstrate to the Grand Bailiff its state of readiness. The show begins at 11am and lasts 45 minutes.

17 February Icon Island - a Live Battle of Pictures and Sounds – Icon Island, which will take place at the Salesians’ Theatre in Sliema, is a project by Virgil Widrich, an Austrian filmmaker and director known for his experimental films and multi-media works. The collage of visuals is inspired by films dealing with the mystic and romantic journey to islands representing alternative societies or different states of mind. www.valletta2018.org

22-25 February Vivanda – Vivanda is an international culinary event focused on Euro Mediterranean gastronomical traditions, cultures and innovations.

During this culinary event, which will take place at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, hundreds of trade visitors are given the opportunity to encounter innovations in the world of food and drink. www.mfcc.com.mt

23 February, 23 March Changing of the Guards – The Changing of the Guards Ceremony is held every last Friday of the month at St George’s Square, Valletta. The parade commences at 10.30am, with the AFM Band marching down Republic Street onto St George’s Square, Valletta. Here, the new guard marches out from the Main Guard in order to replace the old guard who marches out from The Palace. Following the exchange of ‘duties’ the AFM Band conducts a marching display in the same square.

For the full online Malta Calendar of Events please go to: www.visitmalta.com/events-calendar 12

23-24 February Mokadelic Perform Gomorrah – Inside the immersive atmosphere of the MITP ‘black box’ theatre, experimental Italian band Mokadelic prepares to unleash a heady mix of ambient, post-rock and neo-psychedelic sounds. Mokadelic have earned a reputation for emotional musical backdrops, and this set unrolls music from their albums and soundtracks, including their haunting score for the hit television series, Gomorrah. Experimental Maltese band, Eyes to Argus, will open for the main act. www.valletta2018.org

24-25 February Aňos Luz – The Spanish shadow theatre company Luz Micro y Punto works with the age-old craft of shadow puppetry to create visually stunning masterpieces. Años Luz is a performance that takes the viewer on an inspiring journey of musical discovery, using both traditional and contemporary shadow theatre techniques to merge reality and dream in an inimitable world of music and colour. www.valletta2018.org

this new and daring production of the iconic masterpiece is the second of three operas by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Lorenzo Da Ponte that are being produced

by Teatru Manoel. Malta’s lavish national theatre frames this definitive portrait of a rake, a young libertine whose racy exploits scandalise all who cross his path – until he meets one who cannot be swayed by his charisma. www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

9-18 March California Suite – This comedy by Neil Simon, taking place at the MADC Playhouse in St Venera, consists of four rousing situations set in Suite 203 of the Beverley Hills Hotel. The story centres around a magazine writer from New York wrangling over custody of her daughter; a husband from Philadelphia caught en flagrante delicto; an academy award nominee from London and her dodgy husband, and, lastly, a disastrous ‘couple’ on vacation from Chicago. www.madc.com.mt

Vodafone Malta Marathon – This marathon sees some 4,500 participants taking part in either the full- or halfrun. Both races start from Mdina and wind through the country roads, as well as through towns, to reach the Finish Line at the Sliema Strand. A third race category is the Endo Walkathon (21.097km) which is a walk-jog-run-race.

5-11 March Mozart’s Don Giovanni – Teatru Manoel’s annual major opera this year will be Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Directed by Jack Furness, with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Philip Walsh,

24-25 March Jesus Christ Superstar Live Musical – Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1970 rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The production will take place in Gozo’s Teatru Astra, under the artistic direction of London based Hugh Wooldridge, and the musical direction of Mro Sigmund Mifsud. For tickets, visit www.ticketline.com.mt

25 March Unity in Music Diversity – This DJ music festival will host diverse genres, with multiple DJs playing sets in a single venue. The concept behind this event, which will be held at Chateau Buskett in Siġġiewi, is to present the different sounds and beats that have spawned so much diversity in dance music under one roof. www.valletta2018.org

30 March 10 March-1 July

25 February

the world from the villainous maestro? For bookings, visit www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

Valletta 2018 Main Exhibition Dal-Baħar Madwarha – This multisite exhibition, consisting of existing works and commissions of more than 25 international artists, will engage with current Mediterranean political and cultural realities. See p21 for more details. www.valletta2018.org

17-19 March Hush – Teatru Manoel Youth Theatre (TMYT) will perform this original musical.

Why is little Gus Nightingale, a boy from a famous musical family, suddenly so silent? What very dreadful thing could have happened to cause him to hush?

Can he find his true voice again and save

Holy Week, Good Friday & Easter Sunday – Good Friday and Easter are celebrated in Malta in a liturgical and ceremonial manner. Some 17 different towns and villages commemorate the Passion of Christ through a solemn procession of statues. Each of these statues represents a particular episode in the Passion of Christ and is carried by pallbearers.

Many processions feature men in penitence bearing a cross and sometimes dragging chains tied to their bare feet.

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COVER STORY

The Rich Revelry of Maltese Feasts Make your trip a celebration to remember by diving into the street parties, pageantry and the spirit of festivities on the Maltese islands at this time of year. Rebecca Anastasi has the highlights.

Winter ends early in Malta.

By the time shops have taken down their January sale signs and the sun’s rays have won a few extra minutes at the end of the day, the islands have already geared up for the next spate of celebrations. Mainland Europe may have not yet shed its winter skin, but this small Mediterranean rock has whipped out its dancing shoes, and is leaping towards spring by commemorating some of these time-honoured traditions.

Sensorial Pleasures at Carnival Music pulsates, bouncing off the ramparts and fortifications of Valletta, while brightly-coloured floats and dancers, in constellations of sequinned fancy-dress, jig in bold street parades

making their way down the grid of the capital’s streets. Today’s carnival evolved from the revelry which started to take place during the time of the Knights of St John. First held in the 16th century, today’s festivities are not confined to Valletta, but parties are held all over the islands to mark the period before the Lenten season, with towns and villages putting up their own version of the feast.

This year, the event, taking place between 9th and 13th February, is bound to be more vibrant and energetic, with the newly-restored Triton Fountain, at the entrance of the capital, having been unveiled just a few weeks ago and with the city celebrating its moment of glory as European Capital of Culture 2018.

During the day, marching bands will Carnival float in Valletta - Photo: viewingmalta.com

Photo: Gregory Iron - viewingmalta.com

join the float parade – made up of an assortment of satirical, humorous, or just downright wild and artistic platforms – while children in costume (expect to see your fair share of little Elsas and Annas) gawp and gasp at the tornado of colours and textures. Perlini (carnival sweets made of sugar-coated almonds in pastel colours) will be sold by the bucket load, and Pjazza San Ġorġ, just in front of the Grandmaster’s Palace in Republic Street, will see dance groups perform, their vibrant clouds of taffeta billowing like coloured smoke in a feast for the young and old alike.

The masquerade continues on Malta’s sister island of Gozo, where the spontaneous carnival of Nadur has established its reputation as the purveyor of the true carnivalesque.

Also taking place over the same dates, this is darker and more surreal; an event which celebrates the absurd, the macabre and the grotesque. When the sun goes down on this small Gozitan village, masked carnival-goers emerge with costumes to frighten and astonish. ➜ 15

COVER STORY Frequently biting, yet always surprising, the placards and disguised revellers will not be easily forgotten.

Colour it Red at the Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck Malta’s Catholic traditions are welladvertised, especially in summer when the season of the Maltese festa is in full swing. But, the 10th February, a national public holiday on the islands, marks what is probably one of the biggest celebrations of Maltese Catholicism: the shipwreck of St Paul. The eponymous saint is said to have – literally – crashed onto the island on his way to Rome from Jerusalem, when a storm blew his vessel against the limestone shore.

During his short time here, he is credited with establishing the first Christian community in Malta.

Most of the festivities centre on the Church of St Paul’s Shipwreck in the capital: the streets are decorated in red overhanging banners for the event, which culminates in an evening procession around the heaving streets. Thousands congregate outside the church at 6pm to watch as priests, altar-boys and cape bearers carry crosses, lanterns and flags, while the statue bearers inside are preparing to lift the sculpture of St Paul in wood by the Maltese Baroque artist, Melchiorre Gafà.

Sfineġ - Photo: viewingmalta.com

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Siġġiewi church on Maundy Thursday - Photo: viewingmalta.com

The ringing of the church bells reaches fever pitch, the frenzied crowds cheer and chant, and the fireworks colour the sky as the statue is carried out on the backs of the Pawlini, spilling out onto the streets. Confetti pepper the air as the procession heads down St Paul’s Street and makes its way around Valletta to St John’s CoCathedral where a commemorative ceremony is held, with prayers and readings from the Bible. St Paul is then carried back towards his church, and the celebrations continue through the night and into the early morning.

Romance on the Rock on Valentine’s Day Even though Valentine’s Day falls mid-week this year – on a Wednesday – restaurants are sure to be full to the gills that evening. If you don’t fancy dining out, or you make it a point to shun the overt commercialism of the day, there’s still plenty to do to celebrate your love in Malta.

Book yourselves a couple’s massage at one of the island’s upmarket hotels and spend the day by the indoor (or if it’s warm enough, outdoor) pool; for the more active, put your hiking boots on and take a walk in Gozo’s picturesque countryside, stopping only to lay down your wares for a beach picnic by the sea; or simply buy a bottle of wine and

enjoy the stunning Grand Harbour at night from Valletta, probably the most romantic view on the island.

If you’re single, make it a night to remember (or forget) by heading to the hotspot of Paceville, up the road from St Julian’s, or to one of the many bars dotting Valletta’s crowded side streets, where you’ll find other likeminded souls looking for a good time.

Lenten Feasting in the Name of St Joseph Malta could never be accused of not having enough public holidays, or enough reasons not to indulge – even during Lent. The 19th of March, the feast of St Joseph, celebrates the life of Jesus’ foster father and always occurs in the 40-day run-up to Good Friday. Commemorated throughout the Roman Catholic world, the Maltese iteration involves lots of good food (of course) and fireworks (of course), apart from the special Church celebrations, held in Rabat. A vibrant procession, moving to the tune played by the local band, takes place in the evening in this town, when the statue of St Joseph is carried from the National Sanctuary to the Church of St Mary of Jesus.

The atmosphere is electric, with fireworks illuminating the sky before, during and after the procession, while locals and visitors get their hands ➜

COVER STORY sticky with żeppoli, traditional sugary treats consisting of deep-fried or baked choux pastry filled with sweet ricotta.

Soft, and with a lingering taste of cinnamon and citrus, the confection, also known as sfineġ, also includes chocolate, candied peel and fruit beat in with the ricotta, and sometimes topped with chopped hazelnuts. There is a savoury version as well, in which anchovies are mixed in with the ricotta used to stuff the deep-fried bread dough. Not for your diet days, these treats are so more-ish, you’ll be craving them long into the spring season.

The Rise of a Maltese Easter Easter has traditionally been a very solemn occasion in Malta – particularly on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday – with radio stations in the 1970s and 80s even playing funereal marches instead of pop music. But, today, the holiday is marked by commemorative activities and sweet treats loved by adults and children alike.

The international symbol of Easter – the chocolate egg – is popular with children on the island, but the traditional pastry known as figolla is probably one of the most beloved symbols of Maltese identity. An almond-filled confection, in the shape of a rabbit, lamb, fish or heart, this sweet treat is only eaten at this time of year (which may also account for its popularity) and joins an array of unique specialities, savoury and sweet, consumed during Lent: kusksu, a fava bean soup which is also a symbol of spring on the islands; qagħaq ta’ l-Appostli, also known as Apostles’ bread rings, a type of bread topped with almonds or sesame seeds; and kwareżimal, a small cake flavoured with honey, rose water, and topped with almonds or pistachios (kwareżimal 18

purists insist on these nuts being preferable to the sometimes more cheaply produced peanut topping).

A sombre period of mourning is still observed during Holy Week.

On Maundy Thursday, white flowers decorate church altars, the most stunning examples of which can be seen in the Three Cities of Isla, Bormla and Birgu. In the evening, churches drape their paintings in purple or black velvet, as people stream down the aisles to participate in a tradition called The Seven Visits: the reciting of a set of prayers in front of seven different altars.

Most observe this custom on Good Friday too, with a sizable amount of the population heading to Valletta. The genial atmosphere in the capital is, in no small part, due to the sociable nature of the Maltese, with many stopping to say hello to friends and family as they crisscross the several churches lining the city’s streets. In the late afternoon, at around 5pm, many towns and villages commemorate the Passion of Christ with a solemn procession of statues, each of which represents a different stage in the stations of the cross.

Thousands attend to watch the cortege as hundreds of actors dressed up as biblical characters, Jewish priests and Roman soldiers make their way from the church. The most spectacular of these can be found in Rabat, Żebbuġ and Mosta in Malta, and Xagħra in Gozo, where penitents bearing a cross, Regatta - Photo: Luke Scicluna - viewingmalta.com

and dragging chains barefoot, create an even more dramatic spectacle.

The celebrations end on Easter Sunday with a big family lunch often consisting of roast lamb with all the trimmings – and, of course, figolla for dessert!

Rowing Towards Freedom Day Evidence of Malta’s colonial history is everywhere. It is etched in its buildings, streets and in the Maltese language itself, rich in its linguistic overlap of cultures, empires and influences.

The land’s geography has moulded its identity, when successive waves of conquerors stepped on the shores and made it their own. But, on 31st March 1979, this tiny rock in the Mediterranean Sea was reclaimed back by the Maltese when the last of the British forces left the island.

The event is commemorated every year with a military parade to the Freedom Day monument in Birgu, where national leaders place floral wreaths at its base. Maltese flags dominate the skyline and the sound of celebratory bells ring through the air. In the afternoon, the Grand Harbour regatta, which usually starts at noon, punctuates the majestic port in colourful rowing boats, lined up to participate in the competition. Crowds congregate at the Upper Barrakka gardens or the waterfront in Valletta to cheer their team and be swept away by the heady, and salty, excitement.

VALLETTA

SURROUNDED

BY SEA

Maren Richter, the curator of Dal-Baħar Madwarha – the largest contemporary art exhibition taking place during Valletta’s run as European Capital of Culture this year – tells Marie-Claire Grima about the juxtaposition and layers of life in a tiny Mediterranean archipelago.

Throughout history, the Maltese islands have been defined by their relationship with the Mediterranean Sea that encircles them. Valletta 2018’s largest contemporary art exhibition, DalBaħar Madwarha (The Island is What the Sea Surrounds), explores this relationship. Curated by Maren Richter, it will consist of an indoor

exhibition as well as installations and interventions in a number of public spaces. “Dal-Baħar Madwarha is a multi-site journey and sometimes adventurous expedition into the known and unknown places, times and narratives of Malta – juxtaposing the visible and invisible, the tangible and elusive and sensual

Valletta - Photo: viewingmalta.com

Handheld guide Download the free iMalta app to help you find your way around the islands by suggesting the best places to visit and sights to see.

Maren Richter - Photo: Michele Agius

life in Malta,” Ms Richter says. “It playfully, engagingly and critically explores the fact that Malta is surrounded by the sea and the resulting ‘islandness’ – a joyful expedition through ideas of the fluid and the built, of coming and going on the archipelago.” ➜ 21

VALLETTA

VALLETTA 2018 EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS – FEBRUARY TO MARCH

Valletta

Ms Richter, an international curator based in Austria, was the artistic director of REGIONALE12 – Biennial of Contemporary Art in Austria, and a project developer and curator for contemporary art for Linz, when the city held the European Capital of Culture title in 2009.

She has curated exhibitions in various countries, including Taiwan, Germany, Belgium and South Africa. Ms Richter explains that the idea of European Capital of Culture is to celebrate the diversity of cultures within the European continent. “It was so rewarding to have been able to work in Malta and explore the many layers the country offers – to get to know a completely different angle of Europe, of culture, food and geography, and to think about how this can be translated into a cultural project.

Malta is very rich as a result of the diverse influences and cultures that have passed through it over time. If we want to talk about identity today we have to be very aware of our roots of diversity.

The exhibition takes Malta’s vivid history and its rich culture of the present as well as its geographic position between Europe and Africa as a point of departure.” ➜ 22

2-10 February - The Snake Show The Snake Show tells the story of the changing perception of snakes throughout history – from prehistoric examples to contemporary perceptions. Formerly a symbol of wisdom, fertility and life, the snake lost its positive meaning with the arrival of St Paul to Malta, his encounter with a snake, and the advent of Christianity.

The exhibition presents art works by contemporary artists as well as research material, archival, documentary objects and found objects. (188B, St Lucy Street, Valletta) 3 February - The Other Europeans A group of 14 leading klezmer (Yiddish) and lautari (Roma) musicians, unite to present a super group that creates powerful, deeply emotional music, restoring a centuries-old cooperation between two groups who inhabited the same space in present-day Moldova before being torn apart by war, the Holocaust and immigration. (St Agatha’s Auditorium, Rabat) 9 February - Carmen Fantasy Stuart Sankey’s Carmen Fantasy, inspired

by Bizet’s famous opera, will be the centrepiece of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert. The concert, directed by the MPO’s resident conductor Michael Laus, also features a performance of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony and Ravel’s Ma Mère l’Oye. (Teatru Manoel, Valletta) 17 February - Rockquiem The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra – with a rock band in tow – will be embarking on a performance of Rockquiem, a rock reimagining of Mozart’s famous last work, the Requiem Mass he left unfinished at the time of his death, together with the MPO Chorus under the direction of Italian conductor and chorus master Riccardo Bianchi. (St Agatha’s Auditorium, Rabat) 5, 7 and 9 March - Mozart’s Don Giovanni Teatru Manoel’s annual major opera for 2018 is Mozart’s Don Giovanni, a portrait of a rake whose racy exploits

scandalise all who cross his path – until he meets one who cannot be swayed by his charisma. The production will be directed by Jack Furness, with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Philip Walsh. (Teatru Manoel, Valletta) 10 March-1 July Dal-Baħar Madwarha Maren Richter curates Valletta 2018’s major visual arts exhibition, with art installations, performances and public interventions taking place in both traditional and unexpected locales across the country.

Richter is working with more than 25 established and emerging artists from 15 countries, including Malta, France, Austria, Egypt, Germany, Syria, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Ghana, Spain, and Palestine – who are collaborating with local partners around the islands. (Various venues) 17-19 March - Hush Why is little Gus Nightingale, a boy from a famous musical family, suddenly so silent? What very dreadful thing could have happened to cause him to HUSH? Can he find his true voice again and save the world from the villainous maestro?

This original musical, written and directed

by Denise Mulholland, with music and lyrics by Luke Saydon, will be performed by the Teatru Manoel Youth Theatre (TMYT). (Teatru Manoel, Valletta) 28 March-8 April - The Strange Travels of Señor Tonet A curiosity fair full of fun, interactive mechanical installations designed by Barcelona-based artists Tombs Creatius is landing in Malta. At the fair we meet Señor Tonet, a peculiar character who introduces us to the many creatures encountered on his strange and wondrous journeys by means of individual installations set inside a box, each one reflecting a different story.

The two-week festival starts at the Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara (28 March-1 April) and moves into Valletta during its second week (4-8 April).

VALLETTA

DID YOU KNOW?

As fascinating as it is at surface level, Valletta is also riddled with underground passages and tunnels that go back to the earliest days of the city. The tunnels are punctuated with World War II-era shelters, dug by civilians as Malta was heavily shelled, each just large enough for a small family to take cover. The tunnels are closed to the public, except on specific occasions.

Dal-Baħar Madwarha exhibits - Photo: Ali Tollervey

Micallef Grimaud and Bettina Hutschek. “Half of the works are commissioned and they deal with Malta. They speak about contested space, history and the future of the country. The other half are existing works, which talk more generally about the Mediterranean region or the sea, which currently has so many connotations, both positive and negative.”

Malta’s lack of contemporary art museum spaces proved to be the most challenging part of the exhibition on a practical level, Ms Richter says. “Finding and figuring out how to adapt the spaces – which are mostly heritage sites – was not straightforward. It is always quite challenging to curate

a project with works which are being specifically produced for the exhibition, because for a long time, you don’t see clear results. But when everything comes together and the project becomes tangible, it is one of the most exciting moments.”

“As a curator, the most meaningful part of Dal-Baħar Madwarha is seeing how all the different projects communicate with each other, and what narrative they tell the audience.

Each project adds another aspect and layer to the exhibition.”

For more information about this exhibition, visit www.valletta2018.org/culturalprogramme/dal-bahar-madwarha

Dal-Baħar Madwarha exhibits - Photo: Ali Tollervey

The exhibition, which will run from 10 March to 1 July 2018, will feature 18 pieces and projects, which will appear in different sites and places – from Valletta’s underground spaces and the former fish market to different public areas. “For the selection, it was important to have a mix of international and Maltese artists; internationally renowned as well as emerging artists, with different artistic approaches, internal and external views,” Ms Richter says.

The artists who will be exhibiting as part of Dal-Baħar Madwarha include award-winning international artists such as Lebanon’s Tania El Khoury and Egypt’s Wael Shawky, as well as Maltese and Malta-based artists such as James

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Charles & Ron is a contemporary lifestyle brand of high-end clothing and bags with a distinct Mediterranean flair and a dedication to superior quality.

Maltese culture is an integral part of the Charles & Ron design ethic, and the brand’s vision is to inspire customers to be part of the ‘love affair’ with the brand’s instantlyrecognisable Mediterranean style.

Mediterranean identity “Malta has always been of enormous inspiration to our work, and throughout the years, we’ve enjoyed designing with inspiration from the Mediterranean and all it offers. For us, it’s important to incorporate certain aspects of culture, architecture and tradition, and show them in a different and

unexpected way. We’ve incorporated these references into our brand since the beginning – they define us as a brand, and it’s important to embrace and appreciate your heritage.”

Celebrities and feminine shapes “In the past year, we’ve had the pleasure of dressing many international celebrities, including singer Jessie J, Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones), singer Ashanti, Ally Brooke (Fifth Harmony) and Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child).

These moments have been very satisfying for us as designers, however, we take pride in designing for all kinds of women. The Charles & Ron woman does love statement pieces with a feminine silhouette and is never afraid to stand out in a crowd.”

The importance of accessories “Key items in our range are our Malta-inspired luxury scarves and our leather bags. Our handbags are made from the finest Italian leather and hand-crafted in Malta.

By taking home one of our bags and/or scarves, you will truly be taking home the spirit and beauty of the Maltese islands!”

Charles & Ron, 58D, Republic Street, Valletta. T: 2124 0184.

Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, Attard. www.charlesandron.com 27

HERITAGE

7,000 years of history brought to life

Located in Malta’s capital city, Valletta, housed within what was once the Sacra Infermeria of the Knights of Malta, is The Malta Experience. This audio-visual spectacular is one of the largest attractions in Europe in terms of duration, system and language commentaries. It is also the only show that retraces 7,000 years of Maltese history.

The 45-minute presentation can be listened to in one of 17 languages. In a purposely built auditorium, with a panoramic screen, sensational vision and a gripping commentary, The Malta Experience brings 7,000 years of history back to life.

Shows are every hour on the hour as follows: Monday to Friday from 11am to 4pm; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 11am to 2pm.

After the show one can also enjoy a tour of the Sacra Infermeria, the old hospital of the Knights of St John. Today, this beautiful building is known as the Mediterranean Conference Centre, but you can still step back in time and visualise its revolutionary past on a guided tour, and visit the

longest ward in Europe measuring 155 metres in length and holding 247 beds.

Quote ‘Guide Me’ at the ticketing counter to claim your 15 per cent discount on the entrance fee (not valid with any other offer). Ask for a combined ticket which also includes a guided tour of The Sacra Infermeria – The Old Hospital of the Knights of St John.

The Malta Experience St Elmo Bastions, Mediterranean Street, Valletta.

T: 2124 3776; www.themaltaexperience.com

A unique numismatic display at the National Museum of Archaeology

The national numismatic collection, consisting of more than 16,000 coins and medals, is the largest and most diverse found on the island. Heritage Malta’s visitors are able to view a vast selection of these coins at The National Numismatic Exhibition housed at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.

Coins provide information on trade, economy, social organisation, mythology, ideologies, personages, leaders, important events and others. The earliest coin in the national collection dates back to the Punic period (fifth century B.C.). The collection is extremely important, especially the part concerning the Order of the Knights of St John, which includes a number of rare specimens and is regarded as the most comprehensive collection of its kind.

This collection grew throughout the years mostly following donations such as that by Professor Salvatore Luigi Pisani in 1899. It is continuously being increased with acquisitions and donations. The exhibition is 28

divided periodically, including items dating from the Carthaginians and Romans, the Medieval Millennium, the Order of St John, and the French and British. Another section features medals, dies, proofs and accessories, while the minting process is also explained by an audio-visual production.

The opening hours of the National Museum of Archaeology are between 9am and 5pm till February and between 9am and 6pm from March till December.

For more information, visit www.heritagemalta.org

GOZO

Aweekend Gozitan getaway

Despite being a mere 20 minutes away by ferry, Malta’s sister island of Gozo feels like an entire world away. And although it’s just 14km long and 7.2km wide, there’s plenty to see and do on this little gem of an island, particularly at this time of year. Sarah Micallef lists what not to miss.

The Citadel - Photo: viewingmalta.com

Far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is sometimes hard to believe that Gozo has managed to retain such an air of simplicity and calm, and any holiday in Malta isn’t complete without a dose of its unique charm.

If you can afford it, it’s well worth taking a few days out of your holiday itinerary for a weekend getaway in Gozo – a popular choice among tourists and locals alike. And if you’re heading there at this time of year, here’s what to look out for.

CELEBRATE THE SEASON’S EVENTS This time of year coincides with a number of feasts and festivities, from colourful carnival celebrations and the feast of love on St Valentine’s Day all the way through to Lent and Easter.

While there are many ways to join in the fun in Malta, Gozo offers its own experience of these events, starting from carnival, which this year falls between 9th and 13th February.

While carnival in Malta centres around Valletta, the Gozitans

(and visiting Maltese) take to the small village of Nadur to celebrate the Gozitan carnival in an entirely different style. Here, the celebrations are more spontaneous, consisting of several street parties with floats and costumes which lean towards a darker, quirkier mood and more risqué themes, including macabre set-ups, crossdressing and political satire.

Later on in March, Lent and Easter are celebrated here in much the same way as they are in Malta. ➜ 31

GOZO

Nadur carnival - Photo: Peter Vanicsek - viewingmalta.com

Perhaps known to be even more devout to their Roman Catholic traditions than the Maltese, Gozitans display their faith and piety during Holy Week through ceremonies, prayers, devotions and events that have formed part of the culture here for centuries. Good Friday will see a number of sombre processions commemorating the Passion of Christ, and on Easter Saturday or Easter Vigil, solemn religious services in the island’s parishes involve traditional rituals and blessings.

It’s a site to behold and certainly worth experiencing, as church lights are turned off during the service, clothing the church in darkness until each member of the congregation lights a candle and the church is lit with the glow of flickering flames. After the service, attendees usually stick around for a drink or a taste of figolla (traditional almond Easter cake).

Finally, Easter Sunday in Gozo is welcomed with a cacophony of church bells celebrating the risen Christ. In some parishes, Easter mass is followed by a traditional march accompanied by local bands, 32

Photo: viewingmalta.com

which provide a sharp contrast to Good Friday processions. The feeling of joy is palpable now, and in some parishes, bearers of the statue of the risen Christ even run for the last part of the procession. In Gozo’s capital, Victoria, you’ll come across two processions: one accompanied by one band and a second procession which begins from Gozo’s Cathedral within the Citadel walls, accompanied by another.

DISCOVER THE HISTORY Despite its size, Gozo boasts many historically significant sites. Start from Victoria, and make your way up to the historic walled Citadel.

Extensive restoration works have been recently completed here as part of an EU-funded project which included the restoration of the bastion walls and the transformation of a mid-19th century water reservoir into a visitor centre, bringing the impressive historic jewel back to life. As you enter the Citadel, the majestic Gozo Cathedral looms large across the square, and housed within the Citadel itself, you’ll find several fascinating

museums including the Cathedral Museum, Museum of Archaeology, Folklore Museum, as well as the Old Prison, the old Gunpowder Magazine, Battery and World War II shelter. Meanwhile, a stroll along its fortified ramparts provides one of the best views of the island – a scenic 360-degree panorama of Gozo’s landscape, with views right across the sea to Malta.

If you’re a fan of history, you should also visit the latest addition to Gozo’s list of museums: Il-Hagar – Heart of Gozo. Also located in Victoria, it displays a rich collection of historical and artistic artefacts previously inaccessible to the general public. Finally, a short drive away you’ll find the village of Xagħra, which is home to one of the most important archaeological sites in the Maltese islands: the UNESCO World Heritage Ġgantija Temples, built between 3600 and 3200 BC. Thought to be the oldest free-standing structures in the world, locals used to believe that these structures were built by giants, but everything we do know about this fascinating period in Gozo’s history is presented at the visitor information centre. ➜

GOZO

The Citadel - Photo: Jürgen Scicluna - viewingmalta.com

GET ACTIVE Apart from a delightfully peaceful way of life, Gozo has retained a more rural landscape than Malta, and you’ll find everything from rugged cliffs to grassy hills that call out to be explored on foot. If you’re spending Valentine’s Day on the sister isle, going for a romantic walk with this beautiful backdrop is a great activity to experience together, and if you’re after something a little more adventurous, there’s plenty of scope for that too! If you’re keen on discovering what the island has to offer on foot, there are several opportunities for hiking, trekking, climbing and abseiling, or alternatively, why not try exploring the rough terrain via bicycle or

quad bike? Meanwhile, the gorgeous blue waters that surround the island provide plenty of fodder for adventure, whether it’s above the surface via kayaking or windsurfing, or below it, by diving or snorkelling.

WHERE TO STAY Maltese visitors’ favourite accommodation option when spending a weekend in Gozo is undoubtedly the traditional farmhouse. These authentic homes are widely available for rent across the island, and often come with a pool, which is perfect for lounging around and even taking a dip in if you’re feeling brave on warmer days. There are also several hotels and guest houses which you can

A typical farmhouse - Photo: viewingmalta.com

choose to stay in too, depending on what you’re after, but our word of advice is to make sure you stay true to the spirit of the island and local way of life – take it easy.

TUCK IN While in Gozo, you absolutely must try the fresh local fare – from ġbejniet (cheeselets made of goat, sheep or cow’s milk) to Gozo-grown olives, olive oil and capers, as well as Gozo’s famous thyme-flavoured honey.

And when it comes to choosing a spot for dining out, you’re spoiled for choice thanks to the excellent eateries scattered across the island.

Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here, be it a casual meal or a romantic Valentine’s dinner, from the freshest local seafood enjoyed al fresco to a hearty dish of traditional ravioli or grilled steak paired with an excellent glass of wine.

VISIT THE THEATRE If you’re in the mood for a cultural outing during your visit, Gozo’s two theatres regularly host operas, shows and recitals. Check out their calendar of events to see what’s on during your visit on www.teatruaurora.com and www. mediterranea.com.mt respectively.

Photo: Markus Kirchgessner - viewingmalta.com

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CULTURE

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra

presents Rockquiem

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra has an unusual concert planned for 17th February, when it will be performing a rock reinterpretation of one of Mozart’s most famous works.

The Rockquiem, adapted from Mozart’s unfinished Requiem by German composer Stefan Wurz, will be performed at St Agatha’s Auditorium in Rabat. For this performance, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Italian conductor Riccardo Bianchi, will be joined by a four-piece rock band: two guitarists, one bassist and a drummer.

The vocals will be handled by four talented soloists – soprano Antonella Carpenito, alto Marta Leung, tenor Stefano Marra and bass Giuseppe Zema – as well as the MPO Chorus.

The concept may sound almost blasphemous, but Mozart was arguably a rock star long before the term was even invented. He lived off his music and was known for spending money lavishly as soon as he received it – even if this meant long periods of financial struggles – and was known to love festivities and practical jokes. His untimely death at the peak of his creative abilities only helped cement this status.

Tickets for this concert can be obtained from showshappening.com.

EATING & DRINKING

Art in every dish The newly-renovated restaurant at Portomaso Casino has recently welcomed a new Head Chef, Daniel Farrugia. Although still young, Daniel has gained a vast amount of experience. He has worked overseas alongside renowned chefs such as Jamie Oliver, as well as at restaurants such as the UK’s double AA Rosette Restaurant, Zodiac, located at the Marriott’s Hanbury Manor in Hertfordshire. Back on the sunny shores of Malta, Daniel has also worked at prestigious venues such as Palazzo Parisio.

“My priorities are to deliver finesse, art, as well as flavours.

Each individual ingredient is handled with care and with a passion that comes from the love I have for cookery. My vision is to taste every ounce of that passion in every dish I create,” says the Head Chef.

Visit Portomaso Restaurant at Portomaso Casino, Level -1, Portomaso Business Tower, St Julian’s.

For reservations call on M: 7939 5830.

TAKE NOTE

See the islands on a Segway

Take in the beauty of Gozo’s countryside and coasts

Ranked the number one activity in Gozo on TripAdvisor, Gozo Segway Tours offers 10 different tours all around the island, ranging from easy to adventurous, scenic coastline routes to off the beaten track passage ways. You are taken on a journey of exploration through hidden valleys leading to breath-taking places that only a local can know about! The tours depart from anywhere around the island, and to make sure to accommodate everyone’s needs, our charming team also offers custom tours, any time, any day of the week. Don’t think twice – book your tour today.

At Gozo Quad Hire, we offer half-day or full-day guided tours around Gozo’s countryside and coastline areas. One can enjoy panoramic views which can only be experienced by means of a quad bike, and drive through the farmers’ passages in some of Gozo’s most stunning valleys. Our team at Gozo Quad Hire looks forward to planning your fun-filled day of adventure and sightseeing in Gozo, where we aim to give you a unique experience of our island, allowing you to discover Gozo’s natural hidden treasures. Individual hire also available.

Gozo Segway Tours. M: 9944 8901; E: info@gozosegway.com; www.gozosegway.com

Triq Borġ Għarib, Għajnsielem, Gozo.

T: 2156 4031; www.gozoquadhire.com

WEDDINGS

Let’s Get Married

in Malta!

Thinking of tying the knot in the near future? Malta could be the perfect destination to do exactly that. Jo Caruana lists her top 10 reasons for choosing the Maltese islands for your destination wedding.

With hundreds of destination weddings taking place in Malta every year – in 2017 alone, the islands hosted 939 weddings between non-Maltese couples, according to statistics from the government agency Identity Malta – there’s no denying this Mediterranean island has become a popular place to say your vows.

And why not? From its beaches to its historic venues, and from its food to its facilities, Malta has all sorts of wonderful things to offer the modern couple. These are our favourites.

than 300 days of sunshine every year. This could translate beautifully to a wedding by the water’s edge, as you and your loved one watch the sun set. Alternatively, you could hop aboard a yacht to take a tour of the islands as part of your prewedding activities, or even on the day itself. As a rule, the weather is mild all year round – although it can get stormy and cold in the winter months. The summers are very hot, and you can expect temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius.

300 Days of Sunshine If you’ve always dreamed of getting wed in sunny climes then Malta doesn’t disappoint – with no less

Historical Venues Add a little something extra to your wedding day by tying the knot in a venue that’s got a story all of its own.

So many places have histories that date back hundreds of years in Malta, but few are as unique as the venues managed by Heritage Malta (the national agency for museums, conservation practice and cultural heritage). Among them you’ll find Ħaġar Qim – which is home to some of the island’s world-famous prehistoric temples, the beautiful ex-Royal Navy Hospital in Bighi, the National Museum of Archaeology, and stunning Fort St Angelo.

Plenty of Luxury Enveloping yourself in unabashed luxury is a must on your wedding day – and Malta’s high-end hotels lend themselves perfectly to that. ➜ 43

WEDDINGS

The Phoenicia

Take The Phoenicia, just outside Valletta, for instance. It’s a classic hotel that exudes elegance and has fabulous facilities to match – from its beautiful ballroom to its lush gardens and infinity pool looking out over the historic bastions.

Traditional Features Getting married in Malta gives you the option of adding some really interesting local touches to your special day. For example, why not reserve a traditional Maltese bus for your wedding transport, or a horsedrawn carriage (known as a karozzin)? It’ll certainly prove you can get to the church in style!

Fantastic Food Trust us: no one has ever left a Maltese wedding hungry.

There are some top-notch wedding caterers on the island, all of whom will work with you to come up with the menu of your dreams – whether you’re considering a reception, buffet or sit down dinner. Most will also be able to include some local delicacies – like our famous pea- or cheese-filled pastizzi – which will certainly make it more memorable for your international guests.

Beautiful Photographs The Maltese islands are home to some truly gorgeous settings – all of which will provide the perfect backdrops for your wedding photos. Depending on the sort of picture that you’d like to paint, you could choose the colourful bobbing boats in Marsaxlokk Bay, the incredible bastions of Valletta, the magnitude of the Grand Harbour, or simply a rural countryside look with views out to sea.

Plenty of Planning Malta is known for its excellent standards of wedding planners – and they will help you take care of everything.

44

Photo: viewingmalta.com

From the flowers to the flower girls’ dresses, it’s always good to have local guidance, and your Maltese planner will talk you through every stage of the day. In fact, they will provide the link to the island when you’re back home, and enable you to get everything done on time and on budget.

So Many Churches Well, 365 to be exact! The Maltese islands literally have one church for every day of the year, and we’re sure you’ll find the one that’s right for you. Some are located in the heart of pretty village or town squares, while others are right at the water’s edge or enjoy stunning views of the countryside or sea. Meanwhile, some are beautifully decked out in complete regalia, while others are simple, subtle and demure. Which style best suits your walk up the aisle?

Great Entertainment Malta is a hotspot of talent and you can literally choose from hundreds of entertainment options to liven up your wedding day. Our favourites include brilliant caricaturists – who will create hilarious hand-drawn pictures of your wedding guests, lively musicians (playing everything from indie-pop to classic rock), and even the famous village brass band – who may prove to be the perfect accompaniment as you walk from your ceremony to your reception.

Fun for All If you’re bringing friends and family with you for your wedding in Malta, then you should make a holiday out of it. The Maltese islands are a great place to while away a few days before or after your wedding and you’ll have great fun planning the perfect itinerary. Depending on what you fancy, this could include poolside relaxation, water sports and scuba diving, interesting excursions, historical highlights, dining al fresco and even day trips to Sicily.

FASHION

Fashion trends to expect in 2018 From the weird – think plastic clothing and workout gear as outer wear – to the wonderful, including lovely shades of lavender and embellished shoes, 2018 is looking like a mixed bag of fashion trends, as Martina Said discovers.

Embellished shoes ➋ Eye-catching foot wear will Plaid ➊ There’s no escaping the persistence of this print – it keeps returning to the runways, and never fails to make an impact. Besides the more expected plaid clothing items such as blazers, trousers and suits, look out for plaid in unconventional garments, such as long skirts, asymmetrical tops, casual jackets and tailored dresses.

be everywhere this year. From embroidered boots and buckled heels to glamorous adornments such as pearls, studs and applique, a fancy pair of Nordstrom shoes with just the right amount of decoration can change the focus of your outfit from up top to down below.

Fringe ➌ Love it or hate it, fringe made a strong appearance on Autumn/ Winter catwalks, and it wasn’t used subtly. Be it through a vintage-inspired flapper dress, a fringe-trimmed skirt or bag, or even a jacket with fringed sleeves, this detail adds plenty of texture and movement to an outfit, as well as a good dose of fun. ➜

Thom Browne Resort 2018

Chloe

47

FASHION

Balenciaga

Hit the shops…

Check out Malta’s top shopping destinations.

Dior to Mulberry and Monnier Freres, these fashionable carriers are absolutely impractical, but also totally adorable.

Lavender ➎ Pantone’s 2018 Colour of the Year The micro bag ➍ The latest trend in the

Tibi

world of handbags is the baby bag, probably the smallest handbag you’ve ever seen, which can barely fit a credit card and a lipstick at once. Spotted on a range of catwalk shows, from Balenciaga and

is Ultra Violet – and various shades of purple are expected to dominate our fashion choices throughout the year. Lavender is proving particularly popular, and why wouldn’t it? This soft, pastel shade looks amazing on any garment, be it a floor-length coat paired with a pair of wide-leg trousers in the same shade, à la local designer label Charles & Ron, a lovely spring dress or a loose-fitting jumpsuit.

Plastic ➏ Plastics were all over the

Charles & Ron

48

2018 runways, ranging from patent leather to clear plastics and Lucite. Not quite the environmentallyconscious choice of clothing, PVC and clear plastic accessories, shoes, raincoats and outerwear, as seen in the collections of Chanel and Miu Miu, will definitely hit the shops come spring. ➜

VALLETTA Our beautiful capital city offers so much more than history and architecture. In and around the beautiful baroque buildings that line the city’s streets lie several high street outlets for a dose of retail therapy amid the culture and history lessons.

Don’t miss: Republic Street, Merchants Street and The Embassy Complex SLIEMA Sliema is the undisputed shopping centre of Malta. Look out for the main streets that house a variety of high street and designer brands, as well as the islands’ biggest shopping malls.

Don’t miss: Bisazza Street, Tower Road, The Plaza Shopping Centre and The Point Shopping Mall ST JULIAN’S For the more discerning shopper, the area opposite the upmarket complex of Portomaso is home to a selection of designer shops that beckon you to explore what’s on their beautiful rails. A shopping complex just down the road from the nightlife capital of Paceville is also open on Sundays.

Don’t miss: Bay Street Shopping Complex and Portomaso Chanel

FASHION

➐ Oversized

earrings Time to put away the studs and ear cuffs for this year – oversized jewellery is in, and it’s here to prove

that size does matter.

Giant tassels, large hoops and structured metal earrings are expected to be big in 2018, not just in size but also in popularity.

Workout chic ➑ You’d be right to

Collage Vintage

think that high fashion and gym wear don’t exactly go Stradivarius hand in hand, until now. This 2018 trend makes it ok to wear gym wear even if you don’t work out! Just throw on a pair of heels with tracksuit trousers, or a branded sporty sweater with a skirt and boots, and you’ll blend right in with the fitness aficionados without breaking a sweat.

WHERE TO SPEND IT

Your Shopping

destination of choice

Since its inception in March 2010, The Point – the largest shopping mall in Malta – has succeeded in firmly establishing itself as the shopping destination of choice on the island. The Point has been innovative and bold in its strategy and marketing campaigns, giving customers an unprecedented shopping experience and becoming a popular destination for all the family. The wide variety of top brands, comfortable ambience, ease of access and ample availability of parking spaces are only some of the components that helped The Point to achieve its success.

Always customer-centric, the team at The Point manages to put together a vast calendar of events targeting various age groups and tastes. Competitions and offers are also available from various outlets and the mall itself on a regular basis. The Point Shopping Mall offers an experience like no other for customers who are looking for a good mix of outlets within any budget!

For a full calendar of events visit www.thepointmalta.com and The Point’s Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ThePointShoppingMall

CUISINE

A snapshot of

Maltese Cuisine

Mediterranean food – and Maltese cuisine specifically – is absolutely delicious, especially when enjoyed seasonally and sustainably. Here Jo Caruana chats to chef Keith Abela from the Mediterranean Culinary Academy to discover what tastes great at this time of year.

When it comes to eating healthily and sustainably, we all know the drill: eat what’s local and in season. The thing is that this can be easier said than done – especially as we have become so accustomed to eating whatever we want whenever we want it, even if it has to be flown in from halfway round the world and grown artificially.

“Traditional Maltese food is the very opposite of that,” says chef Keith Abela, who is one of the instructors at the recently-launched Mediterranean Culinary Academy. “The best way to describe Mediterranean cuisine in general is that it’s all

about freshness and seasonality.”

In fact, when you look back at the region over the centuries, you realise how lucky the civilisations had it here – with lots of wild edibles, mild winters, very fertile soil and the sea.

“If you had to ask someone what Mediterranean food is all about, they would probably talk about wine, olives and fish, and that’s pretty much correct; grapes and olives are both native to the region and, with the sea all around us, fish plays a huge part too. However, you can also add salt to that – as salt has been integral to our food over the centuries, both for seasoning and as a preservative.

Without salt we wouldn’t have cheeses, cured meats, salted fish, olives or capers, all of which are mainstays in the Mediterranean culture.”

Keith goes on to explain that the mild winters certainly played a role in the development of our cuisine, as they enabled us to grow a variety of vegetables all year round.

However, it’s also our history that makes our food particularly unique.

“The Mediterranean was home to multiple empires, religions and ethnic groups,” he says, “and they each traded and travelled, thus bringing with them a wealth of ingredients, techniques and knowledge. ➜ 55

CUISINE Over the years, all of these elements combined to create Mediterranean food as we know it today – and which includes a number of ingredients that have been brought over from elsewhere, such as tomatoes, potatoes, chillies and peppers from the New World, salt cod from the Atlantic, and aubergines from the Middle East.”

With all of this history and versatility in mind, Keith suggests really getting to know Maltese food while you’re visiting. “The best way to understand a culture is through its food,” he grins. “For instance, why not try bread pudding? It’s the perfect example of a Mediterranean dish that has been tweaked to suit Maltese tastes, as every country in the region has its own variation of it. The local concoction is quite a combination, and uses anisette, which is an Italian influence, chocolate, which is a nod to Spain,

and raisins, which are Arabic in their roots. In just one single bite, a portion of bread pudding is able to tell the story of all the history that went into the creation of that one dish.”

Of course, each season in Malta brings with it its own selection of ingredients, which Keith also recommends tasting because they will be at their very best. Right now, winter produce such as cauliflower, cabbage, chard, broccoli and citrus fruits are in season, while springtime ingredients like strawberries, globe artichokes, green beans and peas are just around the corner.

“If you’re on the lookout for a local dish to try at this time of year, I would recommend kusksu (a broad bean and pasta dish),” the chef continues. “It’s made from local winter vegetables, as well as pearl couscous, poached eggs and goats’ curd, which is all served in a rich broth. ➜

“In just one single bite, a portion of bread pudding is able to tell the story of all the history that went into the creation of that one dish.”

Pudina-tal-ħobż (bread pudding) - Photo: Little Rock

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Aljotta - Photo: A Maltese Mouthful

Keith Abela’s Traditional Aljotta

Fancy trying your hand at a well-loved Maltese recipe that’s both seasonal and sustainable? This delicious fish soup fits the bill perfectly.

Serves 2 2 large shallots 4 cloves of garlic 1 zucchini 1 carrot 200ml white wine 200g tomato puree 4 small stock fish 400g water 100g rice A bunch of mint and parsley, chopped 1 lemon Olive oil Salt Chop your shallots, garlic, zucchini and carrots into small cubes, and shallow-fry them in olive oil in a pot over medium heat for around five minutes, until slightly soft.

Next, add the white wine and reduce the volume by half, then add the tomato puree and again reduce by half. Once reduced, add the fish and the water, and season with salt. Bring to the boil and let simmer for an hour-and-a-half.

When ready, remove the fish from the broth and let the fish cool to room temperature. Then add the rice to the pot and let it cook for around 20 minutes. During this time, you can remove all the meat from the bones of the fish.

To finish the dish, add your chopped herbs and fish fillets to the broth, discarding any bones. Serve in a bowl and garnish with a wedge of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil.

CUISINE

“The Mediterranean was home to multiple empires, religions and ethnic groups, and they each traded and travelled, thus bringing with them a wealth of ingredients, techniques and knowledge.”

Photo: Kelly Allison Photography

It’s delicious – and definitely should be sampled if you spot it on a restaurant menu.”

Finally, Keith also suggests getting into Maltese cooking while you’re here. “At the Mediterranean Culinary Academy, we’re currently working towards the creation of a set of workshops and tasting sessions that will promote foodie traditions from across the Maltese islands, and we’re planning to unveil them soon. In the meantime, I recommend visiting one of the local markets and having a go yourself. If your choice is local and in season, then it’s also bound to be delicious!”

Kusksu (broad bean and pasta soup)

- Photo: A Maltese Mouthful

EATING & DRINKING

La Sorpresa La Sorpresa is a family-run restaurant and pizzeria where customers are welcomed like friends and family. Colin and Doreen pride themselves on making consistent, high-quality food and service a priority. La Sorpresa restaurant offers both a Mediterranean-based à la carte menu, as well as a variety of set menus designed to suit every guest’s preferences. Our à la carte menu includes pasta dishes, mouth-watering steaks and other carvery dishes, fresh local fish, homemade pizzas, traditional Maltese dishes and other special dishes which change frequently.

Our little guests have their own kids menu and gluten-free options are also available.

Open Monday to Saturday 6-11pm; Sunday 11.30am-3pm, 6-11pm.

La Sorpresa, Tourists Street, Buġibba.

Contact Nicholas Farrugia on T: 2157 7301; M: 7925 4324.

Maltese Mama Maltese Mama serves authentic Maltese and Italian cuisines complemented with great service in a relaxing atmosphere. To start, patrons are offered a complimentary plate of traditional Maltese antipasti, served with fresh bread and galletti (water crackers).

Starters include home-made soups, octopus, scallops, clams, the speciality shellfish platter and pasta dishes. A variety of main courses is also available, with specialities including fish and traditional Maltese dishes such as rabbit and braġjoli (beef olives).

Maltese Mama, 19/2, Paceville Avenue, St Julian’s.

T: 2737 7024; M: 7780 5312; E: eltonspiteri@hotmail.co.uk

Palazzo Preca Restaurant Palazzo Preca Restaurant is repeatedly awarded highly as one of the best restaurants in Malta and Gozo. It is situated in one of the best-known historic streets in Valletta, within a beautiful 16th-century palazzo in Strait Street. An extensive and creative menu provides mouth-watering choices of food and fine local and foreign wines – and do not miss out on our delicious homemade desserts! Professional, dedicated and attentive staff will help you to ensure that your visit is a completely enjoyable experience. Wednesday is our special night when the lights are turned off and the restaurant is entirely lit by candles, creating an intimate and romantic ambience. Open Tuesday to Saturday 12.30-3pm; 6.30-10.30pm. Open for lunch on Sunday and closed on Monday. Bookings are recommended and are to be confirmed by phone. Palazzo Preca, 54, Strait Street, Valletta. T: 2122 6777; M: 9986 6640; www.palazzoprecarestaurant.com

Shakinah – Indian Cuisine Situated on the St Julian’s seafront in Balluta Bay, Shakinah presents Indian tastes, scents and flavours in an interesting selection of exquisitely prepared, Halal Certified colourful dishes. The fresh ingredients, oriental spices and interesting flavours are carefully handpicked by our native-born Indian chefs. Great emphasis has been placed on the décor, mood and general ambience to ensure a true Shakinah special experience. Allow yourself to be transported on a magic carpet ride to the exotic orient in the heart of St Julian’s.

Open Monday to Sunday 6-11pm; Thursday to Sunday 12.30-3pm.

Shakinah, 5, Ġorġ Borg Olivier Street, St Julian’s.

T: 2731 8000; M: 7731 8000; E: booking@shakinahmalta.com; www.shakinahmalta.com; FB: facebook.com/shakinahmalta

61

EATING & DRINKING

Ta’ Kris Restaurant and Maltese Bistro Right in the heart of Sliema lies Ta’ Kris Restaurant and Maltese Bistro, serving wholesome home cooking at unbeatable prices. Chef patron Chris uses the freshest ingredients to create tasty Maltese dishes like Dad’s Famous braġjoli, thick beef stew, veal escalopes and rabbit, and for those with a sweet tooth, the deliciously crunchy imqaret – a musttry date-filled pastry. Patrons are also spoilt for choice with the daily specials ranging from fresh fish to beef fillet and various pasta dishes. Everything at this price-worthy restaurant is served in the unique setting of a former bakery. Ta’ Kris is one of the best-rated restaurants by the Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants. Booking is recommended. Set menus for special occasions can also be arranged upon request.

Open Monday to Saturday 12.30-11pm; Sunday 6-11pm.

Ta’ Kris, 80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema; T: 2133 7367; M: 7933 7367; www.takrisrestaurant

Tal-Ingliz Tal-Ingliz is a ‘local restaurant for local people’ serving exceptional Maltese cuisine.

Godwin runs the restaurant, takes care of all the cooking and makes sure that authentic traditional dishes are served, such as rabbit (fenkata), horse meat (laħam taż-żiemel), quails (summien) and many more. The good food, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and staff who are helpful and friendly, make this eatery well worth a trip to the quiet village of Mġarr. It is also an ideal place for group parties for various occasions.

59, Triq Il-Kbira, Mġarr. T: 2157 4605.

Ta’ Marija Celebrating 50 years of excellence, Ta’ Marija restaurant offers the ideal venue for colleagues, friends and family to celebrate any occasion with sumptuous food in welcoming surroundings, complemented by our exceptional service and merriment in the making. Enjoy our all-inclusive carvery buffets on Saturday evenings and Sunday lunches for just €27.50 per person, or indulge in a Maltese extravaganza every Friday evening with a spectacular traditional folk dancing show and our mandolins and guitars duo!

Ta’ Marija Restaurant, Constitution Street, Mosta.

T: 2143 4444; E: info@tamarija.com.mt; www.tamarija.com.mt

Terrone Terrone is a restaurant in the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk that combines rustic charm with contemporary regional cuisine. Focusing on southern Italian and local Maltese cuisines, and hand-picking the best local and organic produce, we aim to recreate a healthy and enjoyable way of dining.

We are open every day for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast on weekends (8-10.45am). The restaurant is situated on the Marsaxlokk seafront.

Open Monday to Friday noon-11pm; Saturday 8am-11pm; Sunday 8am-10pm.

Terrone, 1, Wilġa Street, Marsaxlokk. T: 2704 2656; E: info@terrone.com.mt; www.terrone.com.mt

62

TAKE NOTE

TAKE NOTE

BANKS AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE Banks are normally open between 8.30am and 1.30pm Mon-Thur, between 8.30am and 3.30pm on Fri, and up to noon on Sat. Some banks open for longer hours. International bank cards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and exchange bureaux can be found all over the islands.

26 ta’ Mejju 1990. T: 2152 4666 Sliema Info Desk Plaza Commercial Centre. T: 2136 3691 St Paul’s Bay Misraħ il-Bajja (Buġibba). T: 2141 9176 Valletta Waterfront Pinto Wharf. T: 2122 0633 Birgu (Vittoriosa) Inquisitor’s Palace, Main Gate Street.

T: 2180 0145

USEFUL AND EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NOS 00356 International Code 112 Emergency Services 1182 Directory Enquiries 1152 Overseas Operator 195 Time Check 2124 9600 Flight Enquiries

Public hospital in Malta Mater Dei Hospital, B’Kara By-pass, B’Kara.

T: 2545 0000; E: mdh@gov.mt

TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES IN MALTA Malta Tourism Authority-run offices may be found at: Valletta 28, Melita Street.

T: 2291 5440/1/2 Malta International Airport Arrivals Lounge, Luqa. T: 2369 6073/4 Gozo, Mġarr Gozo Channel Ferry Terminal.

T: 2155 4538 Gozo, Victoria 17, Independence Square. T: 2291 5452/3 Marsaxlokk Xatt is-Sajjieda. T: 2165 1151 Mdina St Publius Square. T: 2145 4480 Mellieħa Misraħ iż-żjara tal-Papa Gwanni Pawlu II-

SMOKING No smoking is allowed in any entertainment establishment, including bars and restaurants, unless there is a designated smoking area.

Public hospital in Gozo Gozo General Hospital, Victoria.

T: 2156 1600

Getting Around Malta is about 27 kilometres long and 14.5 kilometres wide. Short distances make it possible to make the most of your stay at a relaxed pace. The network of buses within the public transport system covers nearly all the islands.

Car hire rates in Malta are good value.

You may also enjoy a relaxing trip on the calm, blue Mediterranean Sea by taking an island or harbour cruise or cross between Valletta and Sliema by ferry at half hourly intervals.

BUSES The public transport services offered in the Maltese islands operate on a network offering multiple connections and main termini in Malta’s capital, Valletta, and Gozo’s capital, Victoria. A total of 80 different routes link the different localities in Malta to either major hubs such as Valletta, Mater Dei Hospital and the airport or to other destinations, while 15 routes operate in Gozo.

The public transport service runs daily between 5.30am and 11pm, with express routes (designated with an ‘X’) having limited stops and operating to and from the airport from different localities. Three digit routes link different localities together and, in most cases, do not serve Valletta.

A journey planner, timetable information and details on bus fares are available at www.publictransport.com.mt More details on T: 2122 2000 and on pages 72 and 73.

TRAVELLING TO GOZO A regular ro-ro ferry service carries passengers and cars between Malta and Gozo. The trip takes about 30 minutes.

For information and timetables contact The Gozo Channel Company on T: 2210 9000.

CAR HIRE Most international car hire companies have a branch in Malta. Local companies too offer this service, with or without a chauffeur. Car hire rates are very reasonable compared to those in other European countries.

TAXIS All taxis are fitted with meters and should charge government-controlled prices. Any complaints should be addressed to the Public Transport Authority, T: 2143 8475.

Over recent months, a number of private companies have also been set up to offer competitive chauffeur-driven services.

65

CULTURE

WELCOME TO THE CLUB

The band club is an essential and unique part of local culture, but what does it really consist of and what is its role in modern Maltese society? Marie-Claire Grima goes behind the każin doors to find out.

Il-każin tal-banda, or the local band club, is one of the most typical locations in a Maltese town or village.

Each locality in Malta has at least one – many have two or three just a stone’s throw away from each other, often nursing seething, decades-long rivalries. Most of the 91 band clubs around Malta and Gozo are open to the public all year round, and many have bar and restaurant areas where one can mingle with the locals, whilst helping to keep the club afloat. But what is a band club exactly, and what is its role in Maltese society nowadays?

The history of band clubs in Malta spans over 150 years. The word każin comes from the Italian casino – not casinò, as in a gambling house, but from the root casa (house), which originally meant a small country villa, summerhouse, or social club, and later came to include other public buildings where communal

and civic activities took place.

“They did start out as local social clubs – in fact, the musical element came in later, when marching bands started being formed to enhance the atmosphere of the village feast.

They were certainly influenced by the marching bands of the British military,” confirms Chris Briffa, the press officer of the Għaqda Każini tal-Banda, an organisation which represents the interests of band clubs all over Malta and Gozo. “They were also often epicentres for social movements and change; for example, the Sette Giugno uprising, widely considered to be the first step in Malta’s quest for independence, was plotted within a network of band clubs. Band clubs have often fielded members as political candidates, without allegiance to either of the two major political parties.”

In fact, the names of band clubs to this day reflect whether the clubs L'Isle Adam Band Club in Rabat - Photo: Picture Perfect Malta

were more historically pro-Italian or pro-British – the ones that supported colonial rule are usually named after British personages such as King George V, Queen Victoria or the Duke of Connaught.

Mr Briffa explains that while they’re no longer hotbeds for political activism, nowadays band clubs serve a triple role. “First of all, they are free music schools, providing their students with tuition and instruments at no cost. Students pay no money to learn their instrument, and they are allowed to keep it as long as they are participating members of the club.

Second, they are the key to organising events within the community, from the village feast to summer music festivals. Without them, there would be a dearth of community events. Third, they serve as a breeding ground for culture and creativity, teaching their young members valuable skills.” ➜ St Lawrence Band Club in Birgu - Photo: Design Sorbet

67

CULTURE Indeed, at a band club, young people can master a whole gamut of skills, from the musical training that underpins the purpose of a band club, to event organisation and management, to the highly precise science of pyrotechnics that leads to the beautiful firework displays seen each year at village feasts all over the island.

The only problem is that nowadays, despite the ever-increasing popularity of the village festa, fewer and fewer people are prepared to sacrifice hours of their time, without expecting remuneration, for the extensive preparations that a festa requires; in other words, the work that is needed in the band club. “What’s a Maltese summer without festi?” Chris exclaims.

“They’re among the few summer events that are open and free for all. Everyone enjoys them, and there’s actually been a spike in attendance in recent years.

For the past three years, we’ve even been trying to get them recognised as part of the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. But at the same time, there’s been a drop in participation at the community level, in the run-up to the festa. People are so busy these days and they find it difficult to set aside a number of hours from their week to volunteer.”

King George V Band Club in Mqabba - Photo: Chris Azzopardi

One person who dedicates a lot of his free time to volunteering at his local band club is Neville Muscat, secretary of the L’Isle Adam Band Club in Rabat. Established in 1860 by a blind conductor named Indri Borg, it’s one of the oldest clubs in Malta.

We meet in the band club’s majestic premises in charming St Paul Street, Palazzo Xara – the former home of an aristocratic Maltese family – which was purchased by the band club in 1951.

“Each band club in Malta has its own home – some are small, some are large. Some are modern, some are old. Ours just happens to be a palazzo.

Everything you see here today was either donated or purchased by members or left to the club in wills,” Mr Muscat says.

St Gabriel Band Club in Balzan - Photo: www.stgabrielbandclub.com

68

“The club serves as a local landmark, as well as a space for family members and old friends to congregate, especially during feast days and special occasions where former residents come back to their hometown. Often, people will meet up with people they grew up with, sometimes people they haven’t seen in years, and they will choose the każin as the place to do so.”

L’Isle Adam Band is considered to be one of Malta’s finest of its kind.

Its main outing is during the feast of St Joseph on 19th March, one of the few feasts in Malta that take place in winter. However, the band also takes part in one of Malta’s oldest and most solemn Good Friday processions in Rabat, hosts an Imnarja concert on 29th June, and participates in various feasts and celebrations, including the opening ceremony of Valletta 2018. It has also played overseas in a number of countries, ranging from Italy to the Holy Land.

“There are certainly times when you have to dedicate long hours – there’s work to be done all year round.

In our case, the period from January to March is especially busy. Besides the festa preparations, nowadays you have to keep up to date with regular calls for funding and assistance. ➜

CULTURE

Our Lady of the Lily Band Club in Mqabba Photo: Our Lady of the Lily Band Club of Mqabba

All of us are volunteers; many of us grew up in this każin.”

In fact Mr Muscat, who has been secretary of the committee for more than 22 years and also plays the saxophone in the band, remembers being part of its youth section.

“Nowadays, young people have far more options when it comes to what to do with their free time. There’s also a level of commitment that being a member of a club like this requires. But for lots of musicians, being part of a band club can also be a stepping stone towards a career in music. Many of our bandisti have gone on to lead successful careers as professional musicians; one of them

Programme for the Feast of St Joseph, Rabat 16th March – 17th March –

18th March –

8.30pm: March by the Sliema Band 8.30pm: Short march, followed by fireworks from 9pm onwards 11am: March by the L’Isle Adam Band 8pm: March by the L’Isle Adam Band and the La Valette Band 9.30pm: Fireworks 11.30pm: Ground fireworks 19th March – 9.15am: Solemn mass at Our Lady of Jesus Church

1pm: March by the L’Isle Adam Band

6pm: Marches by the King’s Own Band and De Rohan Band

7pm: A procession with the statue of St Joseph,

followed by fireworks.

HOLY WEEK programme in Rabat 23rd March – 6pm: Procession dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows starting from the Our Lady of Jesus Church.

25th March – 7pm: A concert of sacred music, with the participation of the L’Isle Adam Band at Our Lady of Jesus Church (free entrance) 30th March – 5.30pm: Good Friday procession with the participation of the L’Isle Adam Band and up to 500 people in full Biblical costume.

During Holy Week, Palazzo Xara will host various exhibitions related to Good Friday and Easter, including a full array of religious costumes.

is a member of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra!”

Despite the challenges that the band club faces in the modern age, L’Isle Adam Band Club is still thriving, and Mr Muscat thinks that part of it is due to its dedication to custom and tradition. “So far, we’ve managed to retain certain traditions that other clubs may have lost. The band always plays in smart, full uniform, and almost all the marches we play during the feast were composed by locals – Rabtin. Our youngest composer is just 18 years old! Our marches are clean, traditional and family-friendly. We also prize the playing of the traditional marches over festa discos or parties – we feel that there are plenty of places where you can go to listen to recorded dance music; the festa is the only time where you’ll hear this kind of music played live. And no matter which streets the band passes through during the festa, the residents will open their doors and offer the musicians and other members of the band club a festive drink. That’s something you don’t see very often these days. It pains me to see traditions fading away, so we try to keep a tight ship – that way, we can try to hang on to them as much as we can,” he smiles modestly. “There are plenty of feasts that draw more crowds, but then at the end of the day, our club tends to prize quality over quantity.”

1

,

0

52 56 181

MALTA

51

3 km

1

20

Il-Buskett

202

9

109

186

X3

106 54

1

Ħaż-Żebbuġ

61

Ħ’Attard

63

Ħaġar Qim

72

74

7

Iż-Żurrieq 73

Il-Ħnejja (Blue Grotto)

11

71 73 74

7

11

Ħal Luqa

Ħal Safi

8

21

15

21

21

0

1 124 213

L-Isla 2 (Senglea)

X4

88 226

X4

Ħal Far

210 82

88

, 226

135

Birżebbuġa

Il-Gudja

135

210

Ħal Għaxaq

,226

Santa Luċija

8 0 ,83

204

85

323 301

3

Ix-Xgħajra

21

0

11

91, 124 ,93

124

13

80

Pretty Bay

85

92,

124

32

L-Imġarr

N

302 303 323 306

322 330

312 322 303 322 323 303 322

302 KEMMUNA 303 305 306 307 308 (COMINO) 310 311 312 313 323 330

1 2 3 4 13 13A 14 15 16 21 22 24 25 31 32 35 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 56 58 58A 61 62 63 64 71 72 73 74 80 81 82 83 84 85 88 91 92 93 94 122 130 133 238 250 260 X4 TD9 TD10 TD11 Malta International Airport 117 119 135 201 X1 X2 X3 X4 TD2 2 3 4 124 213 Il-Birgu 80 81 119 210 X4 Birżebbuġa 71 201 Blue Grotto 31 45 48 186 203 212 221 223 Buġibba / Il-Qawra 280 X3 TD9 TD11 221 222 250 X1 X1A 41 42 101 201 Ċirkewwa Ferry 56 186 202 201 Ta’ Qali 52 56 181 201 Ħad-Dingli 223 225 44 101 201 Golden Bay 1 124 213 L-Isla 213 N3 3 201 Il-Kalkara 91 92 93 119 124 135 201 204 N91 Marsaskala 81 85 119 210 TD10 TD11 Marsaxlokk 22 31 32 109 110 117 120 121 Mater Dei Hospital 122 135 181 182 204 206 201 201 209 233 238 213 218 226 201 201 210 201 50 51 52 53 56 109 181 182 L-Imdina 186 201 202 250 X3 221 222 250 41 42 49 101 201 Il-Mellieħa X1 X1A 201 44 101 213 L-Imġarr 14 120 Paceville 50 51 52 53 56 109 181 182 Ir-Rabat 186 201 202 250 X3 13 14 15 16 21 201 202 204 Tas-Sliema 201 201 222 225 201 233 X3 TD2 TD11 212 81 82 201 206 Ħal Tarxien 71 73 74 117 201 218 Iż-Żurrieq

Valletta

MALTA - Index of places served

Id-Dwejra L-Għarb Kemmunett Marsalforn (Cominotto) L-Imġarr In-Nadur Il-Qala Ir-Ramla Ta’ Sannat Santa Luċija / Ta’ Kerċem Ta’ Pinu Church / L-Għasri Ix-Xagħra Ix-Xlendi Iż-Żebbuġ Ix-Xewkija Il-Munxar

301 309 311 308 310 301 302 303 302 305 313 308 307 306 309 301 305

GOZO - Index of places served

Il-Qala

Ir-Rabat (Victoria)

322 323 301 303

303

303

www.freytagberndt.com

St Thomas Bay

2

In-Nadur

302

91 92 93 119 124 135 204 93

2

32

GĦAWDEX (GOZO)

Date: 3rd May 2017 © FREYTAG-BERNDT & ARTARIA KG, VIENNA

Delimara

Marsaxlokk Market

81 85 TD10 TD11

9,

Marsaxlokk

81,119 ,

6 84, 20

5

4

20

92

Ħaż-Żabbar

94 120 121

94

Fort Rinella

323

Għajnsielem

Ix-Xewkija

302 , 303

206 Marsaskala 84 Iż-Żejtun (Wied il-Għajn)

Tarxien Temples Ħal Tarxien

120,121

307

2,

30

302

Ramla Bay

Ta’ Kola Windmill Il-Ġgantija (Ġgantija Temples)

307

IL-BAĦAR MEDITERRAN (MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

3 Il-Kalkara

213

213 1 Il-Fgura 90,91 92,93,94

Raħal Ġdid (Paola)

2,3,4

(Cospicua)

4

Il-Belt VALLETTA

305

30 1,3 03

Ir-Rabat (Victoria) 30 2 32 3

307

310 322

Marsalforn Bay

Ix-Xagħra

309 Marsalforn

Il-Munxar Ta’ Sannat

Il-Birgu (Vittoriosa)

3 13

X1A Bormla

83

0

33 306,

TD2 TD13 15 21 202 203 212 222 225

Ta´Xbiex

, 11

1

Ta’ Kerċem

313

8,

Tas-Sliema

,16

,14

Il-Gżira

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

0

Il-Marsa

56 58 Tal-Pietà A

12

3A

1

IL-BAĦAR MEDITERRAN (MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

64

58

50,54,

L-Imsida

32

74 TD2 X1 X2 X3 119 201 117 Malta Int. Airport 218 72

L-Imqabba Il-Qrendi

San Ġwann University

,73

74

63

64

2,53

120

St George’s Bay San Ġiljan (St Julian’s) 1

X2

22 Il-Balluta 21 0,1

11

16

14

306 330

313

2

31

30 31

308

Iż-Żebbuġ

L-Għasri

8

30

Santa Luċija

Ix-Xlendi Xlendi Bay

Is-Swieqi

Mater Dei Hospital

X1 X2 X3 X4 61 62 63 64 74 110 120 121 135 204 206 209 210 218 226

Is-Siġġiewi

62 209

58 51,5

22

106

61,62 2

4

233 16 25 35 2 2

Ħal Qormi

09

14

13A 14 103 110 120 121

Pembroke

03

1,1

38

TD 1

Ħal Balzan Birkirkara

L-Iklin

43

41-49 203, 25 0,260 280 54

9,

202, 203

TD

,X

13

71

Ħaġar Qim L-Imnajdra Temples (Mnajdra Temples)

109

Ras Bajjada

49

46 260

Ħal Għargħur

,182 181

9 10

1 20

61

13

Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq

3

10

5 17,13

Għar Lapsi

10

47

X1A

25

In-Naxxar Mosta Dome Il-Mosta

, 56 50,52,5 3

Ta’ Qali

56

Buskett Gardens

Ir-Rabat

53 186 201 202

L-Imdina

182

Ta' Qali National Stadium

186

0

25

Tarġa Gap

49

Is-Salina

X 1,

21 2 , 22 2, 2

Id-Dwejra

311

San Lawrenz

312

L-Għarb

, 19

2

51

L-Imtarfa

Il-Bidnija

38

44, 2

103

1B

Burmarrad

X1,X

Il-Qawra

X1 X1A X2 22 25 31 32 106 110 117 120 122 135 181 182 204 206 209 210 213 218 226 233 238 260 280

Azure Window

Ta’ Pinu

310

wa

1

A X1

Buġibba

TD9 TD11 X3 31 45 48 186 203 212 221 223 280

Selmunett (St Paul’s Islands)

San Pawl il-Baħar (St Paul’s Bay)

Il-Wardija

50

Ħad-Dingli

Skorba Temples

Dingli Cliffs

109

Ta’ Ħaġrat

101 238

Bus routes Bus routes only summer Number of bus route Place of departure/arrival Key bus stop Sales and information office Bus interchange Tourist information Heritage site Place of interest Airport Hospital Ferry Beach

Legend

Il-Baħrija

109

Il-Ġnejna

10

1

L-Imġarr

Ġnejna Bay

25 223, 2

Il-Mellieħa

Mellieħa Bay

Għajn Tuffieħa

101

49

49

1 44, 10

Golden Bay

101

L-Għadira

44 223 225

Popeye Village Il-Prajjet (Anchor Bay)

22 1

IL-BAĦAR MEDITERRAN (MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

47

101

202

311

Paradise Bay

181, 56

54,106

0

Iċ-Ċirkewwa

2 20 1, 6,18 52,5

109

31

49

62,109

25, 35

6

Ċirkewwa Ferry

56

218

305

L-Armier (Armier Bay)

4

201

305,30

X1 X1A 41 42 101 221 222 250

73, 1

1

X1,X

80,82 , 85

117

309

26 11 0,2 D 0, T D1 6,T ,88 ,22 ,85 ,82 80

20

218

3

72

2, 5

3

51

,X

18

71

13 TD2

X2

1

X3

,12

31

94

5,48,186, X3 ,42,4 ,41 31 203,250,280

120

0

21

10

0 ,25

26

206

9, 2

2 22 103 31

4

11

1A , 260

81,8

135

ġa Im L-

,X 16 124

91

to

41,42 X1

B, ,X1

ew Ferr y to Ċirk

119

rr y Fe

2

32 303

rr

MALTA BY BUS

11 X4

9

73

valletta

74