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3600 BC
750 BC
The Temple Builders Die Tempelbauer Les constructeurs des temples I costruttori di Templi
218 BC The Romans Römer Les Romains I Romani
The Phoenicians Die Phönizier Les Phéniciens I Fenici
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MILESTONES MEILENSTEINE ÉTAPE IMPORTANTE PIETRA MILIARE
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60 AD
870 AD
Christianity Christentum Le Christianisme Il Cristianesimo
1090 AD
The Arabs Die Araber Les Arabes Gli Arabi
The Norman Conquest Die normannische Eroberung La conquête normande La Conquista normanna
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1565 AD
1530 AD
1798 AD
The Great Siege Die Große Belagerung Le Grand Siège Il Grande Assedio
The Knights of St. John Die Johanniterritter Les Chevaliers de St. Jean I Cavalieri di San Giovanni
1800 AD
1974 AD
Republic Republik La république La Repubblica
* Image:Heritage Malta • Bild: Heritage Malta • Image:Heritage Malta • Foto:Heritage Malta
The French period Die französische Periode La période française Il periodo francese
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Arrival of the British Ankunft der Briten L’arrivée des anglais L’arrivo degli inglesi
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1940 AD
World War II Zweiter Weltkrieg La deuxième guerre mondiale La Seconda Guerra Mondiale
2004 AD
EU Accession EU-Mitgliedschaft L’accès à l’UE L’accesso all’UE
1964 AD
Independence Unabhängigkeit L’indépendance L’Indipendenza
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Rabat and Mdina Traditions & Culture during Easter Time
Newcomers to Malta are always recommended a visit to the old city of Mdina and its suburb town Rabat. Both set on high grounds that provide excellent panoramic views of Malta, they each hold a wealth of unique and interesting sites that spell out the history of the islands in more ways than one.
The first of these is the Domus Romana, a compact museum constructed around the remains of a Roman town house considered the property of an aristocratic family. It is found on the outskirts between Mdina and Rabat and was accidentally discovered in 1881. Whilst excavations have revealed very little remains from the house itself, intricate mosaics have survived alongside important artefacts typical of the Roman period on Malta. Today the Domus Romana houses a collection of other Roman finds found around the island during archaeological digs, so that one can get a superb cross-section of these findings. Of note are also the grounds at the rear of the Domus which were once used as a cemetery during the earlier Arab occupation.
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Inside Rabat, one finds St. Paul’s Catacombs complex interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries actively used between the 4th and 8th century AD. These undergound burial chambers represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. Once within the walls of Mdina, past the main city gate, one can visit the National Museum of Natural History housed within Vilhena Palace since 1973. The palace was restructured by Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena, with plans by Charles Francois de Mondion in 1724, and designed in a Parisian Baroque style, instead of the original building of the medieval Universitå. An interesting historic fact is that Vilhena Palace served multiple purposes, namely as a temporary hospital during the 1837 cholera outbreak, as a sanatorium for British troops in 1860 and as a hospital for tuberculosis patients between 1909 till 1956. Find out about Maltese geology and palaeontology, exotic mammals, marine fauna, insects, shells, birds and human evolution. For more information on these sites or to buy your Rabat and Mdina combo ticket log on to www.heritagemalta.org
Images: Š Heritage Malta
EASTER PROCESSIONS IN MALTA
Image: Risen Christ statue, Mosta © Victor B. Caruana
Image: Traditional run with the statue © www.vewingmalta.com
Image: Cospicua © Luke Scicluna www.vewingmalta.com
Church bells chimes announce that Lent’s 40 days of sobriety, fasting and personal sacrifices are brought to an end. Celebrations start, people exchange Easter greetings and break their fast by eating ‘figolli’, ‘Qassatat tal-G˙id’, and Easter eggs. Locals and tourist throng the streets to witness the annual religious spectacle, the procession with the statue of the Risen Christ. Processions are held in the Three Cities (Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea), G˙arg˙ur, GΩira, Mosta, Naxxar, Paola, Qormi, Rabat, Valletta, Ûebbu© and Ûejtun. In Gozo, processions are held in Kerçem, Nadur, Qala, Victoria, Xag˙ra and Ûebbu©. The Gozitan suburb of Victoria, Fontana holds its procession on the following Sunday. In these processions, the statue of the Risen Christ is carried shoulder-high around the narrow streets of the locality. At various points in the procession, able-bodied men run with the statue through the crowd, raising it triumphantly at the end of each Hallelujah run. The major attraction of these processions are the statues. They represent Christ rising majestically out of His tomb. Easter statue figures carry either the Order of St John banner or a branch of a palm tree. Each statue has a decorative tombstone beneath the Christological figure. There is a local custom, still kept alive especially in the Three Cities, that while the statue of the Risen Christ passes by, little children raise their ‘figolli’. They believe that Christ enjoys Himself seeing these children happy holding their big Easter sweet and would bless them. Another attraction of these processions are the bands. The band-players play special types of marches, which are lively and pleasant to the ear. The marches are very popular with the Maltese and they are usually referred to as ‘Easter Waltzes’. Qormi (St George’s Parish) and Ûebbu© processions are famous for such marches. As the statue passes by, confetti are thrown from first floor windows and balconies, leaving the street surfaces covered with these small pieces of paper. After the procession, children take to the streets, enjoying themselves wading through piles of crisp, shredded paper.
FEATURES
Surprising Spring... A Feast of Colours, Culture and Events
These sun-drenched islands of Malta breathe a sigh of relief at the onset of spring since winter is not very well tolerated by the locals. And when spring hits the smaller island of Gozo, the bliss of open countryside is a total enjoyment. Hop on a ferry and you are on Gozo within minutes, ready to take on whatever the island offers.
Image: Sunrise over Gozo © Daniel Cilia - Ministry for Gozo
You might be tempted to take on the hills which typify this isle - they are simply great for long country walks and for rambling as long as you don't step into private cultivated fields. Gozo is also the site of more strenuous sporting events such as hill climbing. More organised and attracting some enthusiastic cheering crowds, are the Gozo Half Marathon, or the Eco-Gozo ultra-trail event. Both will be held during April and well worth participation. Image: Gozo Ferry © Malcolm Debono www.vewingmalta.com
Image: G˙ammar walks © Daniel Cilia - Ministry for Gozo
Image: Kayaking © Ministry for Gozo
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D A Y B Y D A Y
GOZO - Faith and Tradition (Holy Week Events) L-Imsallab fi Triqatna – The Road to the Crucifixion - 5th April A pageant of the Passion of Christ will take place along the streets of Victoria starting at 19.00. The beginning of this event is from the Don Bosco Oratory where a play will be enacted; the pageant will then proceed through the streets of Victoria. Various episodes depicting the last days of Christ are acted out in different locations, culminating in the Pontius Pilatus trial and the Crucifixion which is acted out just underneath the bastions of the Citadel. Over 200 actors take part in this pageant making it one of the biggest on the island. Ta` Pinu Via Crucis – 6th April A Via Crucis, led by His Excellency Bishop Mario Grech will be held at the Ta` Pinu G˙ammar Hill. The meditation of this Via Crucis will be based on the reflections and prayers of Pope Francis. These meditations have just been published and they will be first released in the Maltese Islands during this Via Crucis.
Image: Abseiling © Markus Kirchgessner www.vewingmalta.com
For those who prefer something more artistic by way of entertainment, Gozo is buzzing with cultural events this April. Watch out for the Gaulitana Festival of Music which will be characterised by the production of Puccini’s opera Tosca. It will be a superb opportunity to see the talented musicians of the Malta Philarmonic Orchestra performing during this production. If you become hooked on opera, remember that Gozo and operas go well together with the next major opera events being held annually within the two main theatres in the capital city of Victoria, during the month of October. If you're after pageantry tinged with tradition and some local lore, then April will provide you with all the colours of Holy Week and its Good Friday processions. Costume, history and biblical stories come together and come to life along Gozo's village and town streets. These experiences are guaranteed as great opportunities for snap happy visitors.
Activities for the month of April:
April 12 – Opera Tosca (Gaulitana Festival of Music) www.gaulitanus.com April 13 – 20: Holy Week Celebrations April 26 – Eco-Gozo Ultra Trail Event www.hellfirevents.com April 27 – Gozo Half Marathon www.gozomarathon.org For all the information on these activities, kindly go to www.visitgozo.com
Images: © www.viewingmalta.com
Our Lady of Sorrows – 11th April Every year an open air mass is celebrated by H.E. Bishop Mario Grech at Independence Square in Victoria. A procession carrying the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows is then taken around the old part of Victoria with the Bishop leading the procession and hundreds of faithful following. A pageant dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows is also organized in Xewkija. The origins of this pageant dates back to 1963. Over three hundred people take part in this pageant, and include troops of Roman and Jewish soldiers, the Xewkija parish choir Vox Clementis, the Scouts Group and boys in Knights’ costumes. Children accompany various personalities from the Old Testament and carry placards depicting verses from the Old Testament. This pageant focuses on the presentation of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady,which She suffered during her life. Ta` Blankas – 12th, 13th April (20.30) The Xewkija Local Council and the Xewkija Drama Group, in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo, is putting up a production featuring a representation of the last night in the life of Jesus Christ. The production will feature episodes such as the Last Supper, Judas Kiss, and the Crucifixion. The scenes are set in the lovely garden ‘Ta` Blankas’, a garden located at the outskirts of Xewkija, offering a unique ambience and vivid natural visual effects which is normally closed to the public. This beautiful garden will be open for the whole day on Sunday 13th and people may visit it at leisure during this day.
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 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
The Malta International Fireworks Festiva 25-26-30 April Things in the sky which go whizz, boom, bang and fizzle away in lots of colour spell fireworks. And if you're on Malta this April, you're in the best place to enjoy them in all their glory. The Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority will be organizing the 13th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival, now a landmark event after so many years of successful editions.
With a Grand Finale held on the sea comforted by the reassuring bastions surrounding the Grand Harbour in Valletta, the festival is part of annual anniversary celebrations of Malta’s accession to the European Union, this year being a very special 10th. Starting off within the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, on Friday 25th April, firework displays will move on to Bu©ibba on Saturday 26th April, in the tourist hub of Bu©ibba and the festival's closure will be celebrated during the Grand Finale in Valletta’s Grand Harbour on Wednesday 30th April. The latter
MAL MAL TA&GOZO TA&GOZ 18 l 19 PROGRAMME Friday 25th April Marsaxlokk International Pyromusical Competition Participants: 21:00 steyrFire 21:30 Brezac artifices 22:00 Pyrotex Fireworx 22:30 St. Joseph Fireworks Factory Saturday 26th April Bu©ibba National Fireworks Competition Participants: 21:00 St. George's Fireworks Factory 21:20 Sant'Andrija Fireworks Factory 21:40 Santa Marija Fireworks Factory 22:00 Banda l-Unjoni St. Andrew's Fireworks Factory 22:30 Lieto Fireworks - closing display by 2013 winner
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Austria France United Kingdom Ûebbu©, Malta
Qormi, Malta Luqa, Malta M©arr, Malta Luqa, Malta Italy
Wednesday 30th April 2014 Valletta Grand Harbour Grand Finale Closing pyromusical show by PyroEmotions of Italy Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Malta's accession to the European Union.
date will see the presentation of a Pyromusical show. The festival has rightfully earned the title “International” as over the years it has attracted foreign pyrotechnic companies from as far afield as Australia, Canada and Venezuela and closer to home like, Italy, Austria, Spain and Poland. The foreign participants competing in the International Pyromusical Competition will be SteyrFire from Austria, Brezac Artifices from France, Pyrotex Fireworx from the UK and St. Joseph Fireworks Factory from Zebbug, Malta. The participants competing for the National Fireworks Competition will be Banda Sant’ Andrija Fireworks Factory from Luqa, St. George’s Fireworks Factory from Qormi, Santa Marija Fireworks factory from M©arr and Banda l- Unjoni St. Andrew’s Fireworks Factory from Luqa. Winners will be conferred with a special trophy according to their ranking, whilst the other participants will receive commemorative trophies. For more details and recent www.maltafireworksfestival.com
D A Y B Y D A Y
updates
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visit
Images: © www.viewingmalta.com
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Figolli
Image: Figolli Š IMPACT PR
What is the next best thing to a gingerbread man during Easter-time on island Malta? Naturally, the Figolla. This traditionally named, traditionally baked giant cookie, is typical of this period in time, religiously respected as something one eats only on Easter Sunday and thereafter, since a sweet tooth has to be restrained during Lent. The Figolla comes in all shapes and sizes. It is quite unclear where the Figolla started to appear in Maltese culinary history. What is certain is that the earlier forms included those linked to traditional Catholic symbolism - fish or lamb, as well as connotations of spring-time - butterflies or bunnies. Symbols of fertility and bounty took over as in the case of beautiful ladies in costume, hearts or baskets. A cross between both aspects would be the mermaid form which proved to be pretty popular for a considerable period in time. Then fantasy took over and some of the wildest of Figolli may nowaday come shaped as cars, funny faces and cats. The large sized Figolla is concocted as two cookies held together with sweet almond paste and covered all over with coloured icing and decorated with even more coloured icing. Alternatively, dark chocolate decorated with coloured icing. The 'cherry on the cake' is the small Easter egg or half of it, covered in coloured foil paper and stuck to the Figolla's middle. Who makes Figolli? Everybody. Mothers, grandmothers, local bakers, children during cookery class, TV cooking programme presenters, fund-raisers...... and you find them available on sale everywhere - in coffee shops, confectioneries, sweet shops, grocery shops, supermarkets, Easter charity stalls. The best ones have more almond paste in the middle than cookie dough surrounding it, but remember to eat only after Easter!
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Valletta And Mdina With Your Personal Guide Planning your trip is part of the fun of travelling and is filled with the anticipation of colourful experiences. Whether you need to discover the city’s main places of interest, events and restaurants or prefer something a little bit off the beaten track, the SNOUT app’s itinerary builder and photo gallery makes your holiday planning so much more effective.
Image: Upper Barrakka, Valletta © Clive Vella
Image: Mdina © Kostas Kominis www.viewingmalta.com
The SNOUT mapping function and geo locator will help you find your way about without much difficulty and shows you what venues, events, wi-fi spots, museums and more, are closest to your locations. With particular reference to Malta, the digital travel guide is free to download and there are no roaming charges. For a minimal charge you can also download two engaging audio walking tours. Malta’s capital city, Valletta and its ancient capital Mdina, both have a story to tell at every corner and through every door. Visitors are able to explore their streets, elegant squares and incredible buildings all in their own time. These audio tours can be started and stopped at the visitor’s leisure and are very easy to use. The SNOUT’s in-app photo functionality and social media connectivity allow you to record your experiences and share them with your family and friends, whilst offering the perfect way to capture those special memories from your trip, with all the photos stored in the photo gallery. The Snout Malta app is available to download free on i-Tunes and Google Play. It will certainly come in handy during your travels!
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