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PAGE03.pdf
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PAGE12_13.pdf
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THE MALTA INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL
FIREWORKS, FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS WHAT GOES BOOM IN THE NIGHT, BOOM IN THE DAY AND SPRAYS COLOUR IN THE AIR WITH A CRACKLING SOUND AND A BURST OF GLITTER? FIREWORKS IN MALTA. LINKED TO A LONG AND INTERESTING STORY OF PYROTECHNIC STORIES, IT IS KNOWN THAT THE CRAFT OF CREATING FIREWORKS CAME TO MALTA WITH THE KNIGHTS OF ST JOHN. THE KNIGHTS LOVED CELEBRATIONS, AND WHAT BETTER CELEBRATION THAT ONE COMPLEMENTED WITH FIREWORKS?
Image: © MTA
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Image: © Victor B Caruana
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There are different forms of fireworks - those which are displayed against the dark night sky and those which are created with mechanised and rotating sets of wheels constructed at street level. The season to enjoy fireworks on these Islands is summer, when every weekend sees the celebration of one or more religious patron saint feasts in different localities. And of course, each is celebrated with its fair share of fireworks.
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However, before the onset of summer, the Malta International Fireworks Festival heralds the season in a grand way. Organised by the Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority, the forthcoming 12th edition of the festival will be held between 26 and 30 April 2013. The festival will also serve as part of the commemorative events that recall Malta’s accession to the European Union which took place on the 01st May 2004.
Image: © MTA
Whilst the grand finale is held against the grandiose setting of the Grand Harbour in Valletta, events will take place in varied localities including Marsaxlokk on Friday 26th April, Golden Bay on Sunday 28th April and Valletta’s Grand Harbour on Tuesday 30th April. The finale sees fantastic fireworks displays presented on the waters of the harbour, synchronized to music and set against the illuminated bastion walls.
Malta International Fireworks Festival 2013 Programme Friday 26th April 2013 - Marsaxlokk 9.00pm 9.30pm 10.00pm
Pyro-musical competition – Focs d’Artifici Europla (Spain) Pyro-musical competition – Mount Carmel Fireworks Factory (Malta) Pyro-musical competition – Lieto Fireworks (Italy)
Sunday 28th April 2013 - Golden Bay (G˙ajn Tuffie˙a) 9.00pm 9.30pm 10.00pm
Pyro-musical competition – Tal-Gilju Fireworks Factory (Malta) Pyro-musical competition – 1-2-3 Feuerwerk (Germany) Pyro-musical competition – Pirotecnia Minhota (Portugal)
Tuesday 30th April 2013 – Valletta Grand Harbour 9.00pm 9.15pm 9.30pm
Traditional Maltese Fireworks Announcement and Presentation ceremony of the winners of the Malta International Fireworks Festival 2013 Grand Finale Pyromusical display by PyroEmotions Fireworks (Italy)
Participants are not just from Malta or Gozo, but come to Malta from several different places around the world including Spain, Italy, Germany and Portugal. This means the festival has rightfully earned its ‘international’. For more details and recent updates please visit www.maltafireworksfestival.com
Image: © Victor B Caruana
Image: IMPACT PR
Image: © Clive Vella
Image: IMPACT PR
THE SILENT CITY MEDIEVAL WONDERS Malta’s ancient capital city, Mdina, stands high atop a hill, surrounded by its ancient fortifications, a testament to Malta’s long, eventful history. Renamed many times by various rulers over the centuries, the city has survived sieges and incursions, hiding treasure and mystery alike within its honeycoloured palaces and dwellings along narrow winding streets. Dating back to the Bronze Age, it rose from the surrounding village of Rabat. Later the Phoenicians walled up a small part of the village naming it Malet meaning refuge. The same name was also given to the whole island. A few centuries later, the Arabs cut Mdina off from Rabat with a ditch and ramparts. In 1090, Count Roger the Norman conquered the city, building a new church and numerous buildings that still stand. Given this greater importance, it later became the Città Notabile. As the island’s centre of power and administration for many centuries, this tiny city was an important locus for historical events. Mdina’s key role for hundreds of years was as a military outlook. When the Knights of St. John surveyed Malta in 1530, Mdina was thought ill-suited for their maritime needs while its narrow streets were not grand enough for
Image: IMPACT PR
Renaissance fashions. From then on Mdina’s importance began to decline, as the Knights settled to the south east founding the new capital Valletta on the crest of Mount Sciberras protectively overlooking the Grand Harbour in 1565. Although Malta’s old capital had lost its strategic role among the islands’ powermongers, it had not lost its charm as Malta’s aristocratic families took refuge within the walls of their old capital. Destruction caused by a late 17th century earthquake saw the reconstruction of some palaces in Baroque style. Mdina was left with a rich legacy of art and architectural wonder indeed. Mdina is both romantic and quaint. Do visit this old capital between Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th April to see the streets and squares of the old capital in their true light. Medieval Mdina – the annual Pageantry Festival. Daylong activities will include falconry displays, medieval music, sbandieratori, an illusionist, children’s animation, skirmishes, battles, a medieval market, exhibitions and demos of medieval weaponry and armour and of course, jesters. Medieval knights will mingle with other colourful characters in the narrow streets where the enticing aroma of traditional Maltese food will complement the feast.
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PAGE16_17.pdf
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20/03/2013
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GOZO
MALTA'S SISTER ISLAND
Image: Xlendi Cliffs © Daniel Cilia - Ministry For Gozo
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GOZO IS ONLY 25 MINUTES AWAY FROM MALTA BY FERRY AND YET AS SOON AS YOU STEP ONTO THIS SECOND ISLAND OF THE MALTESE ARCHIPELAGO, YOU IMMEDIATELY FEEL A CHANGE IN THE AIR AND ATMOSPHERE. Although so small in size, Gozo is rich in history and thus it possesses several historical locations to be explored. These include the Ìgantija temples in Xag˙ra which, along with the Megalithic Temples of Malta are the world's oldest free standing structures. The island of Gozo has long been associated with Ogygia, the island home of the nymph Calypso in Homer's Odyssey, thus the island is referred to as the Island of Calypso. Therefore there is so much to experience on this small, peaceful island. Gozo provides a relaxing experience for all. The island is peaceful when compared to the main island of Malta. Greener and more extensive countryside, thus a haven for ramblers all year round, offering organised paths that allow to enjoy the natural beauty of the island. For those being more active, Gozo offers breath taking sites for rock climbing and abseiling as well as various bathing and diving sites accessible during most of the year.
Image: Marsalforn Valley from Dabrani Hill © Daniel Cilia - Ministry For Gozo
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Image: View from Nuffara © Daniel Cilia - Ministry For Gozo
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Being greener, Gozo offers the experience of living closer to nature. One can stay in the various farmhouses and experience the many hands-on attractions available. Farming is much active too and therefore you might be lucky to even encounter a shepherd on one of the countryside roads with his herd and then also taste the local '©bejna' or cheeselet which are very popular too in the traditional cafes and restaurants on the island.
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Gozo is all yours to discover!
Image: Ìgantija Temples © Daniel Cilia - Heritage Malta
Image: Rock Climbing in Dwejra © Ted Attard - Ministry For Gozo
Image: Walking in Gozo © Daniel Cilia - Ministry For Gozo
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PASTIZZI
A TYPICAL MALTESE SNACK The Maltese are very fond of their traditional food. They look forward to their daily meals as well as to a snack at any time of the day. The most popular snack is ‘pastizzi’ (cheese cakes). Whenever the Maltese get together, they often turn to ‘pastizzi’ to celebrate each other’s company. ‘Pastizzi’ are very tasty, once you have tried one, they become irresistible. ‘Pastizzi’ are very simple in appearance. They are made up of puff pastry and filling. Their shape is of a bulging envelope. We find two types of ‘pastizzi’. The most popular are the ‘rikotta pastizzi’ (cheese cakes). Another type of ‘pastizzi’ are ‘tal-piΩelli’ (pea cakes). Their filling includes peas, meat and onions. To wash down your ‘pastizzi’ you should do well to have a glass of tea. In Malta, in tea bars, tea is served in glass tumblers instead of cups. This is prepared in the Maltese traditional way, that is using tea leaves. In these tea bars the ‘pastizzi’ are sold straight from the ‘turtieri’ in which they have been baked. These are black oven-hardened metal trays on which there will be some three and a half dozen ‘pastizzi’. ‘Pastizzi’ are sold all around Malta and Gozo. You find them in bars, confectionaries as well as some social and sports clubs. ‘Pastizzi’ shops may be found in most village squares. The most popular places where you can buy some ‘pastizzi’ are Valletta, Rabat and Victoria in Gozo. In Valletta, it is a common sight to see people enjoying these ‘pastizzi’ after a shopping spree. These are usually accompanied with a cup of coffee, cappuccino or tea.
Image: www.viewingmalta.com
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LIVING IN MALTA & GOZO A PLACE IN THE SUN Malta and Gozo are becoming increasingly popular locations for the purchase or rental of second homes. Situated at the very heart of the Mediterranean Sea, with easy access from all major cities in Europe, North Africa and neighbouring states, the Islands have many advantages to offer, including the following:
WHY MALTA • An excellent climate with pleasant all year round weather. • Genuinely friendly and hospitable people who will make it easy to integrate within the local community. • Very low levels of crime which make Malta one of the safest places in the region. • A member of the European Union since 2004, Malta is an independent republic enjoying political stability. • English is one of the two official languages of the Islands and is spoken fluently by everyone. • The Island boasts a high standard of hospital and medical services, both private and public. • Excellent schooling, often exceeding international standards, with a choice of English-speaking schools and University. • A relatively low cost of living. • A stable property market offering a wide variety of properties in all price ranges, and good prospects for capital growth. These, together with an abundance of historical and cultural attractions, crystal clear seas, a variety of sporting facilities (including world class diving) and a lively calendar of events, make these Islands a favourite for those seeking their dream ‘Place in the Sun'. Moreover, the residency conditions are very attractive and include a favourable tax regime and the absence of Rates or Council taxes.
FLYING TIMES Malta – London 3.05hrs Malta – Frankfurt 2.35hrs Malta – Rome 1.15hrs
Malta – Amsterdam 3.05hrs Malta – Paris 2.35hrs Malta – Cairo 2.25hrs
PURCHASE OF PROPERTY BY NON-MALTESE BUYERS
COMMEMORATION OF THE AWARD OF THE GEORGE CROSS APRIL 14, 2013
‘ To honour the brave people I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history'. The above proclamation was issued by King George VI, on 15 April, 1942, to honour the people of Malta.
It is quite easy for a non-Maltese to purchase property in Malta and Gozo. Naturally, some conditions apply including certain restrictions regarding the minimum value of property that can be purchased and the use that the buyer will make of the property. Some buyers may also require a special permit.
MORE INFORMATION For further information and assistance, we recommend that you contact one of the excellent local Estate Agents who can offer professional guidance and advice to help you make the best choice.
If you are an expatriate living in Malta or Gozo...
you may regularly receive a link to the online version of this monthly magazine in your email. Simply e-mail us on: info@impactpr.com.mt
Image: © DOI
MAL MAL TA&GOZO TA&GOZ 20 l 21
Image: © Clifton Fenech - DOI
D A Y B Y D A Y
Image: © Jeremy Wonnacott - DOI
The actual George Cross was brought over to Malta by Lord Viscount Gort, VC., who had just been appointed and sent to Malta as Governor and Commander-In-Chief. It was presented to the people of Malta during a ceremony that was held on 13 September in St George’s Square, Valletta. Chief Justice Sir George Borg received the medal on behalf of the Maltese nation as a sign of appreciation by the British Monarchy for the bravery and tenacity shown by the Maltese people throughout the war. On the occasion of the 71st anniversary, the Malta Tourism Authority will be presenting a commemorative celebration that will recall this historic episode. On Sunnday, April 14, a son-et-lumiere will be held in St George’s Square, Valletta. Together with this there will be a ceremonial re-enactment that will be accompanied by the Armed Forces of Malta band, the Malta Police Force and band and some 50 actors who will be re-evoking this historic episode.
Image: © MTA
Image: © MTA
Historic Chapels of Valletta
ONE OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MALTA IS THE GREAT NUMBER OF CHAPELS FOUND ALL OVER THE ISLAND. SOME ARE FOUND IN THE COUNTRYSIDE. OTHERS ARE FOUND IN TOWNS AND VILLAGES. VALLETTA, THE CAPITAL, HAS SEVERAL CHAPELS, FIVE OF THEM WERE BUILT BY THE KNIGHTS TO SERVE AS THE TONGUE CHAPELS.
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Image: St. Barbara church © IMPACT PR
Being greener, Gozo offers the experience of living closer to nature. One can stay in the various farmhouses and experience the many hands-on attractions available. Farming is much active too and therefore you might be lucky to even encounter a shepherd on one the countryside roads with his herd and then also taste the local 'gbejna' or cheeselet which are very popular too in the traditional cafes and restaurants on the island.
Image: St. Catherine church © MTA
Another historic chapel is that of Our Lady of Liesse. It was built in 1620, at the expense of the Bailiff d’Armenia, Fra Guzcomo Chenn de Bellay, who was a member of the Langue of France. This chapel was rebuilt in 1740, according to the plans of Francesco Zammit. The chapel of St Catherine was built next to the Italian Auberge in 1576 on plans of Girolamo Cassar – one of the major architects and engineer of the Order, It was enlarged in 1683. Its portico is attributed to the Italian architect Vittorio Carapecchia. This chapel belonged to the Langue of Italy. The chapel of Our Lady of Pilar was built next to the Auberge d’Aragon in 1670 by Commendatore Fra Felix Inniquez de Ayerbe, bailiff de Caspe. Another great benefactor of this chapel was the Bailiff of Maioca, Fra Raimondo de Soler. The chapel of St James, belonged to the Langue of Castile and Portugal. The chapel dates back to 1612 and was enlarged in 1710. Its architect was Giovanni Barbara.
Gozo is all yours to discover! Image: St. Catherine church © Mario Galea www.viewingmalta.com
In the city’s main street – Republic Street – there is the chapel of St Barbara. This building stood on the site of a smaller church which was built in 1585. The present church dates back to 1739 and was designed by Giuseppe Bonnici. It was built at the expense of the Langue of Provence.
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