Passaggi, May 2025

The KM Malta Airlines In-Flight Magazine

ISSUE 7

May 2025

PG 34

A packed cultural diary for the month of May

PG 56

SUP escapes: stand up and paddle to paradise PG 73

Dig into a fully-loaded ftira, Malta’s legendary snack

in collaboration with

BEHIND ????????

PASSAĠĠI

ON THE COVER Santa Marija Tower, Comino

MEET THE TEAM DESIGN TBWA\ANG

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Fiona Galea Debono

Albert Camilleri Daniel Cilia Ekaterina Camilleri Gabriel Abela Jonathan Borg Kim Sammut Malta Arts Council Ruth Zammit DeBono Teatru Manoel Therese Debono

Daniel Cilia

SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TBWA\ANG

CONTRIBUTORS Adriana Bishop Ally Wybrew Andrew Borg Wirth Din l-Art Ħelwa Inkontru.app Lisa Gwen Nadine Muscat Cini Neil Attard Thomas Camilleri Ramona Depares Ruth Zammit DeBono

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN PASSAĠĠI? For advertising opportunities, get in touch with TBWA\ANG on passaggi@tbwa-ang.com or (+356) 2131 0608 Abigail: abigail@tbwa-ang.com or (+356) 9929 0518

HOW TO PRONOUNCE PASSAĠĠI

/pasˈsadʒi/ Here’s the breakdown: • /p/ as in pass • /a/ as in art • /sˈ/ as in sun (with stress on the following syllable) • /dʒ/ as the sound of the j in 'judge' (geminated or doubled sound) • /i/ as in eat The word passaġġi means 'passages' in English.

The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or copied by any means without the written consent of the publisher. Editorial features and opinions expressed in Passaġġi do not necessarily reflect the views of KM Malta Airlines, the publisher, or the editorial team. Both KM Malta Airlines and the publisher do not accept responsibility for commercial and advertising content. Although the authors and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this magazine was correct before going to print, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result f rom negligence, accident, or any other cause. Special thanks to KM Malta Airlines and VisitMalta for the provision of photographic material.

Printed in Malta by Gutenberg Press. All magazine rights are reserved by KM Malta Airlines.

TBWA\ANG, 3rd Floor, Professional Building, Sliema Road, Gżira GZR 1633 Malta \ (+356) 2131 0608 \ tbwa-ang.com

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Welcome to The KM Malta Airlines In-Flight Magazine David Curmi

Executive Chairman KM Malta Airlines Our Summer 2025 schedule is now fully underway, and we are pleased to see strong demand across our network of 18 destination airports. This summer is building up to be a busy one for travel, and we encourage passengers to plan ahead and secure their preferred flights early.

cabin, gourmet dining, increased baggage allowance and access to priority airport services. Upgrades can be requested by bidding or instant upgrade up to 24 hours before departure through the ‘Upgrading to Business Class’ section on our website.

In response to growing demand, we will be increasing our flight frequencies to two popular destinations: effective July, we will operate an additional Wednesday flight to Paris CDG and an additional Friday service to Amsterdam.

This increases our weekly services to 19 per week between Malta and Paris and 10 services per week between Malta and Amsterdam. This is in addition to our latest new route, which will see KM Malta Airlines starting operations to the truly vibrant city of Istanbul effective 2nd June 2025.

If you are looking for a meaningful gift for a friend, family member, or colleague, KM Malta Airlines gift vouchers are available and can be used not only towards flight bookings to any of our 18 European airports, but also towards additional services such as seat selection and extra baggage. It's the perfect present for any travel enthusiast.

As we welcome you on board this May, it is heartening to see the positive response to the recent introduction of our new uniform accessories, designed in collaboration with Maltese designers Charles & Ron. It has been a pleasure to see our cabin crew, pilots, engineers and ground staff donning these pieces, which add a unique Maltese touch to our look.

We continue to focus on convenience and comfort for all our passengers. A quick reminder that you can now save time at the airport by downloading your boarding pass directly to your digital wallet – an easy and efficient way to keep everything at your fingertips.

For those seeking an elevated travel experience, we invite you to consider upgrading to Business Class, which offers a more spacious and comfortable

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Lastly, I encourage all passengers to join KM Rewards, our loyalty programme. By signing up, you can earn SkyBux and Status Points each time you travel with us and redeem them towards future flights and services. The more you travel, the more rewarding your journey becomes.

Thank you for choosing KM Malta Airlines. We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon.

Fiona Galea Debono Editor

This month, Passaġġi happens to paint a picture of Malta primarily through its people; their lifestyles, their achievements, their interests and hobbies, their flair, their flaws and their goals.

through their philosophies, green credentials and gastronomic creations.

It is, indeed, also through the stories of individuals that we can get to discover destinations; not just through places, events, historical facts, monuments and sites…

Local villages and far-off travel destinations are described through the subjective eyes of those who have lived and breathed them, bringing out their personality, their beauty and their best.

From exquisite dishes to scenic landscapes and gorgeous people, Passaġġi picks the cream of the crop.

When piecing this magazine together, the puzzle often eventually just falls into place and a pattern emerges, encapsulating the month ahead and projecting a particular portrait of the islands.

Take Malta’s vibrant arts scene; it is not just bursting through the vast calendar of events we have compiled, or emerging from behind the scenes of its national theatre. It is also portrayed and personified by the characters we meet in this issue – the gallerist and art collector, craftswoman, curator, advocate for beauty and even beauty queen; through their vision of life on the islands and how it has shaped and inspired them.

Take Gozo and some of its ancient craf ts. They take centre stage and are brought to life through the words and actions of one of the island’s master weavers, who spins her yarn on how this tradition started and can be perpetuated and picked up by future generations.

When it comes to local cuisine, meet the master chefs behind the island’s culinary evolution and taste its journey on the road to a foodie destination

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Contents 8 ISLANDS 8

Not just a quiet seaside village Escape to Xgħajra for some history, nature and local charm

TRAVEL 16

Feeling London’s creative pulse Take in the city, museum by museum

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An Estonian escapade When in Tallinn…

HERITAGE 24

Holding the fort Comino’s majestic Santa Marija Tower

THEATRE 29

Behind the scenes Inside the wondrous wardrobe of Teatru Manoel

CULTURE 34

This month’s must-see events Keep your calendar full and your curiosity sparked

73 6

ARTS 39

Curating beauty Meet an aesthete, gallerist and art collector

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GOZO 46

Weaving traditions for the next generation A Gozitan master weaver keeps this ancient craft alive

PET TRAVEL 51

Rome with Roy Experience the Eternal City with your dog

ACTION 56

Find your balance… on board and in life Stand-up paddling is more than just a sport

PEOPLE 61

Meet Malta’s ‘Mrs’ beauty queen

56

One final dazzling contest before hanging up her crown

FOOD 68

A foodie destination

61

Another chapter in Malta’s culinary story

73

Ftira – the legendary beach snack Try the quintessential Maltese sandwich

AIRLINE NEWS 80

Flight, company and destination information All you need to know about flying with KM Malta Airlines

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Photos: Jonathan Borg. Tal-Milord Bay.

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ISLANDS

Words by

Neil Attard

Neil has been the mayor of Xgħajra for six years and is passionate about his job and about seeing its residents happy.

Not just a quiet seaside village Xgħajra may be small in population, but it boasts a vibrant local culture that is shaped by its historical ties, coastal environment and the traditions of its residents. Visit to cut off from the more urbanised areas of Malta – while being just a stone’s throw away from some of its largest shopping malls and commercial spaces too.

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ISLANDS

Xgħajra is a charming and peaceful locality on the southeastern coast of Malta, with a population of around 2,000 people. Although small in size, it has a distinctive identity shaped by its coastal location, community spirit and historical roots, offering a blend of history, culture and natural beauty that make it a hidden gem amid the more bustling areas of the island.

Part of the larger district of the Southern Region, it is situated close to the towns of Marsascala, Żabbar and the capital city of Valletta, giving it both a sense of tranquillity and proximity to Malta's more urbanised zones.

The village is surrounded by countryside and coastal walks, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Small enough to be explored on foot, it boasts a picturesque waterfront promenade and a few local shops and restaurants.

Characterised by spectacular shoreline views, one of its most stunning spots is Tal-Milord Bay. This small, pebbled cove is relatively secluded and not overcrowded, providing an ideal place for residents and visitors who wish to enjoy the natural beauty of the area on hot summer days. The bay is an example of the unspoiled charm that still exists in Malta, where the rocky coastline meets the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. HISTORY The village has a rich history, dating back to the time of the Knights of St John, who recognised the strategic importance of its location. One of the coastal Wignacourt watchtowers, built by the Order in 1620, was located here. Demolished in 1888 by the English to make way for the existing fortress known as Della Grazie Battery, it served as a defence system to this coastline. Today, it is being used by the local council and by the Xgħajra Scouts Group.

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Welcome to Xgħajra.

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ISLANDS

The village, originally a fishing community, evolved alongside the broader economic development of Malta. In the early 20th century, Xgħajra was primarily agricultural, its fertile lands being used to grow a variety of crops. The development of modern infrastructure in Malta, such as the expansion of road networks and public utilities, helped bring the village closer to the rest of the island.

scenic viewpoints in and around the village that allow visitors to explore the countryside and enjoy the panoramic sights of the surrounding coastline. These trails are particularly appealing to nature lovers and those looking for a break from the more urbanised areas of Malta.

The mid-20th century saw an increase in the development of residential areas in Xgħajra, with more people choosing to build homes in the village due to its picturesque setting and proximity to Valletta. The rise of tourism to the island during this period also had an impact on the locality as more visitors began to seek out quieter, less commercialised areas to explore.

Xgħajra's proximity to other scenic locations, such as Marsascala and the picturesque cliffs of the Delimara peninsula, further enhances its appeal to outdoors enthusiasts.

Despite these changes, Xgħajra has managed to retain much of its original charm and still holds onto a traditional Maltese village identity.

NATURAL BEAUTY & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Another standout feature of Xgħajra is its natural beauty, particularly its coastal landscape. The village offers a great base for those interested in outdoor activities such as swimming, walking and cycling.

Xgħajra Bay is a popular spot for residents who want to enjoy a quiet day by the sea, and its relatively secluded nature ensures a peaceful atmosphere compared to the more tourist-heavy beaches in other parts of the island.

There are also several walking trails and

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The nearby cliffs and coastal areas are also home to a variety of local wildlife, offering an excellent opportunity for birdwatching and nature photography.

The area is known for its clear waters, diverse marine life and stunning views, making it an ideal destination for people who appreciate the natural world.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY One of the defining features of Xgħajra is its strong sense of community. The village may be small in population, but it boasts a vibrant local culture that is shaped by its historical ties, coastal environment and a traditional Maltese way of life that is still very much alive among its residents.

Xgħajra has a laid-back atmosphere, and the friendly locals are always keen to share their stories and traditions with newcomers.

The Maltese language and Roman Catholic faith are central to the village's identity, with many locals actively participating in religious events, community festivals and other cultural activities throughout the year.

The Parish Church of San Ġakbu (St Jacob), built in 1933, is one of the most prominent landmarks in Xgħajra, reflecting the importance of religion in the daily lives of its residents. The church serves as a focal point for the community, especially

Xgħajra's picturesque waterfront with Shoreline in the background.

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At a glance!

Popular historic and natural attractions in and around Xgħajra.

01. Della Grazie Battery: A historic coastal battery that's being restored as a public space.

during the feast of St Jacob, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm on 19th and 20th July. During this annual event, the streets of the village come alive with colourful processions, music and local gatherings, reinforcing the sense of community and cultural pride.

Among the highlights is a summer event called Xtajta Tlellex, which means our beautiful sparkling shoreline, organised by the local council.

This year, it will be held on 26th July, welcoming a variety of local and foreign artists and accompanied by traditional fireworks.

As far as entertainment goes, Xgħajra is also home to a handful of local businesses, cafés and restaurants that cater to both locals and visitors. These establishments offer traditional Maltese food, as well as international cuisine.

The village provides a welcome respite from the more commercialised areas of the island, while being a stone’s throw away from some of its largest shopping malls and commercial spaces too.

For those seeking a tranquil escape, with a rich cultural experience, Xgħajra offers that balance between history, nature and local charm.

02. Xgħajra Promenade: A picturesque waterfront walkway with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

FROM THE COMMERCIAL POINT OF VIEW SmartCity Malta: A nearby commercial district with a technology park and modern amenities, including office spaces, conferencing faciities and on-site gym for businesses.

Shoreline: A brand-new shopping mall, described as “Malta's largest hub for shopping, dining and entertainment”, where you can find all your needs, including luxury, flagship stores and renowned brands for fashion enthusiasts and discerning shoppers.

El Catalán Restaurant: A sea-view eatery located by the village playground, offering a varied cuisine.

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Must-see sites

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ISLANDS

Words by

Heritage Malta The national agency for museums, conservation practice and cultural heritage, it is the guardian of over 8,000 years of history.

If this is your first visit to the Maltese Islands, you cannot leave without ticking these sites off your list.

The Inquisitor’s Palace Birgu

The Inquisitor’s Palace is both a historic house museum and the National Museum of Ethnography. Built in the 1530s, it was the powerhouse of the Holy Roman Inquisition that dominated Malta for over 224 years. After the French abolished the Inquisition in Malta upon their arrival in 1798, the building served French and British rules, as well as the Dominican Order for a period of time after World War II. The Inquisitor’s Palace also houses the National Textiles Collection.

The Grand Master’s Palace Valletta

Newly restored and proudly dominating St George’s Square, the Grand Master’s Palace invites you to wander along its 450-year history as a centre of power and the symbol of a nation. Presently the seat of the Office of the President of Malta, the palace grants visitor access to over 85 per cent of the building’s footprint, including the magnificent Armoury.

Its restoration project was partly financed via the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The National Museum of Archaeology

Valletta

With artefacts dating back from Malta’s Neolithic period (5900-2500 BC) up till the early Phoenician period (8th-6th century BC), the National Museum of Archaeology is definitely your first step to understanding the richness of the land you tread on, its people and their ancestors. Its ground floor is dedicated to the Neolithic period, while the upper floor currently houses the Bronze Age and the Phoenician period sections. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.

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ISLANDS

MUŻA – The National Community Art Museum

Valletta

The acronym MUŻA refers to the mythological Muses of Classical Antiquity and to the Maltese term for artistic inspiration. Through a varied collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, silver pieces, works on paper and objets d’art, MUŻA’s main focus is to show artistic developments in Malta impacted by its Mediterranean context, as well as the cultural influences resulting from the governance of the Order of St John (1530-1798), the British Empire (1800-1964), the postIndependence period (from 1964) and the overall impact of the Church.

Ġgantija Gozo

The Ġgantija Archaeological Park complex is a unique prehistoric monument listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Situated in Xagħra, it consists of two structures built between c.3600 and c.3200 BC. Notwithstanding its age, the monument survives in a considerably good state of preservation.

Entrance to the Ġgantija Archaeological Park is through an interpretation centre, which houses a selection of the most significant artefacts discovered at various prehistoric sites in Gozo.

The Malta Maritime Museum Birgu

A stroll along the beautiful Birgu waterfront is not quite complete without a visit to the Malta Maritime Museum, housed within the Old Naval Bakery and charting 7,000 years of Malta’s maritime history, from prehistory to the present day. The museum partly reopened its doors in February 2024, having been closed for some years for a major rehaul, partially supported by the EEA Norway Grants. Presently, it houses a one-of-a-kind exhibition titled An Island at the Crossroads.

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Wied il-Mielaħ Window

Salt Pans

29

25 ‘Kappar’ Capers

Żebbuġ

26

Għasri

Tal-Mixta Cave 27

Għarb

23 Xagħra Victoria

24

Qala

Nadur 28

‘Bużbież’ Wild Fennel

Għajnsielem Sannat 22

Sanap Cliffs M

COMINO

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GOZO

KEMMUNA

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Crystal Lagoon

Passenger Ferry

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Vehicle & Passenger Ferry

Ċirkewwa

Red Tower

S T P A U L’ S ISLANDS

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Mellieħa

01 Popeye Village

16 St Paul’s Bay

‘Bajtar tax-Xewk’ Prickly Pears

09 ‘Frawli’ Strawberries 08 Mġarr 05

Mos ‘Merill’ National Bird

Rabat

Valletta

Xgħajra 12km

01

02

Dingli

B

BEACHES 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15

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Anchor Bay Armier Bay Balluta Bay Delimara Point Fomm ir-Riħ Għadira Bay Għar Lapsi Ġnejna Bay Golden Bay Marsaskala Bay Marsaxlokk Bay Paradise Bay Pretty Bay Salina Bay St George's Bay

Dingli Cliffs

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

St Paul's Bay St Peter's Pool St Thomas Bay Wied iż-Żurrieq Xrobb l-Għaġin Blue Lagoon Santa Marija Bay Daħlet Qorrot Dwejra Bay Marsalforn Bay Ramla Bay San Blas Bay Xlendi Bay Xwejni Bay ~ Salt Pans

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‘Lampuki’ Dolphin Fish

INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS IN AND AROUND XGĦAJRA

Xgħajra's coastline with Shoreline in the background.

‘Xemx’ Sun

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M A LT A Pembroke 15

Għargħur St Julian’s

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03 Valletta

Gżira

Upper Barrakka Gardens 01

‘Ħobża tal-Malti’ Maltese Bread

Il-Banju tal-Milord.

Naxxar

02

Birgu Qormi

Żebbuġ

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Buskett

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Marsascala

Welcome to Xgħajra.

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ar

Della Grazie Battery.

KM Malta Airlines Airbus A320neo

Luqa 20

Marsaxlokk

Qrendi

‘Qarnita’ Octopus

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Żurrieq

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13 19

04

sponsored by

FILFLA ‘Luzzu’ Traditional Fishing Boat

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TRAVEL

Feeling LONDON’S creative pulse 16

The Royal Opera House.

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Words by

Andrew Borg Wirth Andrew is a curator and architect. Through his practice, he interrogates disciplines of architecture, contemporary art, theatre and design.

Take in the city through the eyes of an artistic director, museum by museum… with enough time in between to really soak up and be inspired by this centuriesold crucible of culture, innovation and imagination.

pointers

What to do and where to go:

.....

Few cities pulse with creativity quite like London. It is what first drew me there when I moved in 2021. I landed with no agenda but to be moved, and the city delivered. Of course, the pandemic had other plans, but even at the most dire of times, culture found a way.

A centuries-old crucible of innovation and imagination, the uniqueness of London lies in the fact that it can be a haven, for everyone. I was always drawn to the East, but across the whole city, there is something for people to admire and enjoy. In London you can wander and be led by the crisp air of one of the world's most exciting hubs. I've always thought the city wears its artistic spirit on its sleeve.

Most recently, I have enjoyed time spent at the National Portrait Gallery. Escaping the drizzle outside, I'm in awe of the newly refurbished galleries. Art historian and curator Nicholas Cullinan, who was responsible for the new ideas at this iconic venue, has delivered a museum for the contemporary age. The juxtaposition of portraits on the ground floor is still imprinted on my mind, and it remains magical as you make your way up. A personal favourite is the monumental doors, adorned by artworks by foremost British artist Tracey Emin.

The city is always alive. I try to make it each time to the Tate Modern, the Southbank, and of course the Barbican, where the conservatory remains a silent oasis in an otherwise hectic and energised city.

If you’re having a lazy afternoon, I always love strolling through Borough Market and eating from here and there. Try a toastie, a celebration of freshly baked bread and Borough Market fillings.

If you’re not in a rush and can catch a bus rather than take the Tube, catch a bus. It’s fun seeing the city buzzing from one story above.

If you finish late one night and are staying somewhere under an hour away, walk.

London has this incredible architectural spectrum – from churches to office blocks to brutal modernist beacons. It’s so beautiful to see the lights reflecting on the Thames.

Sunday mornings in the park are the best.

I loved London Fields and the food market, walking all the way to Columbia Road market for flowers and interior curiosities.

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TRAVEL

National Portrait Gallery.

The Wallace Collection.

The Barbican is a brutalist build and creative centre, which I am most inspired by. I love the synergy of disciplines and the way that spaces overlap. The library, the galleries, the theatre and the open spaces hold some of my fondest memories from my time in London. In each place, there is a public programme that one can only experience at any single point in time. This takes your visit a bit further and makes you interact in more detail with a single artefact or theme.

Two locations that not many know of are the Wallace Collection and Sir John Soane's Museum. They are curious buildings with incredible historic collections. I often spent time in the pink café at the Wallace after my visits because the light begs you to remain.

I have made it to Soane's practically every time I have landed in London.

It is magical and I love losing myself in all the nooks and crannies that make it so special.

The theatres are, of course, another great component of the London

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experience. The National Theatre, the Royal Opera House and Sadler’s Wells are just a few of the places I've loved being an audience member at.

And all this hasn't even allowed me to talk about the food! You'll need it in between the long hours spent walking across the city.

Get lunch at the Barbican one day. If it’s raining, it feels all the more special. Then there’s the glorious seafood platter at The Cow, a gastropub on Westbourne Park Road. And of course, the English love their Sunday roast at the pub. If you’re into that (I’m not), you won’t need my advice. They’re everywhere.

I've had some great summers in London and was surprised to enjoy them so much. You imagine grey skies and dreary weather, but this moves quite fast. The rain doesn't last long, and it could actually get quite hot.

Don't leave a museum and run to the next.

Take in all that you've just seen, sit in a park and close your eyes. Soon enough, you'll realise you are in a place that millions have been inspired by before you. This is your chance.

KM Malta Airlines operates regular flights between

Malta International Airport (MLA) and London (LDN) kmmaltairlines.com

At the Barbican.

suggests

A conceptual render of URNA. Photo courtesy of Malta Arts Council.

Andrew Borg Wirth at the Serpentine Pavilion.

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This June, there is one place you need to be at without any doubt.

No one should travel to London without making it to Somerset House to see the national pavilion Malta is presenting at the London Design Biennale 2025, commissioned by Arts Council Malta.

I am curating URNA, so I am biased, but its topic – cremation and Maltese limestone – are thoughtprovoking and innovative. We really are so excited to see the reaction of visitors to the building.

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TRAVEL

Words by

Ramona Depares Ramona is an author and journalist with an interest in culture-related topics. She runs her own food and culture website at ramonadepares.com

An Estonian Escapade From fairy-tale spires to cool street art, Tallinn has it all. You can be sure to be charmed by the capital of Estonia.

It was easy to be seduced by Tallinn’s cobbled streets, fairy-tale-like castles and colourful spires stretching out to the sky, the Baltic Sea as a backdrop. I had seen them grace many a postcard, and when one of my favourite bands (Rammstein, if you’re asking) announced Estonia tour dates, it was all the excuse I needed to spend some time exploring this intriguing capital city.

An amazingly cheap cab ride took us from the airport to the city centre. It took 20 minutes, give or take, making Tallinn and excellent option even for a three-day break if you don’t have much time.

We were staying at the Palace Hotel, right on the doorstep of the Old Town and a short walk away from the more modern areas for shopping and nightlife. In short, the best of both worlds.

The hotel was to be the most expensive part of our stay, as everything else is wonderfully affordable.

Shopping is particularly cheap – don’t expect any designer outlets, but high-street brands cost about one-third less.

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Tallinn at night Tallinn isn’t best known for its nightlife. There are two main clubs in the centre, but if you’re used to the Maltese, UK, or German club scene, you’re not going to be impressed. However, if it’s more of a live music/post-hipster vibe that you’re after, then we’re in business. Telliskivi is a five-minute cab ride away from the centre, and it’s basically a warren of industrial warehouses that have been transformed into small bars and restaurants with outdoor areas, live music, artisan food and drinks… the whole works, with some really cool street art added for good measure. You’ll find plenty of free outdoor gigs too, so just grab a beer and a hammock, lie back and enjoy.

Make it a point to drop in for an exhibition at the Fotografiska culture hub. There’s usually a different exhibition on each floor.

When I was there, there was a jaw-dropping showcase by photographer Frank Ockenfels, including his David Bowie series.

There’s also a performance space that is transformed into a nighttime gig area.

Tallinn's Old Town.

When you’ve exhausted Telliskivi, Rotermanni is approximately the same distance from the centre in the direction of the port, and it serves more sophisticated vibes.

I enjoyed the cocktail bars and the high-end restaurants here.

If you want to treat yourself, Noya is beautiful and serves exquisite Nordic-Japanese cuisine, while wine lovers will particularly appreciate R14 wine bar. Prices here are more expensive than Telliskivi, but they are totally worth it.

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The Kohtuotsa viewing platform.

TRAVEL

Exploring the Old Town should be at the top of your list, of course. It may be what everyone else does, but the magic is real. Take it easy and savour all the scenic spots because this is what it’s all about. Recharge your batteries with a coffee, or something stronger in one of the numerous pubs dotting the area around the market square, and make sure you get your Instagram moment at the Kohtuotsa viewing platform, with the iconic views of the red rooftops, church spires and the Baltic Sea. If you have the legs for it, make it all the way up to St Olaf’s Church tower – the view here is almost 360 degrees, but you do need to climb more than 200 steps and a steep ladder to reach the actual viewpoint. (Not for the faint-hearted, or those with vertigo.)

For some outdoor bliss, you can enjoy the gardens and the fountains in Kadriorg Park for free. There are also a number of museums with paid entry within the grounds, but we simply enjoyed strolling by the swan pond, enjoying the particularly luscious flower garden and the waterfalls.

You can reach Tallinn with KM Malta Airlines via Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Paris, London and Munich with Air Baltic, via Munich with Lufthansa and via Zurich with Swiss.

St Olaf's Church tower.

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Kadriorg Palace and its garden inside Kadriorg Park.

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Snelli Park, straddling the Old and New Town, is more urban but can hold some surprisingly remote pathways. It’s also perfect for a very picturesque jog, or a leisurely read on one of the benches by the duck ponds, whichever way you’re inclined.

My last highlight from Tallinn is Balti Jaam Market, where you’ll find a colourful riot of fresh fruit, smoothies, fresh vegetables, flowers and everything that makes for happy vibes. The food market area has communal seating space and some lovely treats, so keep some space for the chocolate and the cakes.

One final word of warning – watch out for the tiny food delivery robots that commute the pavements. I was so keen on snatching a photo of one of these that I managed to walk into an electricity pole. Not a good look!

points

Getting Around In truth, we walked almost everywhere.

If you choose your hotel wisely, the city is extremely walkable.

There is greenery everywhere, making the walks very pleasant (and shaded), and the city is mostly flat. The exception is the Old Town, which will have you huffing and puffing, but which should be explored on foot, of course.

When we were too tired to walk back to the hotel at night, we mostly cabbed it, using the Bolt app. Taxis are very cheap, with a 10-minute drive only setting you back around € 5. When we didn’t feel like walking during the day, we used the tram. It’s more viable to buy a batch of 10 trips from the Tallinn.ee official website than paying for single trips each time.

Snelli Park.

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HERITAGE

Words by

Din l-Art Ħelwa DLĦ is the National Trust of Malta, an NGO founded to safeguard the country's historic, artistic and natural heritage.

Holding the fort Comino’s majestic Santa Marija Tower played a key part in keeping watch, raising the alarm and protecting the channel. Now, the roles have reversed, and a cohort of keen volunteers are its custodians, welcoming visitors on their walks for a peek into the islands’ chequered history.

Imagine if you will, how worried you would have been some 500 years ago, standing on either Malta or Gozo, peering at Comino, trying to spot any pirates or Ottomans lurking there.

The island, said to be named after the cumin spice that grows there, is full of caves and coves, ideal hiding places for those who do not wish to be seen. But it was not the pirates that the population of Malta and Gozo were mostly afraid of; the major threat in the mid-1500s was from the East.

Gozo, in particular, had much to fear: in July of 1551, the majority of the island’s population – around 5,0007,000 people – were enslaved by an Ottoman force. The Ottomans had besieged the Silent City of Mdina, pillaging a number of nearby villages, before deciding that Gozo had better pickings. The garrison in the citadel of Victoria held out for two days before giving up, with the prisoners being taken either to North Africa or Constantinople, as Istanbul was then known.

Although some of the prisoners were ransomed and freed, the rest never returned to the islands, and it took nearly 100 years for the population of Malta’s sister island to recover.

The Knights of the Order of St John had only been in Malta for a few decades at the time, and they quickly realised how vulnerable the islands were to Ottoman attacks. They embarked on a fortification-building exercise, many of which played quite a role just a few years later in the Great

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Siege of Malta in 1565. But their victory had been hard won, and the islands clearly needed a much stronger system, not only for defence but also for early warnings.

Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt realised that a chain of towers was needed to link the citadel in Victoria with Mdina. And the Santa Marija Tower in Comino, built in 1618, played a key role in keeping watch and raising the alarm, through a series of towers within sight of each other.

The highest of the Wignacourt towers, it was clearly meant to be an awe-inspiring deterrent. It soars from its location 80m above sea level, and is 12m high, with its impressive size highlighted by the fact that it is built on an 8m plinth.

The walls are an impressive 6m thick, with four corner turrets adding to its height.

Santa Marija Tower was also carefully designed for function: a 3m-wide strip runs along the plinth to enable the defenders to move easily from side to side, and a musketry gallery originally stood here.

It is not only the tallest of the Wignacourt towers, but it was also the most expensive, probably because of the cost of transporting the building materials to this isolated and barren island.

At the peak of its use, the tower would have been home to up to 60 soldiers. There is even a chapel, dedicated to St Joseph, within it, while water was taken from the natural spring over which the tower was built.

Photos: Daniel Cilia. Santa Marija Tower.

HERITAGE

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HERITAGE

The bleak location was not popular at the time.

In fact, responsibility for manning the tower often fell to knights who had been convicted of minor crimes. Indeed, during the French blockade of 1798-1800, Saint Mary's Tower, as it is also known, was used as a prison for suspected spies or French sympathisers.

Comino, with its strategic location between Malta and Gozo, was clearly key to the defence of the islands. The tower provided an effective lookout and defence, and over the years, more and more weaponry was added. By 1791, its armament inventory included two iron and four bronze cannon.

However, by then, it was already clear that the island had control of the channel between Comino and Malta, and in the early 18th century, Saint Mary's Battery and Saint Mary's Redoubt had also been built. The importance of these two elements is clear from the amount of personnel that were based there: no fewer than 130 men, who between them had 18 cannon at their disposal at one point. The battery is one of only three surviving coastal ones.

During the ensuing British era, a fort – Chambray – was built at the southern tip of Gozo, and Saint Mary’s Tower in Comino was then the visual link between it and the Red Tower in Mellieħa.

Over the years, the buildings on Comino suffered from exposure to the sea and winds, with vandalism also wreaking havoc and stones pilfered from various places. The battery, in particular, suffered as it had probably been abandoned by as early as 1780.

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It was the first building to be restored after the youth section of Din l-Art Ħelwa, the National Trust of Malta, under the leadership of Stanley Farrugia Randon, conducted various clean-ups. Several interventions were carried out in two phases over the years, but one of the most memorable initiatives was the 1997 airlifting by helicopter of a cannon that was found some 200m from the site.

This was a joint initiative between the Armed Forces of Malta and the Royal Navy. The third phase was the repair of the roof of one of the buildings, which had by then caved in.

The tower was abandoned by the British military in 1829, although it was brought back into use during World War I and World War II. It then reverted to its original role looking out for pirates – but by now, these were not the corsairs of old but smugglers, and the issue was not slave-snatching but restricting contraband. The AFM used it between 1982 and 2002, also as a base from which to guard against illegal hunting of birds from the sea.

The tower, looming over the cliff, has inspired numerous visitors – but it also found its place in cinematic history when it was used for the 2002 film, The Count of Monte Cristo, taking on the role of the exterior of the Château d'If. However, the decaying property clearly needed to be taken in hand, and that same year, Din l-Art Ħelwa also took over responsibility for restoration of the tower, intervening a number of times over the decades with various projects, the most recent of which continued through spring this year.

The tower is regularly open to the public thanks to a keen cohort of volunteers, who welcome many of the island’s walkers throughout winter, as well as tourists who visit the nearby Blue Lagoon in summer. But there are many other plans afoot for the tower, including the setting up of a permanent exhibition of the weapons used there, as well as memorabilia showing how those stationed in it would live and eat.

For more information, check out the Santa Marija Tower – Din l-Art Ħelwa Facebook page.

Museums by ndlelight Birgu Fort St Angelo . Inquisitor’s Palace . Malta Maritime Museum 10th May 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM For more information visit heritagemalta.mt

Welcome Situated in Valletta, Malta’s capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Teatru Manoel, Malta’s National Theatre, was built in 1731 by the Knights of St. John and is a unique example of early baroque architecture.

It hosts the busiest theatrical season on the Island and is open for visits all year round.

Passaggi readers are eligible for a 20% discount on our daily visits.

Kindly present this Promo Code at the booking office.

PASSAGGITM20 For more information, visit our website

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THEATRE

Words by

Thomas Camilleri Creative director by day and actor by night, Thomas also founded Lazarus Tiles, a project through which he saves and documents Malta's cement tile heritage.

Behind the scenes

The set model of Into the Woods.

Come backstage and immerse yourself in the wardrobe of the national theatre – a masterpiece on both sides of the proscenium arch. Meet the creatives that keep the cogs of the Teatru Manoel machine turning three centuries after it was built.

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Wardrobe mistress Dorothy Castillo at work on Cinderella's costume.

THEATRE

As I stand in the wings of our de facto national theatre, the Teatru Manoel, I let my imagination run riot. At just shy of 300 years old, she’s a grand old dame if ever there was one. I wonder, could those on the stage in the 1700s have imagined it in the new millennium, still a living and breathing centre of Maltese culture? Although much has changed, much is still thankfully preserved.

It’s easy to get swept up in the grandeur of the theatre’s historic nature. Built

by Grand Master Antoine Manoel de Vilhena and opened in 1732, it holds the title of Europe’s oldest working theatre.

For me, though, it’s that last part that I find most exciting – ‘working’. This is no museum. Walk down the eponymous Old Theatre Street, and on most days, you’re bound to hear the strains of someone belting out whatever is currently in rehearsal.

With this ancient machine still going, its cogs are definitely the talented artists, creative designers and dedicated producers and administrators that keep it running, churning out spectacle

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after spectacle. Malta’s not an easy landscape to produce theatrical work in, from an audience perspective. We’re a small nation, and between music gigs, sporting events, village festas and restaurants, everywhere you look, our miniscule audience is stretched pretty thin.

That doesn’t deter Dorothy Castillo though, the gentle but determined wardrobe mistress. As the only seamstress with two student interns and shows lasting between one and two weekends on average, she’s got her work cut out for her. At the moment, they’re somewhere deep in the magical forests of Grimm’s fairy tales, busy on the cutting tables and behind their sewing machines, creating the most beautiful costumes for May’s production of Sondheim’s Into the Woods.

“After kicking things off with the costume designer, we dip into our vast catalogue to see if anything could be recycled, though for this production, everything but the shirts is being made from scratch. We even travelled to Shepherd’s Bush in London to find the perfect fabrics!”

The man behind both the set and costume design for this production is Matthew Cassar, a wonderful example of the evolution of an artist at the theatre. He trained here as a young boy with the Teatru Manoel Youth Theatre (TMYT) as a performer and went on to obtain an MA in Performance Design at the Bristol Old Vic. Currently working as an associate designer at Morgan Large Design studio, the local community feels fortunate to be able to steal him away from the UK to work on the occasional show here.

“Getting the gig is always an exciting moment – diving headfirst into a new project that will shape my next few months. My process begins with deep research into the topic, time period and context. I aim to uncover unique

The Caravaggio Experience An enchanting concert experience and an exclusive tour of St John’s Co-Cathedral Tickets: www.vallettaresounds.com

SPAZJU KREATTIV - MALTA’S NATIONAL CENTRE FOR CREATIVITY Castille Place, Valletta Elevate your holiday experience in Valletta with the curated blend of creativity at Spazju Kreattiv. Nestled in the heart of Malta’s capital city, Spazju Kreattiv is a cultural hub that celebrates art and creativity through a multidisciplinary programme of events, including visual arts exhibitions, performing arts and the only arthouse cinema in Malta. If you’re in Valletta, drop by and explore these unique spaces that seamlessly blend historical charm with contemporary creativity. Entrance is free. spazjukreattiv kreattivita.org

ŻFINMALTA – MORTAL HEROES Teatru Manoel, Valletta 23rd - 25th May Explosive and delicate, aggressive and gentle, Sita Ostheimer’s new choreography for ŻfinMalta, the national dance company, takes viewers into a captivating world where words are replaced by movement, emotions collide and feelings transform. Ostheimer’s work is a journey in search of the ‘other’ through her distinctive movement language and approach to sound and light. In Mortal Heroes, she leads her audience on a journey of deep self-reflection and remembrance, of leaving and returning. spazjukreattiv kreattivita.org

THEATRE

Matthew Cassar and Dorothy Castillo in a costume fitting with Cinderella's prince, Thomas Camilleri.

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Photo: Teatru Manoel. The cast of Il Barbiere di Siviglia.

angles that make our version of the show stand out and ensure it's a story truly worth telling.”

Il Barbiere di Siviglia. “The central character of the opera is Rosina; she is key to all the machinations that take place. So, I wanted to keep her ever present through the use of the rose motif,” she says.

He's a consummate professional and also the kind of designer you dream of working with because he is 100 per cent collaborative, says Denise Mulholland, another regular at the theatre. She recently directed the successful musical Dear Evan Hansen for FM Theatre, which Matthew designed the set for.

With the local fabric choice a little limited for Denise’s grand designs, she sourced a company in Poland that could print material with a custom design.

The end result was roses upon roses, beautifully brought to life by Dorothy and her team.

“It was a huge show; technically, it was very demanding, and we wanted to do it justice. Matthew and I started working on it together around a year before we opened. The concept developed and grew into the beautiful design we saw on the Manoel stage.”

With the curtain down on the run of Barbiere, the costumes have now been washed, dry-cleaned and archived among the rails of countless other productions. Another one down, the wardrobe department now buzzes with energy for the next. At the same time, the carpenters are busy bringing Matthew’s enchanted forest to life, while the actors rehearse on the top floor and the marketing team gets the word out for those ever-important bums on seats.

Denise is also a dab hand at design and has created costumes for many operas and pantomimes, most recently the camp and fun production of Rossini’s

Historically, the Manoel Theatre and its backstage are always worth a grand tour – visits are regularly available. But do come back in the evenings and buy yourself a ticket for whatever’s on. Seeing the stage brought to life three centuries after the first performances is the best way to experience it.

From the harsh steel structures and bright social media screens that was Dear Evan Hansen to the florid florals of Rossini’s opera and the terrifying woods of Sondheim’s musical, the variety is thrilling.

Malta’s first Museum for Contemporary Art

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CULTURE

Words by

This month’s

must-see events From crowd-pleasing musicals and concerts to thought-provoking exhibitions, inkontru.app’s May picks offer everything you need to keep your calendar full and your curiosity sparked.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT Arts Council Malta 10-Year Anniversary Exhibition When: May - November Where: Various venues

Healing Vessels: Vases and Art When: Throughout May Where: MUŻA, Valletta

To mark Arts Council Malta’s 10th anniversary, its International Cultural Relations Directorate presents six exhibitions across Valletta, Mdina and Birgu.

Showcasing works from Malta’s pavilions over the past decade at the Venice Art Biennale and London Design Biennale, these celebrated art pieces return home after making international headlines.

An evocative exhibition revealing how vases transform into vessels of memory and meaning.

Juxtaposing ancient ceramics with modern interpretations, explore how these everyday objects once held sacred oils and emotions alike, connecting nature, ritual and creativity across time.

Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat Nabucco When: 2nd & 3rd May When: 3rd May Where: Sir Temi Zammit Hall, Msida Where: Teatru Aurora, Victoria, Gozo A local production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical bursting with (techni)colour, charm and infectious energy. Sing along to favourites like Any Dream Will Do, Go, Go, Go Joseph, and Close Every Door in this timeless tale that promises plenty of theatrical pizzazz.

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Verdi’s popular opera is brought to life in Gozo, staged at the majestic Teatru Aurora as part of the OPERA+ Weekend at Gaulitana. With Colin Attard conducting the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and Gaulitanus Choir, expect a rousing performance by a stellar international cast.

CULTURE

Summer Lust Festival: Chris Norman & Gigi D'Alessio When: 9th & 10th May Where: Għaxaq Grounds, Għaxaq Two legendary nights, one big stage. Rock icon Chris Norman (Smokie) kicks things off on 9th May, followed by Italian superstar Gigi D’Alessio the next night. A must for music fans looking to start summer on a high.

Every Saint has a Past | Every Sinner has a Future When: 1 9th May - 29th June Where: Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta Maltese artist CO-MA strips away colour to focus on light, shadow and texture. His monochromatic works explore the contrast between vitality and decay, subtly referencing the Old Masters and Northern Renaissance portraiture, presenting the body as an empty vessel that can be painted, manipulated and masked, yet remaining unchanged.

Ilħna li Jibqgħu: Klassiċi Maltin When: 18th May Where: MCC, Valletta A celebration of Malta’s musical greats, reimagined for today. Under Mro Paul Abela’s direction, top local voices revive timeless classics from Bayzo, The Tramps, Enzo Gusman and more. A nostalgic yet fresh tribute to the Maltese songbook.

Through the Eyes of the Soul When: 9th, 10th, 12th - 17th, 19th - 24th May Where: Gemelli Framing, Ta’ Qali Silvana Camilleri Tabone’s latest exhibition takes viewers on an emotional journey through landscapes shaped by memory, movement and healing. The artist’s work is inspired by her personal growth, reflected in her travels between homes, dark moments and an unwavering hope for a brighter future.

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CULTURE

Photo: Gabriel Abela.

TRADITIONAL FEASTS & CELEBRATIONS

If you’re looking to experience a Maltese festa away from the tourist trail, Tarxien’s Feast of the Annunciation, held on 25th May, is a worthy detour.

Known locally as Il-Lunzjata, the feast honours the Gospel story when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary with news she would bear the son of God. In Tarxien, the main celebrations take place on the Sunday. The day begins with a solemn morning Mass before the tone shifts into full festa mode, as the town’s Tarxieniżi pack out the streets surrounding the church during the band march to celebrate in full force. The evening procession sees the statue of the Annunciation carried shoulder high through the town, accompanied by fireworks and all the sound and colour you’d expect from a Maltese festa.

INSTALL inkontru.app Step into Malta’s scene with inkontru.app, your personal guide to all the latest art, culture and heritage events in Malta and Gozo. More than just a calendar, this app connects you with exciting events and artists through exclusive interviews and video features. Easily find event details, get directions and purchase tickets – all in one place. Need a ride? Book a cab effortlessly through the app and share your plans with friends and family with ease.

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The statue itself has a story. Commissioned after a time of plague in the early 1800s, it was sculpted by Mastru Xandru Farrugia and debuted in the feast of 1829. Later, in 1885, it is said that Malta’s celebrated artist Giuseppe Calì – whose works are displayed in the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Mosta Rotunda, and several Valletta churches – reworked parts of it, including a new head.

However, budget constraints meant his dream of adorning the Madonna with a full halo of doves wasn’t possible.

For a guide to upcoming religious celebrations and traditional feasts across the Maltese Islands, visit inkontru.app

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Photo: Therese Debono. Elyse Tonna.

EXPLORING HERITAGE IN BIRGU

MUSEUMS BY CANDLELIGHT

INKONTRU.APP MEETS...

On Saturday, 10th May, Birgu takes on a magical glow during the Museums by Candlelight by Heritage Malta. For just €3, you can explore three of Malta’s most storied sites, the Malta Maritime Museum, the Inquisitor’s Palace and Fort St Angelo, all open from 7pm to midnight, as the historic streets are beautifully lit with flickering candles and torches. Expect atmospheric strolls through centuries of history, with live entertainment adding to the evening’s charm.

The Ship (Unseen), a new iteration of Malta’s 2024 Venice Biennale pavilion, forms part of Arts Council Malta’s 10-Year Anniversary Exhibition. Curated by Elyse Tonna, the installation will be on view from 4th-26th May at the Malta Maritime Museum in Birgu.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE CURATING MALTA’S PAVILION FOR THE VENICE BIENNALE? It was an intense but deeply rewarding journey.

From the early concept stages, I worked closely with artist Matthew Attard and led everything from development and research to logistics and production. Seeing the project listed among Dezeen’s 10 Best Architecture and Design Exhibitions of 2024 was incredibly humbling.

WHAT DID IT MEAN FOR YOU TO REPRESENT MALTA AT SUCH A PRESTIGIOUS EVENT? It was an incredible honour and a huge responsibility. I never imagined I’d become the first Maltese female and youngest curator to represent Malta at 33. Sharing our fascination with Maltese ship graffiti on such a global stage, and seeing it spark curiosity and dialogue, was truly rewarding.

HOW DOES THE SHIP (UNSEEN) BUILD ON WHAT WAS PRESENTED IN VENICE? This site-specific work uses generative video that responds to Birgu’s historical context to explore the intersection of heritage, digital tech and contemporary drawing. Viewers are encouraged to reflect on the evolution of maritime symbols and their continued resonance in a digitally mediated world.

THREE CITIES WALKING TOUR For a deeper exploration of Birgu, don’t miss the Three Cities Walking Tour with Colour My Travel.

Held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday throughout May, the tour is led by a licensed guide and begins at Birgu Main Gate. From there, you’ll wind your way through the atmospheric streets, uncovering stories and corners often overlooked by visitors. One highlight includes a guided visit to the Inquisitor’s Palace, offering a fascinating glimpse into Malta’s past. Tours fill up quickly, so booking ahead is highly recommended.

Discover and experience more with inkontru.app, your web-based application that prioritises functionality and performance, meaning no need to download, seamless updates, no storage space taken and easy sharing. Enjoy!

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Malta

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Prefer to stay close to shore? No problem, Malta’s easily accessible beach dives are teeming with life and perfect for all levels.

Feeling adventurous? Dive into a world of sunken wrecks, vibrant reefs, and mysterious underwater caves on an unforgettable boat excursion.

With diving certifications available from age 10 and dozens of epic sites to discover, Malta is the perfect place to make a splash—above and below the surface.

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Words by

Lisa Gwen Hungry for beauty, Lisa is a writer and curator, working in the creative industry.

CURATING BEAUTY

Joanna Delia at 2B Gallery, presenting some of her favourite art.

ARTS

Joanna Delia is a self-proclaimed advocate for beauty. It affects every aspect of her life, and she has made a job and a career out of it. Meet the aesthete, whose life choices all gravitate around the incessant pursuit of beauty.

Beauty is such a complex, weighty word. One filled with connotation, subjectivity, personal interpretation; one associated with memory, experience, taste. Perhaps with nostalgia, or even with a veil of melancholia. Beauty has so many faces; it comes in so many shapes and colours. Actually, it can even be present in the absence of colour.

So how do you define it? How does one begin to explain it? A simple online definition describes it as a combination of qualities, such as shape, colour, or form, which pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.

And how does one curate beauty? We are all curators. Most of us just don’t know it. We curate our meals, our wardrobes, our homes and spaces, our lifestyles... so why not curate beauty, too?

Joanna Delia is a self-proclaimed advocate for beauty. It affects every aspect of her life, and she has made a job and a career out of it – literally. The CEO of medical-aesthetic clinic People & Skin, Joanna explains

how “through science and medicine, I use my skills to enhance and restore people’s confidence”.

Joanna leads a full and colourful life, which from the outside might seem overwhelming. Yet she has successfully managed to strike a balance between her family, business and several personal projects.

Having been trained as a surgeon, early in her career, Joanna made the decision to give herself ample time off, following busy or stressful periods.

You are so much more productive after a good break – you can be strategic and think more creatively...

Long breaks after a busy period allow me to unclog my mind, to detach. That is how I function efficiently.

Time is the only currency I have, and that is why I have high versus low performance phases – it comes through much symbiosis and cooperation.”

Joanna is not one to linger at length on her business, opting rather to focus on the many aspects of life (and beauty) that preoccupy, if not consume her.

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Photo: Kim Sammut. Joanna Delia at We Started a Fire exhibition by Kane Cali at Malta School of Art.

ARTS

In fact, it is hard to describe Joanna; to pinpoint or highlight any one characteristic of hers over another, or even to encapsulate all that she does and represents in a few words. She is primarily an aesthete, and all her life choices gravitate around the incessant pursuit of beauty.

“I live in the pursuit of beauty... it’s addictive,” she says. “I see beauty as something we react to, primordially, organically – whether it stems from nature or even man-made objects. And I actively try to influence those around me, so that they too can experience beauty,” she explains, while citing the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden ratio as a measure.

“In my formative years, many of my friends and acquaintances were architects, which had a profound effect on me. Till this day, I thoroughly enjoy discovering the beautiful bones of a property.” So much so that, at present, Joanna is working on as many as five interior design projects – three for friends and two for herself.

This passion of hers has also translated into copious “collecting, ‘hoarding’ or storing items in my home, until I find the right place for them.

There is beauty in every item I possess – it affects my every choice and purchase.

“I am also enthralled by a beautiful concept, by an idea – not just the visual component, but also the conceptual one. Which is where my love for contemporary art lies; after all, it is the transmission of an idea, where the visuals trigger the receptors in our brain that respond to beauty accordingly.”

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Joanna has become intimately associated with the contemporary art scene over the past years, not just as collector or patron, but as a writer, fervent promoter, board member of several art associations and institutions, and perhaps most recently, through a series of exhibitions organised in direct collaboration with 2B Gallery.

“We ‘use’ art to look back on history to explain and learn from the past, through the interpretation of buildings, sculptures, artworks... which is also why I feel compelled to collect. When I first started purchasing art, they were just individual pieces. With time, I recognised the value of a collection as being a snapshot of the reality within the society we live. I now recognise that I react to news, to history and to the happenings around me. My art collection is a reflection of that.”

Over the years, Joanna has collaborated with most of the galleries on the island, but finally she is carving out a space of her own. In what could perhaps be described as one of her biggest projects to date, she spends much time commuting between Malta and Sicily where she is renovating a property that will eventually be used for artist residencies: “I wanted to turn this property into a space where artists could create.”

Which brings us full circle – curating concepts, which shall, undoubtedly, translate into the kind of opportunities that will, in turn, generate and produce more beauty.

Experience our family-run Trattoria in the heart of Attard. With our seasonal Italian menu and ceramic-studio, there is something for everyone.

The Villa Bologna Restaurant & Pottery Tucked away in the heart of Attard, our family-run trattoria invites you to experience a true taste of Italy, nestled within the lush Villa Bologna gardens.

With authentic, seasonal Italian cuisine - from handmade pasta and rustic meat and fish dishes to tiramisu just like Nonna used to make. Join us during the week for our Weekday Set Menu, available Monday to Friday from 12–3pm - enjoy 3 courses for just €30, with a delicious selection of dishes perfect for a leisurely lunch or relaxed midday escape.

Next door, you’ll find Villa Bologna Pottery, where we create colourful ceramics using centuries-old traditional craftsmanship.

Each piece is handcrafted and handpainted on site by local artists, blending heritage with vibrant Mediterranean flair.

Now you can join us in our newly launched workshops - whether you’re after a relaxing escape or a taste of Maltese craftsmanship, it’s the perfect hands-on experience for all. Held Fridays and Saturdays at 10AM and 3PM, paint your own ceramic to take piece of Villa Bologna home with you.

Buon appetito - we can’t wait to welcome you!

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PROPERTY

Words by

Passaġġi

THE PERFECT HOME Brenda Magri, co-founder of DWL Real Estate, has her finger on the property pulse. The real estate specialist believes the market will continue to evolve, with a greater emphasis on sustainable living and smart homes. She also anticipates a growing international interest in Malta’s luxury property market, making the island an even more attractive investment destination.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING IN THIS INDUSTRY AND WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST MILESTONE TO DATE? I’ve been in this industry since 2017 and one of my proudest milestones to date has been transforming DWL Real Estate into a premier, high-end agency that offers tailored services.

Successfully developing and marketing luxury properties that set new benchmarks in the market has also been a significant achievement.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST SATISFACTION ON THE JOB SO FAR? One of the most fulfilling moments in my career was selling an apartment on plan to a visually impaired man. To help him visualise the space, I carefully placed matchsticks along the floor plan so he could feel the layout. Witnessing his excitement as he connected with his future home in such a unique way was truly unforgettable.

WHAT INVALUABLE LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED ALONG THE WAY? Real estate is built on trust and relationships.

Honesty, transparency and truly listening to clients' needs make all the difference.

The industry is constantly evolving, so staying adaptable and ahead of trends is crucial for long-term success.

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HOW HAS THE PROPERTY INDUSTRY CHANGED? It has become more fast-paced and technology-driven. Digital marketing, virtual tours and data analytics now play a vital role in buying and selling properties.

Additionally, sustainability and energy efficiency are increasingly influencing property choices.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? The Maltese property market will continue to evolve, with a greater emphasis on sustainable living and smart homes. I also anticipate a growing international interest in Malta’s luxury property market, making the island an even more attractive investment destination.

DESCRIBE THE IDEAL CLIENT. The perfect client appreciates expertise, understands the importance of location and quality, and is open to professional guidance throughout the process.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT TRAITS OF A REAL ESTATE AGENT? Integrity, in-depth market knowledge and excellent communication skills.

WHEN YOU ARE SELLING A PROPERTY, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT A POTENTIAL BUYER? Understanding their lifestyle, aspirations and needs is essential – whether they’re searching for a family home, an investment, or a holiday retreat.

HOW HARD IS IT TO FIND A DREAM HOME? It depends on the client’s vision and flexibility. The key is to balance dreams with reality, but with the right approach and expertise, finding the perfect home is always possible.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCATION TO LIVE IN MALTA AND WHY? San Pawl tat-Tarġa is my top choice – it offers tranquillity, accessibility and spacious properties with breathtaking views.

Brenda Magri.

The type of property Brenda Magri likes working on.

For those seeking serenity and scenic views, Madliena and Mellieħa are outstanding. Madliena is synonymous with luxury, offering privacy and spectacular countryside and sea views. Mellieħa, on the other hand, provides a laidback coastal lifestyle, with stunning sandy beaches and a close-knit community.

For those who thrive in vibrant city life, Sliema and Valletta are ideal. Sliema boasts a bustling promenade, a thriving shopping district and a fantastic selection of restaurants, while Valletta, Malta’s capital, is a perfect blend of historical charm and modern elegance, offering a cultural and dynamic urban experience.

WHAT SORT OF PROPERTY SUITS YOU BEST, FROM AN ARCHITECTURAL AND AMENITIES POINT OF VIEW? A contemporary villa with seamless indoor-outdoor living, expansive spaces and breathtaking views. Amenities like a private pool, a home gym and a dedicated workspace would complete my ideal home.

DESCRIBE ONE OF THE MOST STUNNING PROPERTIES YOU HAVE EVER SOLD. It was a villa in Madliena with unobstructed valley and sea views – the epitome of luxury, furnished to perfection, featuring a breathtaking infinity pool overlooking St Julian’s, and owned by a car enthusiast, who had transformed his garage into a mini showroom. Truly one of a kind!

WHY WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO MOVE TO MALTA? Malta offers an unbeatable lifestyle – 320 days of sunshine, a rich cultural heritage, a welcoming community and a thriving economy. Whether for work, investment, or retirement, it’s an exceptional place to call home.

IF YOU HAD TO MOVE, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? I travel frequently, and honestly, I have yet to find another place that I’d prefer to call home. Island life, with its endless sea views and relaxed pace, is priceless to me.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ROOM IN A HOUSE? The kitchen – it’s the heart of any home, where people gather, share meals and create lasting memories.

WHERE DO YOU SPEND MOST OF YOUR TIME WHEN AT HOME? Between the living area and the outdoor space.

A well-designed outdoor area can be just as inviting as the interior.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT SELLING PROPERTY? Travelling and working out help me stay inspired and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

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GOZO

Words by

Adriana Bishop Adriana is a former news journalist and travel PR executive, now a freelance writer based in Switzerland, with her heart and eyes always set on her forever home Malta.

Weaving traditions for the next generation Weaving is one of the oldest crafts on the Maltese Islands, but the industry is now practically extinct. Gozitan master weaver Alda Bugeja has been instrumental in keeping this ancient craft alive and is teaching the next generation to fall in love with it again.

When Alda Bugeja won this year’s Gozo Tourism Entrepreneurship Award, she did it in style, turning up to the ceremony wearing a smart suit she had not only designed and sewn herself but also woven the fabric for. She was literally the embodiment of how an ancient tradition can be kept alive in the age of modern technology. And she wants the next generation to keep the art of weaving going.

To say that Alda is a force of nature is an understatement. The 62-year-old mother of five and grandmother of four (with one more on the way) is a bundle of happy energy, who weaves her stories with long, loopy sentences just like the cotton thread she teases on her wooden looms.

We’re talking over Zoom one busy afternoon in between her full schedule of lessons. She’s in her shop and we’re often interrupted by tourists

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or locals who pop in not just to browse around her unique display of looms and handmade crafts but also to have a quick chat.

Born and raised in Gozo’s capital city Victoria (Rabat) the 11th of 12 siblings, Alda has been weaving since the age of five. Her grandmother, who raised her, was a weaver and a pioneering businesswoman in pre-war Gozo. She was forced to find a job after she was widowed at a young age and left to raise her four children alone.

“There are people still alive today who remember my walking around town carrying bales of textiles underneath her għonnella,” recounts Alda.

Her mother was not only a weaver but also taught weaving and bobbin lace at the trade school. The loom that was made specially for

Alda when she was a tiny six-year-old is still in use in her shop today. “I had to stand on a stool for the carpenter to take my measurements in order for him to create a loom that fit my size. There was no foot loom my size,” she tells me with a chuckle.

She then proudly points at the very first thing she had produced with it – a small bag with her name on it.

The shop on Palm Street in Victoria is brimming with handwoven artefacts made of cotton, lambswool and other natural materials, and an array of wooden looms take pride of place on the shop floor, including one her mother had bought in the 1960s from the Malta Weave factory when it closed down. There is also a collection of small handheld looms.

At the back, a glass cabinet displays the myriad awards Alda has won over the years for her endeavours, and the dress she had made for her first award in 2000 is still on show in the shop. “It doesn’t fit me anymore and people often ask me if it is for sale. It isn’t,” she states.

Alda grew up at a time when many households still had their own loom at home and housewives wove their own bed sheets, curtains, carpets, towels and clothes themselves.

She remembers the fields full of white and brown cotton; when carpenters used it to polish furniture with lacquer while women used the fine buds to clean their face. Even the cotton buds used in hospital was grown locally and prized for the quality.

Alda Bugeja at her loom.

Cotton was first introduced in Malta by the Arabs in the 9th century and became a thriving export trade by the 15th century, with the Knights of St John recognising its importance to the island’s economy. Hailed as “a wonder of nature”, Maltese cotton was renowned for its quality and was exported across the Mediterranean. It was so profitable that, in 1472, a tax of two per cent was raised on cotton exports and used for the upkeep of the fortifications of Mdina, then the capital of Malta.

But by the second half of the 20th century, the Maltese cotton industry had dwindled to extinction as cheaper, though inferior, cotton became available from other regions and Maltese farmers eventually stopped growing it as it was not economically viable anymore. Not only did the industry die out, but with it, a whole raft of vocabulary associated with weaving, previously so commonplace in everyday parlance, disappeared from the Maltese language.

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EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE WHERE IT ALL STARTED

WHERE

IT ALL

STARTED

VISIT CISK THE HOME OF

The Brewhouse, Mdina Road, Birkirkara +356 2779 6700

suggets

However, for Alda’s family, weaving never lost its importance and she is adamant that this art is kept alive. She has been teaching since 1985, using traditional tools and techniques, and today, she gives lessons to anyone who shows an interest in weaving, from tourists to children, university students following fashion courses, other teachers, pensioners who still have their own loom at home and even medical students who are simply looking for a hobby to take their minds off their studies. She currently has 75 students attending different courses. In fact, she opened the shop, the only one of its kind in the Maltese Islands, with the primary aim to teach the younger generations.

“I am trying to pass on all my knowledge to others. My dream is to see all my students come together and use all the knowledge that I would have passed on to them. I do not want these machines to be thrown away,” says Alda.

She also expressed her wish that students would have all the resources necessary to learn everything to do with weaving textiles on the Maltese Islands without having to travel abroad to further their studies. “I can’t stand it anymore that students are sent abroad to learn about textiles.

Why shouldn’t they learn about this tradition in Malta?”

Students are taught fashion and design on computers but lack the skills to use their own hands and cannot even sew a button, Alda points out.

“Some [designers] don’t even know how to sew because the idea is that they would have someone to sew the clothes they design for them.”

Naturally, her own children were all introduced to weaving from a young age, and her daughter Antonella designed 17 outfits that were woven by Alda for their first fashion show. However, none of them took up weaving as a career and fashion designer Antonella is now studying neurology.

Throughout our conversation, Alda frequently points out the versatility of her craft, something that she endeavours to instil in her own students.

She makes it a point to highlight their individual strengths. “I wish all my students would find their own career path with weaving, not all doing the same thing.”

Alda proudly recounts how she taught one particular young man to weave: “I told him he would be alone in the course because all the others were women”... and he ended up exhibiting his work at the World Crafts Council in Florence. Today, this young man is working with a local fashion designer.

A great believer in recycling, nothing ever gets thrown away and an old skirt that doesn’t fit anymore could be turned into thread to make something else. Alda’s even been known to use cat and dog hair to make carpets. She still grows her own cotton but not enough for all her requirements, and seeks out farmers who have their own sheep to take their wool.

Being the true educator that she is, Alda is always looking for ways to empower her students and she is planning an exhibition featuring their work. “No one is teaching weaving like me. I would like people to start earning money again from this tradition,” she says, before adding: “I must not stop here!”

And with that, off she goes to continue perpetuating the ancient craft of weaving.

Visit: Qotna – An exhibition of textiles Explore the fascinating journey of cotton. Discover the art and innovation behind textile production.

The exhibition showcases the spinning process and cotton development from raw fibres to the finished fabric.

Learn how tradition meets creativity in the production of textiles. Alda Bugeja will be on site to run workshops and demonstrations on weaving on 11th May. At Xewkija Windmill, Gozo Open daily from 8.30am to 8pm Free entrance

.....

Learn:

Join Alda Bugeja for a twohour workshop to learn the art of weaving.

At Gozo Weaving and Creations 88 Palm Street, Victoria (+356) 7955 2907

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PETS

Words by

Ruth Zammit DeBono Ruth is a passionate traveller, artist and devoted dog mum, who finds joy in storytelling and discovering the world always with her pet by her side.

Rome with Roy Experiencing the Eternal City together with your pooch.

Touring Rome with my miniature poodle, Roy, has become a cherished tradition, deepening our bond and enriching our adventures. Reflecting on my first trip with my first poodle, Duke, in 2014, it’s heartening to see how Rome continues to embrace canine companions, making each subsequent visit as delightful as the first.

UNCOVERING ROME’S HISTORY AND CULTURE Rome’s open-air museums and historic sites offer a fantastic opportunity to delve into the city’s past alongside a fourlegged friend. Strolling around the Colosseum or meandering through the Roman Forum allows you to absorb the grandeur of ancient Rome. While dogs aren’t permitted inside most indoor attractions, the city’s numerous piazzas and fountains offer ample cultural experiences. For instance, Roy and I love the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori, which all provide vibrant atmospheres, where we both can relax, people-watch and soak in the local culture.

BEST DOG-FRIENDLY SPOTS Rome boasts several green spaces ideal for dogs. Roy’s favourite is the Villa Borghese, one of the city’s largest parks, featuring a dedicated off-leash area where dogs can play freely.

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PETS

Another excellent spot is Parco degli Acquedotti, offering expansive fields and ancient aqueducts as a backdrop for leisurely walks. When it’s time to refuel, many cafés and restaurants welcome dogs, especially in their outdoor seating areas.

BOOKING PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION Securing suitable accommodation is crucial when travelling to Rome with Roy. Many hotels and rentals in the city allow dogs, but it’s essential to check their specific policies in advance. Utilise booking platforms that allow you to filter search results for dog-friendly options.

Next, contact potential accommodation directly to inquire about any pet fees, size or breed restrictions, and available amenities for pets. Using this approach always ensures a comfortable stay for the two of us.

TIPS FOR HANDLING CROWDS AND HEAT Rome’s bustling streets can be overwhelming, particularly during peak tourist seasons. For a comfortable experience: > Explore popular sites early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak crowds and temperatures. > Carry a portable water bowl and make use of Rome’s numerous public fountains to keep your dog hydrated. > Plan for regular breaks in shaded areas to prevent overheating. > Be mindful of hot pavements, which are uncomfortable for your dog’s paws.

GETTING AROUND THE CITY Navigating Rome with a dog is manageable with some preparation. Small dogs in carriers can travel for free on public transportation, while larger dogs are permitted with a ticket, if leashed and muzzled. Alternatively, exploring on foot or taking pet-friendly taxis offers flexibility and comfort.

As the adage goes: All roads lead to Rome.

And indeed, from this central hub, countless other dog-friendly Italian cities await exploration. In future articles, we’ll journey beyond Rome to uncover these gems, so that you and your canine companion can make the most of Italy’s rich tapestry together.

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Pet travel policies

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A licensed veterinarian should examine your pet within three days prior to travel and confirm, in the appropriate section of the pet passport, that the animal is in good health and fit for the journey.

Only small dogs and cats are permitted in the cabin. Ensure your pet, including the carrier, does not exceed a total weight of 10kg.

For safety reasons, passengers travelling with pets cannot be seated in overwing, main exit (row 1), or restricted seats.

Pets must be at least 15 weeks old and must have been weaned for a minimum of five days before travel.

For full details on pet travel policies, visit KM Malta Airlines’ website. @pupspaintandprosecco

Discover our Valle a sites

with the Valletta Combo ticket!* Grand Master’s Palace MUŻA - The National Community Art Museum National Museum of Archaeology Fortress Builders Interpretation Centre Fort St Elmo

Starting from €15 * Terms and conditions apply Validity is 30 days

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Explore more

legends

Feasting with corsairs: a taste of history from malta’s maritime past Step aboard a Maltese corsair ship in the 18th century and you won’t just find daring sailors and cannon fire—you’ll uncover a fascinating culinary world where pork was salted with precision, pasta simmered with beans, and sugar sweetened the strongest coffee. Heritage Malta recently published the book, Morte o Fortuna – Corsairs in Malta 1747-1798. A book that dives deep into the rich gastronomic traditions of Malta’s seafaring past, bringing history to life through the stories of food, drink, and adventures at sea.

In collaboration with Taste History—an immersive initiative by Heritage Malta that recreates traditional dishes from historical records—we invite readers and diners alike to experience the sensory side of history. Taste History is more than a culinary journey; it is an edible storytelling that mirrors the meticulous research and flavourful narratives found in Morte o Fortuna.

Take, for instance, Captain Giuseppe Grech, who in 1794 preserved pork in salt bought from Antikythera—an autumnal practice aligned with European tradition and the knowledge of the ship’s Cook. Or Captain Guglielmo Lorenzi, who in 1767 captured six turkeys aboard a Turkish ship, delighting his officers with an unexpected feast. These tales reveal the importance of planning, knowledge, and occasionally, serendipity in feeding a ship's crew.

Pasta, of course, was a staple. In 1778, Giacomo Potestà delivered baskets of macaroni, vermicelli, tagliolini, and taria to a corsair shio in harbour. One humble but enduring variety of pasta was – fdeusca. This holds a special place in the island’s culinary history. Described by the 18th-century lexicographer Agius de Soldanis, this flat broad pasta was prepared with herbs, legumes, or milk—simple ingredients with profound meaning. Aboard corsair ships, it was both sustenance and comfort food.

i Au th or Li am Gaunuca rt fo o te M or

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Fd eu sc a Co rs air ’s Ri bb on Pa st a Wine and sugar added layers of luxury to the corsair diet. Port wine—favoured by both Grand Master Hompesch and Captain Cavazza—was decanted into crystal and silver-tagged vessels, while sugar, often captured from enemy ships, was a valued treasure. It sweetened the bitter coffee of the crew and, on rare occasions, made its way into a luxurious cup of hot chocolate.

Through Morte o Fortuna and the experiences offered by Taste History Heritage Malta invites you to rediscover the flavours that shaped Maltese maritime heritage. To give you a taste of the past, here is a historical-style recipe inspired by fdeusca.

Fdeusca (Corsair’s Ribbon Pasta with Herbs and Legumes) Ingredients: 250g pasta (tagliatelle or hand-cut flat pasta) 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp olive oil 1 bay leaf 100g lentils or chickpeas (pre-soaked if dried) A handful of fresh parsley, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Optional: a splash of milk for creaminess Instructions: 1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté the onion until soft.

2. Add the bay leaf and legumes. Stir and cover with water or vegetable broth.

Simmer until tender.

3. In the same pot, stir in the ribbon pasta. Combine with the legumes and onions.

4. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir in a splash of milk for, creamy finish.

5. Serve hot in a deep bowl—just as it might have been ladled out from a corsair’s cauldron.

@VisitMalta

ACTION

Words by

Nadine Muscat Cini Nadine is a mother of two, lover of words, music, adrenaline and life. By day, she leads Your Talent Partner, her own HR & Talent Advisory business. Living for the island’s raw and rugged beauty, she wouldn’t trade the Mediterranean rhythm for the world.

Find your balance...

on board and in life

More than just a sport, it’s meditative, empowering and grounding all at once. Here’s a deep dive into why everyone needs a SUP escape in Malta. Stand up and paddle your way to paradise…

Imagine if you could hold space in your life for just two hours a week; just to clear your mind of all the worries and let all your responsibilities go on a sweet, little pause (or they could take a hike, whichever mood you’re in). And in this time, you could simply immerse yourself in the clearest of seas amid the gorgeous, rugged coastline of this island we call Malta. Our home. Yours too for a while.

SUP & THE SISTERHOOD We are a 50-strong group of female expats and locals. All of us are pretty grateful, busy, adventurous, professional women. Some of us are mothers, some of us are blissfully living their life, many of us are friends (IRL), and all of us are kind, awesome humans (yes, taking this one for the team). I present you, the SUP (stand-up paddling) ladies of Malta.

The sun is just rising or dipping over the horizon, painting the sky in soft pinks and golds. The splendour feels like an abstract painting, a stunning canvas that takes your breath away. The sea reflects the sunlight like glitter hovering over the water, so calm and glassy, you can see far below to the pristine seabed.

Taking you with me back to the roots, back in 2020, my friend and founder of SUP Ladies Malta, Adrienne McCarthy, is an Irish ‘gal’ living the dream on these islands for 10 years and counting. She convinced a couple of friends to try SUP in early May, when the water temperatures in Malta start to become a tad friendlier (but not to the locals – it had to be an Irish girl, who is accustomed to much colder waters, to persuade us).

You are floating. Your senses are carrying you. And this beauty is right here, waiting for us. We glide out, paddles dipping in sync; the only sound is the rhythmic splash of water and the occasional burst of laughter and giggles. Sometimes we break away for some much-needed solitude and mindfulness.

We get it. This is our escape, our reset button, our secret to staying sane in a hectic world. And trust me, it’s addictive.

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Oh, the shame! I fell 100 times in full view of a crowded beach the first time I tried standing. Up. On. A. Paddleboard. Each pause, a comedic splash or thud; a real-life onomatopoeia of falling again and again. Until I didn’t. All you need is a good dose of self-belief, a sprinkle of resilience, amazing friends to lift you up (your self-esteem, that is), and a dash of balance.

ACTION

Photos: Jonathan Borg. SUP Ladies Malta at Ġnejna Bay.

It’s been five years and our group of three became 50, with epic sunset SUPs, followed by cocktails and dinner at Singita; early morning SUPs, with beach-side coffee and breakfast; Christmas Santa SUPs in December, where we wear festive hairbands and Santa hats. St Patrick’s Day is heralded with a ‘wee dram’ post-SUP Jameson without rocks, in not-so-fine plastic cups, but with shots of laughter; Halloween SUP saw the first ever witches cruising the Med on a paddleboard with bikinis, capes and my beloved Bose bellowing out the everso-dramatic Wednesday soundtrack. And we welcome spring with a Strawberries and Prosecco SUP. To add a touch of delectable flavour, you can just imagine every hilarious conversation topic that ebbs and flows like the tides that carry us.

Away from the office, the kids’ routines, the many responsibility hats we wear with pride but also with a bit of teeth gritting, this SUP dream keeps us very much alive and enthusiastic, calm and together. This simple thrill makes us a better ‘everything’ (not

perfect) because it tunes our mindset. And if it sounds dreamy, it’s because it is.

Just like paddleboarding, life is about balance. There were times we held back, talked ourselves out of things, doubted whether we were ‘ready’. But eventually, we came to realise we have enough life experiences that prepare us quietly all along.

Five years ago, I just had to stand up and go. That voice of selfdoubt? I’ve learned to shush it… because the dreams we shelve often need nothing more than a moment of belief and a little push to start gliding forward.

The sea has a way of teaching resilience – lessons that reach far beyond SUP. Some mornings, it’s choppy; on others, still like a stunning mirror. Each time, you get stronger and steadier.

Out there, it’s just you, your board, and the open horizon. It’s meditative, empowering and grounding all at once.

So, step onto a board and experience this secret slice of paradise for yourself. Whether you’re chasing a sunrise, laughing with friends at golden hour, or silently drifting into yourself, I hope you now know that SUP in Malta is more than just a sport. It’s exhilarating freedom.

You fall, or you may fly. Hopefully, you’ll be inspired to just stand up and go – on a board, or in life.

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TIMELESS, WITH A TWIST Rolling Geeks offers an exciting, new way to explore the Three Cities.

Imagine cruising through this stunning open-air museum in a sleek, fun, eco-friendly, easy-to-drive car, following a cutting-edge GPSguided route to explore at your own pace, while on board commentary in your chosen language brings the surrounding rich history to life.

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique adventure, Rolling Geeks is the ultimate sightseeing experience. Affordable and flexible, it offers a fresh, unforgettable perspective on Malta’s beauty. (+356) 7995 0695

rolling-geeks.com

VALLETTA WATERFRONT Triq il-Vittmi Furjaniżi tal-Gwerra, Floriana Discover this hidden gem within Malta’s Grand Harbour, where history meets modern indulgence. Enjoy panoramic views, exciting activities and delectable dining experiences along this promenade. Savour Chinese, American, Mediterranean, sushi, or local cuisine in beautifully refurbished 1752-built stores, or dine al fresco by the water’s edge. Just a short walk from central Valletta, experience fun and relaxation away from the crowds. Make sure to visit Valletta Waterfront, where every other Friday evening is brimming with live music, and weekends and holidays offer the perfect opportunity to unwind with exciting and free family activities. vallettawaterfront vallettawaterfront.com

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suggests

10 stunning SUP spots

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Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned paddler, the islands’ coastline offers the most breathtaking variety of SUP routes.

These are some favourite hangouts, plus tips for those who are new to the board: 1. Ġnejna Bay and Ta’ Marija Cave: A local favourite. Tucked between dramatic cliffs, this golden stretch offers calm and pristine waters at sunrise. Glide inside the caves and feel the stillness.

2. Riviera Beach (Għajn Tuffieħa): A sunset magnet (among other things). One of the most photogenic bays on the island, its rustcoloured cliffs and rolling waves make for an unforgettable sunset paddle. Expect crowds in summer; in winter, it’s all ours.

3. Golden Bay: Just around the corner from Riviera, this wide bay is great for beginners, with gentle waters and beach access. The vibe here is always joyful, with sushi, Italian and Indian restaurants and beachside cafés we love.

4. Mistra Bay, Xemxija & St Paul’s Islands: This route is pure magic. Paddle around the tiny islands – quiet, lush and filled with curious sea life – where St Paul was shipwrecked. Hop on the island for a barefoot exploratory walk up to the statue and say a prayer of gratitude. Feel blessed.

5. Ramla Bay, Gozo: Known for its striking red sand, this bay is peaceful in the early morning and turns into a vibrant paddle spot by midday.

6. Dwejra, Gozo: A geological marvel. Paddle through the Inland Sea and out into open waters under towering cliffs. It’s a truly humbling experience.

7. Mġarr ix-Xini, Gozo: A narrow, hidden gem with turquoise waters, flanked by cliffs. Its quiet, still and often yours alone.

8. Santa Marija Caves, Comino: A dreamy, blue wonderland. Paddle through natural arches and tunnels. This is perfect for the adventurous soul and underwater GoPro moments.

9. Marsascala Bay & Xrobb l-Għaġin: We’ve yet to explore it fully, but the southern coast is calling. Think remote coves, teal waters and the promise of new discoveries.

10. St Peter’s Pool, Delimara: For the bold. This natural swimming pool, known for cliff diving, also offers a beautiful paddle stretch along the dramatic southern coastline.

Find SUPLadiesMalta on Facebook.

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y G h- a j n Tu ff ie h- a B a

Għajn Tuffieħa: A Slice of Paradise on Malta’s North West Coast.

Looking for your next must-visit beach spot? Touch down in Malta and let Għajn Tuffieħa Bay steal your heart. Nestled between dramatic cliffs and golden-red sands, this Blue Flag beach is the definition of natural beauty.

Whether you're after a tranquil swim, an epic Instagrammable sunset, the perfect spot to sit down and unwind, Għajn Tuffieħa has you covered. Take in the view from the top, then head down the iconic staircase and discover why this beach is the apple of everyone’s eye.

Sun, sea, and scenery await, don’t miss your chance to make a splash in one of Malta’s coastal gems!

@VisitMalta

PEOPLE

Words by

Adriana Bishop

She won her first beauty pageant at 15. Now, at 36, Lana Bowden from San Ġwann is hanging up her crown after one final dazzling turn in her biggest contest of all, representing Europe in the Mrs Globe in China.

Photos: Ekaterina Camilleri. Lana Bowden.

Meet Malta’s ‘Mrs’ beauty queen

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It’s 9am and I’m about to interview one of the most beautiful women in the world. I have not had a manicure in months and I’ve just about had enough time to wash my face and brush my hair this morning. At the last moment, I grab an old tube of tinted lip gloss that I find on my desk and put it on hoping it would be enough to stand up to a goddess.

And there she appears on my screen, as perfectly made up as I feared she would be. Gracefully elegant and fresh in a crisp white shirt, she looks business-like but also fabulously feminine, sitting at a desk in her wood-panelled office strewn with her own paintings.

Lana Bowden, aka Mrs European Nations Globe 2024, is trying to make me believe she can look this effortlessly stunning on just three hours of sleep. We are meeting over Zoom the day before she jets off to Shenzhen, China, to compete in the finals of the Mrs Globe beauty pageant, said to be “the most prestigious pageant for Mrs in the world”. The competition, which was held over 10 days last month, featured 75 women from all over, aged between 27 and 45 years old.

Just like the proverbial swan, Lana was all poise and elegance on the surface, but deep down she was paddling nervously as she tried to finalise everything before take-off.

“I am very busy,” she exclaimed. “Last night, I slept at 4am and woke up at 7am. It’s been like this every day for the past week!”

The 36-year-old mother of three is no stranger to the world of beauty and has been gracing fashion runways since the age of 14, not only in Malta but also overseas. At 15, she won her first beauty contest – Miss Globe – and has won almost every competition she participated in. She stopped competing for a while when she had her first son Jakov but continued working as a model.

The youngest of six siblings, Lana credits her family for supporting her and keeping her grounded. “My mum and dad are complete opposites. My mum is always the optimist, constantly supporting and encouraging me. Dad, who passed away two years ago, was the pessimist, who would warn me that people would make fun of me. My sisters would tell me to focus on my family while I wanted to compete in beauty pageants.” Her partner is also a “big support” in her life even though he “hates pageants”.

However, she is now ready to literally hang up that sparkling tiara as she has decided this competition on what is claimed to be one of the “largest” Mrs beauty stages in the world would be her last.

“When I went to Greece to compete in the Mrs European Nations Globe contest last October, I thought that would be my last one. But I won it and so I got to represent Europe in China. However, China is definitely my last one. I wanted to experience the adrenaline on that huge, amazing stage one last time.”

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And she exited on a high as she happily placed fourth runnerup among the 75 contestants. The preparation for such a competition was full on – but it was not in vain.

Not only was Lana personally customising all her outfits and costumes, but she even had to practise singing her favourite song, Shirley Bassey’s Big Spender. This was a particular highlight for Lana as only 10 of the 75 contestants were selected to participate in the Mrs Globe talent show.

“I’ve always wanted to sing this song, and my seven-year-old daughter Siena was so proud of me for getting to sing it.” Being chosen to be among the three lucky ones to perform live on the night out of those 10 would have been the cherry on the cake.

That would have been enough for her.

And then there was the fundraising too. In the run-up to the competition in China, Lana held an art exhibition showcasing 15 of her paintings, which she made in just one month in between adding rhinestones to her costumes till the early hours of the morning. All paintings, except a small one, were sold in aid of the Women in Need Foundation of which she is a patron. The WIN Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded by Dr Tracy Kemble, the founder of Mrs Globe, to support recovery and empowerment programmes for women who faced abuse and trauma.

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SPECIAL GIFTS FOR THAT SPECIAL PERSON

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PEOPLE

Lana Bowden placed fourth in the Mrs Globe beauty pagaent in China last month.

This cause is very close to Lana’s heart.

“I experienced narcissistic abuse in a previous relationship and that is why I want to help these women,” she explains.

Lana also raised funds by asking her fellow contestants if they wanted her to paint their portraits. She had completed seven commissions by the time of the interview and still had one more to paint before her flight.

Her fundraising efforts did not go unnoticed and earned her a prestigious nomination for Artist of the Year during the Glamorous Globe Awards, where every contestant was celebrated not just for appearance but for real-world contributions to their communities.

Looking at this super woman, you’d be forgiven for thinking she is the embodiment of confidence.

But Lana confesses to the same insecurities as others, deep down. “I have always been scared of failure and I do not have a lot of self-esteem.

Sometimes, I start a painting and stop, thinking it’s not going well. Then someone sees my work and tell me it’s so nice, so I feel encouraged to continue.” Lana credits her strong religious belief for giving her comfort.

Annoyingly, she informs me that her svelte body is not the product of hours in the gym. In fact, she hates going and barely exercises. “I’m not really careful about what I eat either,” Lana admits.

“I did not have time to prepare… I was only painting and eating figolli (Easter almond treats).

Two days ago, I stopped eating all that rubbish and I do not eat after 7pm, so my stomach is not that bad. I bought the swimsuit for the competition one size smaller, and it’s made of material that really sucks me in. It has a lot of embroidery on the front too.” Aha! So that’s the trick!

So, what does beauty mean to a beauty queen?

“I believe everyone is beautiful in their own way.

Beauty is everywhere but not everyone can see it.

All women have been through something in their life that might make them look sad, but inside them, there is something beautiful,” Lana believes.

She also confesses to having the same hang-ups as the rest of us about her own appearance. “I am always criticising myself. My partner told me: ‘For once, say how beautiful you are’.”

Lana and her fellow contestants may have appeared as a heavenly vision of perfection on that glittering stage, but they all carried their own real life stories. Before the competition, all the contestants were asked to share what challenges they had had to overcome in life. “I found it very hard to forgive someone and I overcame that. One contestant wrote that she overcame abuse; another lost her husband in a car accident and is now raising her four children on her own; and yet another said her

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parents were imprisoned when she was still a child and she had to raise her siblings herself. I realised how lucky I am.”

Lana reassures me she doesn’t always look as polished as she appears on the Zoom screen. “When you have kids, you forget about yourself. My nails are not always done. At home, I am doing everything, even though I have help. I never have any downtime, or privacy – someone always has to disturb me. If it’s not the kids, it’s the dog.”

Lana was accompanied in China by one of her sisters while the rest of her very large family assembled at her house to watch the show “screaming and cheering at the television”. Her mentors Ekaterina Camilleri and Hannelie van Wyk, the reigning Mrs Classique Globe 2024, supported her throughout her journey.

“Lana not only represented Malta and Europe, she also reflected a new generation of women who lead with purpose and serve with soul,” Ekaterina said after the contest.

And now, after all the glitter and glamour? While the beauty crown will be hung up, Lana is not exactly settling down in slippers and sweatpants. She reveals she wants to dedicate more time to her painting and travel more with her family.

And sleep! “I want to enjoy life and stop all this madness.”

And with that, our hour is over. But before she even started packing for her final beauty contest, she was off to her son’s sports day at school. Because, after all, the queen of beauty also has other more mundane commitments.

FOOD

Words by

Ally Wybrew Ally is a travel writer who's been living in Gozo for two years. When not exploring the depths of its coastline in her newfound passion for scuba diving, you'll find her seeking out rock-climbing locations or unknown corners of the island's beautiful landscape.

A foodie destination Malta is proving that great food isn’t just about heritage – it’s also about evolution. The island is carving out its own identity as a serious gastronomic destination and one where a passion for local ingredients is driving a new chapter in its culinary story.

“It’s like being in San Sebastián; you can go to every little shop, café, or bakery and everything is delicious and made by someone who's been doing it for 30 years.”

fresh, succulent seafood, while Italian and Arabic flavours have helped influence Maltese staples such as the morish, bean-based dip bigilla and a profusion of tomatoes and olive oil encouraged by neighbouring Sicily.

This is Oli Marlow, executive chef at the twoMichelin-starred ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, rapturously comparing Malta to one of Europe’s most prestigious foodie destinations.

“The ingredients (here) are very, very special...”

Whereas other remote islands rely on imported goods, Malta has maintained a relatively high level of agricultural self-sufficiency, something started as far back as 5900 BC.

Oli isn’t the only one to have been enchanted

by Maltese cuisine. In recent years, chefs from all over have been flooding to its midMediterranean shores. Since 2020, the number of Michelin-starred restaurants has grown from three to seven, with Parisian-inspired Le GV in Sliema the latest to receive the accolade in 2025, just six months after opening. This puts the archipelago fourth on the global list of Michelinstarred restaurants per capita, surpassing the likes of Italy, France and Spain.

While this is partly down to its modest 316sq km landmass, that’s not to say it’s not worthy.

Malta’s culinary landscape has long possessed a unique quality, its isolated position lending it

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Tourists who come to marvel at historic cities, luxuriate in five-star hotels and snap shots of picturesque waterfront towns likely miss the wealth of hidden agriculture – particularly in the dry summer months. Come winter and spring, the islands’ limestone lands transform into verdant valleys, producing all manner of produce from lettuce, broccoli, leeks and tomatoes to olive oil, grapes, oranges and honey.

At the Michelin-starred de Mondion in Mdina, Mellieħa-born executive chef Clint Grech has always prided himself on promoting Maltese food, sourced as much as possible from the islands.

“I believe that if we don’t support the local farmers, local fishermen and local produce, we’re going to lose what Malta is all about,” he explains. “It’s this little, tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean; we have very good fish, very good seafood, and very good vegetables, so we chefs need to support as much as possible when it comes to these food items and traditions.”

Oli Marlow (left), executive chef at ION Harbour by Simon Rogan.

FOOD

Clint explains how the standard of local produce has increased in line with the country’s rising culinary reputation. Up to six years ago, before Michelin came to Malta, local cheese, for example, was not up to standard. Now, he is sourcing high-quality ricotta from Ta Zeppi Farm in Siġġiewi.

Clint also has an ace up his sleeve: The Xara Gardens, a 1.5-acre farming plot established during the pandemic. This patch of rich production soil is mere metres from the restaurant, and he finds himself there most mornings perusing possible produce.

“I think around 70 to 80 per cent comes from our own garden,” he says. “We have the advantage of picking the crops two, three, or four hours before [dinner]. Menus are printed every day, so if today the beetroot or zucchini flowers are nice, we adjust the menu accordingly.”

The proteins – in Clint’s case his famous suckling pig – largely remain the same, but the supporting tastes and textures fluctuate according to season and supply.

For many high-end restaurants, some produce is still sourced abroad to ensure it meets the quality they require, but in these instances, the footprint of the produce is a consideration.

Andrew Borg, executive chef of Le GV, estimates 95 per cent of his restaurant’s fruit and vegetables come from the islands, while only 50 per cent of meat originates here. Fish is a different matter.

All his seafood is sourced from Maltese waters, while in ION Harbour, Oli enlists the help of a local forager and producer to provide only linecaught fish for their guests.

At de Mondion, one of their most popular dishes, the octopus, is subject to demand.

To meet the restaurant’s sustainable criteria, Clint only buys octopus weighing at least 1.5kg, meaning he has to purchase them over month-long periods and freeze them until he has enough to put on the menu. At the time we spoke in March, he guessed this likely wouldn’t be until August.

This kind of adaptability is something Michelinlevel chefs are used to, and something they’ve had to become increasingly good at since the rise in dietary requirements and allergies.

Chef Oli again: “Receiving vegetarians or vegans is really not an issue. I've always been a believer that if someone doesn't want to eat a particular thing, it's your job to give them just as good a time. I think you can still bring so much joy and excitement to any ingredient and it’s part of our job to put a smile on your face. It’s a challenge sometimes, but it's a good challenge.”

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Clint Grech, executive chef at de Mondion with his octopus dish.

they’re not always the main event when it comes to local dishes – despite what Michelin chefs might say.

A case in point: Gabriel’s family had difficulty adjusting to his new diet. “Everyone eats fish here, so my family didn’t really accept it. They'd say ‘we cooked some meat for you’ – because that's what they’re cooking today, so that's all you have to eat. They were confused.”

Andrew Borg, executive chef of Le GV.

In more mainstream restaurants, menus’ dietary offerings are dictated by demand. Across Malta and Gozo, tourist hubs have seen an increase in plant-based offerings, for example.

In Malta’s old capital, Mdina, Coogi’s Restaurant, based in an old Arab townhouse, serves traditional Maltese delicacies – rabbit liver, bragioli (beef olives) – alongside vegan alternatives such as Beyond Meat chicken tenders, chickpea curry and chilli ‘sin’ carne.

In Gozo’s popular seaside town of Marsalforn, Alive Bistro features a near completely vegan menu – spinach lasagne, goulash and beetroot empanadas, alongside Insta-worthy vegan cakes. At least one plant-based option can be found at most other eateries along the promenade. KM Malta Airlines’ fliers are also catered for: a piping hot vegan lasagne costs just €8.50 on board.

This expansion in offerings mirrors a more gradual change in attitude across the islands, exemplified by the launch of the country’s first vegan festival last year. VeganFest organiser Gabriel Mallia admits producing it was a gamble, and despite having opted for a plant-based diet five years earlier, he wasn’t certain there was the audience for it.

“It was a risk. I wasn't sleeping because I thought people weren’t going to come,” he said. It’s unsurprising: Maltese cuisine prides itself on fresh seafood, bragioli and ġbejna-stuffed delights.

Though the islands produce a lot of fruit and vegetables,

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The VeganFest team hoped to attract 800 people to the Ta’ Qali National Park across two days but actually saw 2,000 visitors turn out.

Eight food vendors sold vegan Italian, Chinese and Maltese treats, while 15 others were spread around the leafy venue, which also had a yoga space. Vegan pet food supplier Green Paws sold two weeks’ worth of food in two days and vegan donut supplier Tad-Doughnuts sold out and had to keep shuttling back to their shop in Fgura to restock.

“It was a huge surprise,” Gabriel said. “We weren’t expecting that many people and it turned out amazingly.” This year, the festival, which is being held on 3rd and 4th May, looks to expand its offerings. It is aiming to almost double its space in the park and include a dedicated pet area, featuring vegan and sustainable pet food and accessories, as well as a new layout.

Pastizzi and pintxos might be worlds apart, but Malta is proving that great food isn’t just about heritage – it’s about evolution. Like San Sebastián, the island is carving out its own identity as a serious gastronomic destination and one where a passion for local ingredients is driving a new chapter in its culinary story.

The Xara Gardens.

FOOD

en Glut !

Free

Email: info@strand.com.mt Tel: +356 21441768

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FOOD

Words by

Adriana Bishop

Ftira: the legendary beach snack The quintessential Maltese sandwich is made out of a disc of unleavened sourdough bread with a history dating back centuries and is inscribed in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Boast alert: So the fourth Earl of Sandwich may have given the name to an everyday meal in the 18th century because he enjoyed eating meat between two slices of bread while gambling. But the Maltese version dates back centuries and is such an integral part of our cultural heritage that in 2020 it was inscribed in the list of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Chew on that for a while.

Let me introduce you to the Maltese ftira, a humble flattened disc of unleavened sourdough bread that still fills us with joy, not to mention carbs, to this day. No picnic or beach day is complete without a hefty wadge of ftira stuffed with the very best of the Mediterranean larder: tomatoes, olive oil, capers, olives and often tuna or anchovies, red onions or even ġbejniet (goat’s cheeselets). It is a hearty lunch for hungry workers, an afterschool tea-time snack for children, and forever a staple part of every meal for all of us.

The Maltese ftira is as iconic as Malta’s famous crusty sourdough loaf, so much so that it was the first of the local products to be nominated for the UNESCO list. In its application to UNESCO, the Culture

Ministry had said that ftira “fosters a shared identity in Malta, bringing people together in homes and workplaces”. They were not exaggerating.

Derived from the Arabic fatir, which literally means unleavened bread, the ftira is characterised by a thick crust, sometimes strewn with sesame seeds, and a light internal texture with an open crumb. The last of the bread loaves to be shaped, always rigorously by hand, as they do not need much time to rise, they are the first to be baked in the searing hot wood-burning oven at 275˚C. They are shaped using small rolls that are flattened completely into a disc and a hole is torn in the centre.

Bread has been part of the Maltese diet literally for thousands of years, with archaeological discoveries in the Neolithic hamlet of Skorba on the outskirts of Mġarr revealing a number of stone querns that were used to crush grains into rough flour.

However, medico-historical evidence indicates that this early version of bread was rather fibrous and chewy, judging by the degree of attrition on the teeth of Neolithic people.

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Photo: Albert Camilleri.

FOOD

It is understood that we have the ancient Egyptians to thank for the discovery of leaven, which led to the development of sourdough. To this day, traditional Maltese sourdough bread, including ftira, is made by incorporating a piece of yesterday’s ‘sour’ dough – known as tinsila – into the day’s mix, which gives our bread that very unique taste and texture.

Bread was not just a meal, but it indicated social status too, so much so that the Maltese expression “x’ħobż jiekol” (what type of bread does he eat) is still used today to define a person’s character and social standing. This distinction dates back to the time of the Knights when the more welloff could afford to buy tal-Franċiz or pane d’albergo made from super fine semolina and white bread made exclusively from flour, while poorer people had to make do with bread made from maħlut, a hardy mixed grain obtained when wheat and barley are grown together.

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Securing and importing enough grain to feed the population was a perennial concern for the authorities for centuries, which explains why the Knights built vast underground granaries in Valletta and Floriana that are still visible today. They even had stores built in Sicily and Marseilles.

While ftira can be bought from any supermarket these days, for the real deal, follow the locals to the nearest village bakery. There are still around 200 bakers operating in family-run traditional bakeries on the island, with a large concentration of them found in the town of Qormi, also known as Casal Fornaro.

One of my favourites is Roġolin in the heart of Balzan, just off the parish church square. Simply follow your nose and the deliciously heady aroma will guide you to the small inconspicuous door of the bakery where everything is still rigorously made by hand as tradition dictates.

Is it time to break out the sunscreen?

FOOD

How to prepare a

FTIRA

The filling is up to you. Keep it traditional by slicing the ftira open, dipping the cut sides in olive oil, then smear each with a ripe tomato cut in half.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, add a handful of capers and olives and perhaps some fresh herbs (basil or mint would go nicely). And that’s it!

For an even more substantial meal, you can add canned tuna or anchovies, white beans and some lettuce.

Some even prefer fried eggs and a minute steak or local sausage, perhaps with a slice of ġbejna.

Whichever way you choose to enjoy your ftira, remember it always tastes best at the beach, no matter the season.

Where to eat the best filled

ftira

Any traditional snack bar or beach restaurant worth its salt serves a decent filled ftira. Here’s a selection of some tried and tested favourites:

> > > > >

Buchman’s Snack Bar, Triq d’Argens, Gżira Andrew’s Snack Bar, Triq Sant’Antnin, B’Kara Sea View Café, Triq Salvinu Vella, Mellieħa Ta’ Doni, Triq San Pawl, Rabat Maltese Ftira Café, Triq San Bartolomew, Qormi

TA’ MARIJA – YOUR GASTRO MALTESE KITCHEN Constitution Street, Mosta Established in 1964, Ta’ Marija is one of Malta’s most historically rich restaurants.

Enjoy its Folklore Dinner shows on Wednesdays and Fridays for some Maltese liveliness. (Transport can be arranged.) The gastro menu is bursting with creativity and local traditions, stamped with Ta’ Marija’s signature flavours. From appetizers and platters to traditional homemade ravioli, Ta' Marija brings Maltese favourites to the table in a unique way. Mains include a popular rabbit selection, fish and shellfish in season, local meats and the famous Whisper chargrilled steaks. (+356) 2143 4444 tamarija.com TamarijaRestaurantMostaMalta

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FOOD

MUŻA RESTAURANT Merchants Street, Valletta If you're looking for an extraordinary dining experience in the capital city, book a table at MUŻA Restaurant. Situated in the picturesque courtyard of an old auberge, MUŻA provides a cosy, laidback ambiance, perfect for a romantic dinner, or a night out with friends. The menu is bursting with fresh, local ingredients, and the knowledgeable staff can help you select the perfect wine to complement your meal. (+356) 7979 0900 MUZARestaurantValletta

muzarestaurant

OSTRICA 66, Church Street, St Paul’s Bay Discover Ostrica at Gillieru, where tradition meets innovation on the shores of St Paul’s Bay. Located within the iconic Gillieru Harbour Hotel, a landmark with over a century of history, it celebrates the finest local ingredients from fresh fish to dry-aged meats, prepared with a modern twist. Its talented chefs craft each dish with care, offering an unforgettable dining experience.

With stunning views of the bay and a tranquil atmosphere, Ostrica invites you to indulge in Malta’s rich culinary heritage. (+356) 7902 2371 ostrica.mt ostrica

ostrica

BOTTEGIN PALAZZO XARA Triq San Pawl, Rabat Tucked away in the heart of Rabat, just a short stroll from the historic Mdina, Bottegin Palazzo Xara offers an authentic Maltese dining experience. Situated within a local band club, the cosy bistro provides a welcoming atmosphere, while the peaceful Mediterranean Courtyard offers a tranquil setting for al fresco dining. The extensive menu features everything from hearty breakfasts to pizzas, pastas, grills and traditional local dishes. With soft jazz music and a vibrant, social atmosphere, it's the perfect place to dine like a local. (+356) 7945 4538 bottegin.com.mt

botteginpalazzoxara

botteginpalazzoxara

GROTTO TAVERN Misraħ Ii-Paroċċa, Rabat The Michelin-recommended Grotto Tavern restaurant offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Rabat. Nestled in a cave, the ambience is enchanting and romantic. Grotto Tavern’s chefs expertly craft tasting menus that showcase their passion for local and seasonal ingredients. Guests can sample innovative dishes by indulging in its fiveor seven-course experience. A visit to Grotto Tavern is a must for those seeking fine dining with a twist. (+356) 7945 3258 grottotavern.net

grottotavernrestaurant

thegrottotavern

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FOOD

ANDREW’S BAR St George’s Bay, St Julian’s Andrew's Bar is a freshly re-opened venue where fun is not optional, good food is compulsory, and building great memories is essential. Steeped in legacy, this is, in fact, Malta's oldest bar! The place is a go-to, and you're simply going to love indulging in the extensive menu, with a great local cuisine focus, serving traditional Maltese and modern dishes, such as pizza or pasta. Ideal for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it is also perfect for a quiet drink or two. (+356) 2138 8031 info@andrewsbar.com

TA' KOLINA 151, Tower Road, Sliema Ta’ Kolina is a quaint, family-run restaurant on Tower Road (one of Sliema’s most popular spots). Open since 1974, it is a typical Maltese restaurant with a traditional Maltese interior and décor. A set menu comprising of traditional Maltese food offers a choice of starter, main dish, dessert and coffee for €27 per person. There is also a vibrant à la carte menu and daily display of fresh local fish. Dining here is a true Maltese experience for a reasonable price. Ta' Kolina is open for both lunch and dinner from 12 to 10.30pm. (+356) 2133 5106 www.takolina.mt

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30 Years of Memories

????????

Welcome!

Merħba!

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AIRLINE NEWS

A Fond Farewell KM Malta Airlines extends its heartfelt thanks to Mario Ghio for his dedicated service and commitment in facilitating the airline’s operations across the London route. Throughout his tenure, Mario’s professionalism and reliability have played a key role in ensuring smooth and efficient coordination between stations and supporting exceptional passenger service.

As he embarks on his well-deserved retirement, we warmly recognise his valued contribution and wish him happiness and fulfilment in this new chapter.

“Boarded in 1974, cruised at different altitudes and in varying climates along the way, to my final landing in 2025. As I start a new adventure with my family, I wish to thank all colleagues, crew and passengers for having been part of the journey of a lifetime,” Mario said. “Bon voyage!”

From left: Christopher Kasseean, Area Operations Manager, Joseph Zammit, Director Ground Operations, Mario Ghio, Airport Manager, Robert Fenech, Chief People & Culture Officer.

COMMUNITY

We asked, you answered What’s your preferred seat?

3%

Middle seat

78%

Window seat

19% Aisle seat

Secure that window seat for the best views in the house from only €6 and guarantee your favourite spot or a seat beside your family and friends.

Follow us on Instagram @kmmaltairlines to have your say.

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AIRLINE ????????

NEWS

Give the gift of travel Looking for the perfect present or a way to reward your team? Our gift vouchers are ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions or corporate incentives. Vouchers can be used towards flights and a range of extras, including seat selection, baggage and more. Thoughtful, flexible and always appreciated – the gift of travel is one they’ll never forget.

Visit vouchers.kmmaltairlines.com

Family Fun Day Our Family Fun Day brought colleagues and their loved ones together for a day of activities, games and fantastic prizes – with something for both kids and adults to enjoy! A highlight was the hands-on pastizzimaking workshop, where airline staff and families rolled up their sleeves together. It was a great way to celebrate teamwork, strengthen connections and share plenty of smiles along the way.

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Step into a world of rewards!

Your Journey, Your Rewards Discover a world of exclusive benefits with KM Rewards, the loyalty programme designed to make your travels with KM Malta Airlines even more rewarding. Every time you fly, you earn SkyBux, which can be redeemed for flights, extras and more!

Join for free today and start turning your SkyBux into unforgettable journeys.

Climb the tiers faster and unlock the exclusive perks of KM Elite – before you can say: "Ready for take-off!"

Join

KM Rewards Scan below to register

WITH KM REWARDS, YOU’LL ENJOY: Exciting rewards Seamless travel perks Exclusive offers and discounts … and much more!

Big things are coming!

We have exciting updates planned for the 2025-2026 membership year, so get ready for even more ways to enjoy KM Rewards!

Or visit kmmaltairlines.com/en/km-rewards

Download the KM Rewards mobile app

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FLIGHT INFORMATION

KM MALTA AIRLINES DIRECT FLIGHTS

Amsterdam

Berlin

London – Heathrow London – Gatwick Brussels

Düsseldorf Prague

Paris – Charles de Gaulle

Munich

Paris – Orly

Vienna Zurich

Lyon Milan – Linate

Rome – Fuminicio

Istanbul

Madrid

Catania

Malta

SUMMER SCHEDULE 2025 Mon

Tue

Wed

Thur

Fri

Sat

Sun *From 30 June **From 29 Sept ***From 04 July

Amsterdam (AMS) Berlin (BER) Brussels (BRU)

*Until 19 May

Catania (CTA) Düsseldorf (DUS) Istanbul (IST)

From 02 June

London (LHR) London (LGW) Lyon (LYS)

*02 July - 03 Sept

Madrid (MAD) Milan (LIN) Munich (MUC) Paris (CDG)

*Until 30 May **From 02 July ***From 06 June

Paris (ORY) Prague (PRG)

*Until 28 May

Rome (FCO) Vienna (VIE)

*Until 29 May

Zurich (ZRH)

Information is subject to change.

FLIGHT????????

INFORMATION

FLIGHT AND COMPANY INFORMATION INFORMAZZJONI DWAR IT-TITJIRA U L-KUMPANIJA

Welcome on board KM Malta Airlines

Merħba abbord il-KM Malta Airlines

We’re excited to have you with us and want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable flight. Here are a few important tips to keep everything smooth and safe for everyone.

Aħna ħerqanin li inti tkun magħna, u rridu nkunu żguri li jkollok titjira komda u pjaċevoli. Hawnhekk issib ftit pariri importanti biex jinżamm kollox pinna u sigur għal kulħadd.

OUR MAIN AIRPORT HUB IĊ-ĊENTRU EWLIENI TAL-AJRUPORT TAGĦNA Malta International Airport (MLA), the main hub for KM Malta Airlines, first opened in 1958 as Luqa Airport and has since grown into a modern, world-class facility. Playing a crucial role in connecting the island to hundreds of destinations, MLA supports KM Malta Airlines’ extensive network of flights. Guided by core values, the airport ensures a seamless travel experience for all passengers. By working sustainably and collaboratively with its partners, MLA continues to enhance Malta's connectivity and deliver exceptional service to travellers worldwide.

L-Ajruport Internazzjonali ta’ Malta (MLA), iċ-ċentru ewlieni għall-KM Malta Airlines, fetaħ għall-ewwel darba fl-1958 u minn dakinhar kiber f’faċilità moderna u ta’ klassi dinjija. Bi rwol kruċjali biex jgħaqqad ’il gżiritna ma’ mijiet ta’ destinazzjonijiet, l-MLA jappoġġja x-xibka estensiva tat-titjiriet tal-KM Malta Airlines. Iggwidat minn valuri tal-qalba, l-ajruport jiżgura esperjenza ta’ vjaġġ trankwill għall-passiġġieri kollha. Permezz tal-ħidma sostenibbli u kollaborattiva mal-imsieħba tiegħu, l-MLA jissokta jsaħħaħ l-konnettività ta’ Malta u jagħti servizz eċċezzjonali lill-vjaġġaturi mad-dinja kollha.

OUR FLEET IL-FLOTTA TAGĦNA AIRBUS 320NEO

QUANTITY: 8 IN FLEET NUMBER OF SEATS: 180 ENGINES: CFM LEAP-1A MAXIMUM TAKE OFF WEIGHT: 73.5 / 77 METRIC TONS OVERALL LENGTH: 37.57M WINGSPAN: 35.8M CRUISING SPEED: MACH 0.78 (450KNOTS, 833KM/HR) RANGE: 6,500KM, 3,500 NMI, 4,025 SMI FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1.8 LITRES PER 100KM PER PASSENGER* * Based on a 1,000NM (1,860KM) journey with 180 pax and bags.

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FLIGHT INFORMATION

A quick heads-up!

Inħejjuk bil-quddiem!

SEATBELT SAFETY

Your seatbelt is here for your protection!

Please fasten it whenever the seatbelt sign is on or while the aircraft is moving. For your safety, we recommend keeping it fastened throughout the flight. If you’re travelling with a child under two, they’ll need to be secured on your lap with an infant seatbelt, which our crew will be happy to provide.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Only alcohol served by our crew is allowed on board, and it’s only for passengers aged 17 and over. Remember, alcohol can have a stronger effect at high altitudes, so please enjoy responsibly. In line with international regulations, we may prevent intoxicated passengers from boarding or continuing their journey.

PHOTOGRAPHY ETIQUETTE

We want everyone to feel comfortable, so please respect your fellow passengers and crew. Please do not take photos or videos on board without their verbal permission.

NO SMOKING ZONE

For the safety and comfort of everyone, smoking – including e-cigarettes – is strictly prohibited at any time when on board the aircraft. If you see anyone smoking, let our crew know immediately.

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IS-SIGURTÀ TAĊ-ĊINTURIN

Iċ-ċinturin tiegħek qiegħed għall-protezzjoni tiegħek! Jekk jogħġbok aqflu kull meta s-sinjal taċ-ċinturin ikun mixgħul jew sakemm ikun miexi l-ajruplan. Għas-sigurtà tiegħek, aħna nirrakkomandaw li żżommu maqful matul it-titjira kollha. Jekk qed tivvjaġġa bl-ulied taħt is-sentejn, dawn għandhom jinżammu fuq ħoġrok b’ċinturin għat-trabi li l-ekwipaġġ ikun kuntent li jagħtik.

IL-KONSUM TAL-ALKOĦOL

Abbord huwa permessibbli biss l-alkoħol servut mill-ekwipaġġ tagħna, u dan qiegħed biss għallpassiġġieri li għandhom 17-il sena jew iktar. Ftakar, f’altitudnijiet għolja l-alkoħol jista’ jkollu effetti aqwa, għalhekk, jekk jogħġbok, ħu gost b’mod responsabbli.

Skont ir-regolamenti internazzjonali, nistgħu nipprevjenu lill-passiġġieri fis-sakra milli jitilgħu abbord jew milli jissuktaw bil-vjaġġ tagħhom.

L-ETIKETT TAL-FOTOGRAFIJA

Irridu li kulħadd iħossu komdu, għalhekk, jekk jogħġbok, irrispetta lill-passiġġieri ta’ miegħek u lillekwipaġġ. Jekk jogħġbok tiħux ritratti jew filmati abbord mingħajr il-permess verbali tagħhom.

POST LI FIH MA TPEJJIPX

Għas-sigurtà u l-kumdità ta’ kulħadd, it-tipjip – inklużi s-sigaretti elettroniċi – huwa pprojbit f’kull waqt abbord l-ajruplan. Jekk tara lil xi ħadd ipejjep, għarraf lill-ekwipaġġ tagħna minnufih.

ELECTRONIC ????????

DEVICES

USING PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES (PEDs) L-UŻU TAT-TAGĦMIR ELETTRONIKU PORTABBLI (PEDs)

PEDs IN FLIGHT MODE

Any devices that can send or receive data by wireless means, such as smartphones, tablets and e-readers must be switched to flight mode before departure and can be used throughout the flight. If data transmission capability cannot be switched off while the device is operating, the device itself must be switched off completely for the duration of the flight. Bluetooth connectivity can be used during all phases of flight.

LARGER DEVICES (LAPTOPS, LARGE TABLETS)

These should be turned off and stowed away during taxi, take-off and landing, but you’re free to use them during the cruise.

Wi-Fi

The use of Wi-Fi with flight mode enabled is allowed on aircraft which are equipped with an in-flight entertainment system. Follow any crew instructions regarding connectivity.

USE OF HEADPHONES

Headphones may be used during all phases of flight, however we ask you to remove them during the safety briefing. Customers sitting in an emergency exit row must refrain from using headphones during taxi, take-off and landing.

IL-PEDs FUQ IL-MODALITÀ TAT-TITJIRA

Kwalunkwe tagħmir elettroniku li jista’ jibgħat jew jirċievi d-data mingħajr il-ħtieġa ta’ wajer, bħall-ismartphones, it-tablets u l-e-readers għandhom jinqalbu għall-modalità tat-titjira qabel it-tluq, u hekk jistgħu jintużaw matul ittitjira kollha. Jekk il-funzjoni tat-trasmissjoni tad-data ma tistax tintefa waqt li t-tagħmir elettroniku jkun mixgħul, it-tagħmir innifsu għandu jintefa għalkollox tul it-titjira kollha. Il-konnettività tal-Bluetooth tista’ tintuża tul il-fażijiet kollha tat-titjira.

IT-TAGĦMIR ELETTRONIKU TA’ DAQS IKBAR (LAPTOPS, TABLETS KBAR)

Dawn għandhom jintfew u jintrefgħu matul is-sewqan, it-tlugħ u l-inżul, iżda tista’ tużahom b’mod liberu tul il-kruċiera.

IL-Wi-Fi

L-użu tal-Wi-Fi bil-modalità tat-titjira mixgħula huwa permessibbli fuq l-ajruplani mgħammra bis-sistema taddivertiment ta’ matul it-titjira. Segwi kull istruzzjoni talekwipaġġ rigward il-konnettività.

L-UŻU TAL-HEADPHONES

Il-headphones jistgħu jintużaw tul il-fażijiet kollha tat-titjira, madankollu nitolbuk tneħħihom waqt l-ispjegazzjoni tas-sigurtà. Il-klijenti bilqiegħda f’xi filliera tal-ħruġ tal-emerġenza m’għandhomx jużaw ilheadphones matul is-sewqan, it-tlugħ u l-inżul.

DAMAGED OR OVERHEATING DEVICES

IT-TAGĦMIR ELETTRONIKU BIL-ĦSARA JEW LI JKUN SAĦAN IŻŻEJJED

We kindly ask that all passengers follow these guidelines for the safety and comfort of everyone on board. Have a fantastic flight with KM Malta Airlines!

Ġentilment nitolbu li l-passiġġieri kollha jsegwu dawn il-linji gwida għas-sigurtà u l-kumdità ta’ kulħadd abbord.

Nixtiqulek titjira fantastika mal-KM Malta Airlines!

If any device is damaged, starts to overheat or produces smoke, is lost or falls into the seat structure, please notify our crew immediately.

Do not try to retrieve it yourself if it falls between seats; we’ll take care of it. Carriage of damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries or devices is prohibited on board our flights.

Jekk xi tagħmir elettroniku jkollu l-ħsara, jibda jisħon jew idaħħan, jintilef jew jaqa’ fl-istruttura tal-pultruna, jekk jogħġbok għarraf lill-ekwipaġġ tagħna minnufih.

Tippruvax issibu inti jekk jaqa’ bejn il-pultruni; nieħdu ħsiebu aħna. Il-ġarr ta’ batteriji tal-litju jew tagħmir elettroniku bil-ħsara, difettuż jew wieħed li ntalab jinġabar lura huwa pprojbit abbord it-titjiriet tagħna.

87

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