breakfasts are served in most restaurants across Malta and Gozo. Parties are also organised in various venues and advertised amply in local papers, on billboards and other media. Date 24 Dec. New Year’s Eve Welcome the New Year in style at one of the many parties and events organised across the islands. Whether you prefer an exclusive or private party, or a romantic meal with your other half, there is an endless list of options for ways to spend this special night of the year. Date 31 Dec.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race This spectacular race starts from the Grand Harbour in the waters opposite the Saluting Battery in Valletta and Fort St Angelo in Vittoriosa, continues along the coast of Sicily and other islands, including the Aeolian and Egadi islands, and Lampedusa, and Valletta International Baroque finishes at Marsamxett Harbour. Festival (2133 3109, www. Intended to celebrate rolexmiddlesearace. Valletta’s baroque com). Date 19-26 identity, this Oct. festival, held We have done our utmost over two weeks, to ensure the details listed sees the capital Otello here are correct, but dates resound with Another of change and events can be Giuseppe Verdi’s music from the cancelled. Check www. operas, Otello, will period when it visitmalta.com for was built. be performed, this updates. time at Teatru Astra, Valletta (valletta. to mark the 200th lc@gov.mt). Date anniversary of the 10-26 Jan. composer’s birth. Teatru Astra, Gozo. Date 24 and 26 Oct.
January 2014
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February
December Patches Market The Patches Market is an excellent initiative that brings together artisan and craftspeople under one roof to display and sell their hand-crafted products which range from jewellery to ceramics, cup cakes and so much more. The Christmas edition presents the perfect opportunity to purchase a unique locally made and contemporary item. Magazino Hall, Valletta Waterfront (www.patchesmarket. com). Date 1 Dec. Republic Day On 13 December 1974 the Maltese Constitution was amended and Malta became a republic. Activities marking this historic date take place every year, mostly in Valletta. (info@maltaculture.com). Date 13 Dec. Christmas Eve Midnight mass often starts the celebration of Christmas among locals, followed by a full Christmas breakfast. The best midnight mass ceremonies are held on Christmas Eve at St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina and at the Mosta Dome, while generous
The Voca People An ensemble of eight talented musician-actors – three female (alto, mezzo, and soprano) and three male singers (bass, baritone, tenor), together with two beat box artists who create extraordinary sounds, come together to form an entire orchestra without musical instruments. The show will feature a number of all-time favourites including 5th Symphony by Beethoven, The Magic Flute by Mozart, Tutti Frutti by Richard Wayne, Fever by John Davenport and Billie Jean by Michael Jackson among others. Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre, Ta’ Qali (info@mfcc.com. mt). Date 21-23 Feb. Carnival Carnival in Malta is synonymous with revelry and good fun. Massive, colourful floats, that are unfailingly accompanied by loud music and enthusiastic supporters, parade through the streets of Valletta and Floriana. The carnival festivities in Nadur, Gozo, are one-of-a kind with a heavy dose of satirical displays, egged on by traditional bands and street performances. Valletta, Floriana, Gozo and other villages (www.visitmalta.com). Date 28 Feb-4 Mar.
April Good Friday During the late afternoon of this public holiday some 17 different towns and villages commemorate the Passion of the Christ by organising very solemn processions with statues depicting the last hours of Christ’s life. Processions also feature participants dressed as biblical characters and in some cases include men bearing a cross and sometimes dragging chains tied to their bare feet as a form of penitence. Date 18 Apr. Malta International Fireworks Festival During this spectacular festival, a dazzling display of fireworks lights up the sky. Malta’s magnificent Grand Harbour will once again provide the perfect backdrop for this increasingly popular event. Grand Harbour, Valletta (2291 5136, www.visitmalta.com). Date last wk Apr.
June Isle of MTV Rita Ora, Jessie J and Rudimental were the stars of last year’s Isle of MTV concert which has become an annual fixture in the island’s calendar of events since 2006. Previous artists who performed here include Canadian pop star Nelly Furtado, American rapper Flo Rida and Will.i.am, of Black Eyed Peas fame, as well as Lady Gaga and Snoop Dogg. Entrance is free and on a first come, first served basis. The Granaries, Floriana. Date to be confirmed. Mnarja One of the oldest traditional festivities on the Maltese islands, the feast commemorates two important saints, St Peter and St Paul. Music, open-air dancing and singing, as well as horse and donkey races keep visitors entertained for hours. Maltese food and wine are served throughout the day and night, and an agrarian fair, displaying the produce of Maltese farmers, also forms part of the festivities. Buskett Gardens. Date 29 June.
August Feast of the Assumption The feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, more commonly known among locals as Santa Marija, is celebrated in various villages across the islands, including Mqabba, Qrendi, Gudja, Ghaxaq, Attard,
Mosta in Malta and Rabat in Gozo. The largest celebrations are held in Mosta and Rabat, followed by Qrendi and Ghaxaq. Thousands of Maltese flock to Gozo for a few days to celebrate the feast. Various towns and villages across Malta and Gozo. Date 15 Aug.
Photo: viewingmalta.com/Clive Vella
and the Armed Forces of Malta Band. This year’s foreign bands will include the Southern Jacobites Pipes and Drums (UK), the Emerald Isle Irish Dance Company (Ireland), the National Band of the Army Cadet Force (UK) and Marktmusikkapelle Gamlitz (Austria). Performances start at 6pm. Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre, Ta’ Qali (www. maltamilitarytattoo.org). Date 12-13 Oct.
In Guardia
Public holidays Our Lady of Victories 8 Sept 2013 Independence Day 21 Sept 2013 Immaculate Conception 8 Dec 2013 Republic Day 13 Dec 2013 Christmas Day 25 Dec 2013 New Year’s Day 1 Jan 2014 St Paul’s Shipwreck 10 Feb 2014 The Feast of St Joseph 19 Mar 2014 Good Friday 18 Apr 2014 Freedom Day 31 Mar 2014 Labour Day 1 May 2014 Sette Giugno 7 June 2013 St Peter and St Paul (L-Imnarja) 29 June 2014 The Assumption of Our Lady (Santa Marija) 15 Aug 2014
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