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PAGE02.pdf
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PAGE27.pdf
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PAGE04.pdf
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PAGE06NEW.pdf
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25/04/2014
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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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PAGE12_13.pdf
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19/03/2015
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Holy Week And Easter Holy Week and Easter celebrations are of a religious nature and most events take place in churches. The peak is reached on Good Friday where people gather in large numbers to commemorate the passion of Christ in pageants across the Maltese Islands. On Easter Sunday a procession with the statue of the Risen Christ moves along the streets accompanied by band playing festive tunes!
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Images: Pageantry related to Holy Week and Easter in various towns and villagea across Malta and Gozo Š IMPACT PR
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PAGE14_15.pdf
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18/03/2015
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Easter In Gozo
Celebration of Tradition & Culture
Image: Life-size exhibition of the Last Supper. Photo - MUSEUM Subien, Nadur © www.visitgozo.com C
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Easter celebrations are central to Gozo’s religious traditions and the visitor who is on the island during this period is in for an authentic and enriching cultural experience. The first week of April coincides with the religious festivities of the Holy week. Re-enactments portraying the passion of the Christ will take place all around Gozo. The locality of G˙ajnsielem will present a live re-enactment of the Lord’s last supper at Ta’ Passi fields on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Religious celebrations and food are intricately linked to Gozitan popular culture, and an animated kitchen preparing traditional passover food will accompany the event. Good Friday processions are held in Victoria, Xag˙ra, Nadur, and Ûebbu©. People around the island eagerly await Saturday night to attend the Easter vigil which is celebrated in all the churches around Gozo. Easter Sunday marks another important event for the Gozitans and the joyful peeling of bells and band marches accompany a number of processions with the risen Christ, as people share the traditional sweet figolli which they would have prepared days before. The traditional and modern decorations and characters of these figolli mix together, symbol as well of Gozo’s development along the years.
Image: Blissful country walks enhance the Gozo experience © Ted Attard www.visitgozo.com
Image: Concert at Nadur Basilica, Gaulitana Music Festival 2014 © www.visitgozo.com
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14 l 15
Image: Opera Tosca, Gaulitana Music Festival 2014 © KTV photograhy
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The month of April will also see the beginning of another important cultural event in Gozo: the Gaulitana festival. This will start on Saturday 11th April with a semi-staged version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s best-loved musical The Sound of Music. A number of local soloists and the Gaulitanus Choir will be joined by the visiting London-based Keats String Quartet and Gaulitanus resident pianist Stephen Attard. Colin Attard will conduct, with Gaulitanus’ own British artist Terry Shaw producing. The festival will reach its apex with the holding of the Opera Rigoletto, on the 22nd May, featuring an international cast and the participation of the Malta philharmonic orchestra, proving for yet another time that culture and opera and now synonym with Gozo. April means spring. Gozo’s countryside is at its best as nature blooms, providing a feast of gold and burgundy carpets of clover across Gozo’s hills. The perfect setting for country walks that snake through villages and countryside and along the most spectacular coastline. As for the most adventurous, Gozo is ideal ground for climbing along some truly exciting routes. Indeed, many who come in touch with Gozo can tell you their own story of what the island means to them. Tradition, culture and tranquillity shape these experiences, as people whisper their own stories about Gozo, almost wanting to keep the island their own discovery.
Gozo Intricately beautiful
www.gozo.gov.mt
Image: Sunrise over valley from Ûebbu© - © Daniel Cilia, Ministry for Gozo
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PAGE17.pdf
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Commemoration Of The Award Of The George Cross Tuesday April 14 ‘ 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 proclamation was issued by King George VI, on 15 April, 1942, to honour the people of Malta for their bravery and tenacity during the most harrowing bombardments during World War II. The George Cross was carried personally to Malta by Lord Viscount Gort, VC., who had just been appointed Image: The George Cross - photo Clifton Fenech, DOI Governor and Commander-In-Chief of the Maltese Islands. However, the actual ceremony was held only months later, on 13th September, 1942. The presentation was held in St George’s Square, Valletta. Chief Justice Sir George Borg received the medal on behalf of the Maltese nation.
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The Malta Tourism Authority will once again be commemorating this event on April 14, 2015 inside the very same square where the ceremony was held 73 years ago. The programme will start at 19.30 hrs with a marching display in the square by the Armed Forces of Malta Band, who will be escorting the George Cross to the President’s Palace. A display by the Armed Forces Drill Squad and the Armed Forces Band will follow. Participating in the ceremony will be the Malta Police Band together with a Police contingent. The son-et-lumiere that will be held will depict the dark episodes of World War II in Malta that led to the awarding of the GC medal.
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The public is welcome to attend. Admission is free. Seating will be available only if pre-booked on 22915440/1 or email on info@visitmalta.com
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PAGE19.pdf
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24/03/2015
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Roast Lamb For Easter
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Image: Roast Lamb Š freeimages.com
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Following a time of penance and fasting during Lent, which reaches its peak during Holy Week, the mood changes totally on Easter Sunday. The ringing of church bells announces the Resurrection of Christ. In the morning a procession is held with the statue of the Risen Christ in most towns and villages accompanied by band playing festive tunes. Maltese families traditionally celebrate this day with a special family lunch. The lamb has a very long historical link with Easter. It is the symbol of Easter and has been prepared for Easter lunch for generations. This tradition dates back as far as the Passover, when the sacrificial lamb was served by the Jewish families as a sign of thanksgiving. Traditionally slow-roasted leg of lamb served with homemade mint sauce and baked potatoes on Easter Sunday, makes it a succulent meal. We recommend such a delicacy at Ta' Marija Restaurant in the heart of Mosta where you will surely be served with the traditional Maltese lamb cooked the traditional way and accompanied by freshly home grown herbs.
PAGE20_21.pdf
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23/03/2015
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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
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• 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 Festival 25, 30 April, 2 May The Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority will be organizing the 14th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival. The Festival has become a landmark event in the Islands’ calendar of events, with the closing display this year taking place in the tourist hub of Bugibba. The festival forms part of the anniversary celebrations of Malta’s accession to the European Union and the colourful spectacle annually attracts thousands of locals and visitors alike. Following last year’s success, this year’s events shall kick off once again in the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk on Saturday 25th April. The spectacle will continue on Thursday 30th April in the unique settings of Valletta’s Grand Harbour and the closing display in the tourist hub of Bugibba on Saturday 02nd May with 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, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Several Maltese and foreign fireworks factories will be taking part in the upcoming Malta International Fireworks Festival, who will together put on a spectacular pyrotechnic show with fantastic fireworks displays synchronized to music. The competitors in this year’s Festival were short listed from a number of applicants. Images: © www.viewingmalta.com
Th Py Th pa Fa an
Th Co St. Pir co wh tro
Ou ac se rea du
Fo ww Fo ww
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MAL MAL TA&GOZO TA&GOZ 20 l 21
The foreign participants competing in the International Pyromusical Competition will be Thailand Fireworks from Thailand, and A.P.E. di Parente Romualdo from Italy. The local participants in this competition will be St. Mary Fireworks Factory from G˙axaq, Lourdes Fireworks Factory from Qrendi and St. Andrew’s Band Fireworks Factory from Luqa.
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The participants competing for the National Fireworks Competition will be Lourdes Fireworks Factory from Qrendi, St. Mary Fireworks Complex from M©arr and Soçjeta Piroteknika 15 ta’ Awissu from Mosta. Winners will be conferred with a special trophy according to their ranking, whilst the other participants will receive commemorative trophies.
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Our Islands are renowned for the love of fireworks, which form a core part of almost any celebration or event organised, be it secular or religious. This year’s event will prove to be an added reason to visit some of Malta’s most scenic and historic spots during April and May.
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For more details and recent updates please visit www.maltafireworksfestival.com For the full list of events held throughout the year, kindly visit www.visitmalta.com/en/events
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PROGRAMME Saturday 25th April 2015 @ 21.00hrs - MARSAXLOKK
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Pyro Musical Competition St Mary Fireworks Factory (G˙axaq, Malta) Lourdes Fireworks Factory (Qrendi, Malta) St Andrew’s Band Fireworks Factory (Luqa,Malta) Thailand Fireworks (Thailand) A.P.E di Parente Romualdo (Italy) Thursday 30th April 2015 @ 21.00hrs– VALLETTA Grand Harbour National Fireworks Competition Lourdes Fireworks Factory – Qrendi St Mary Fireworks Factory – M©arr 15 ta’ Awissu Fireworks Factory – Mosta Pyro Musical Display Pyro emotions - Italy Saturday 2nd May 2015 @ 20.00hrs – Bu©ibba Ground Fireworks Display Our Lady of Consolation Fireworks Factory – Gudja St Mary Fireworks Factory – Qrendi St Mary Fireworks Factory – Mqabba St Catherine Fireworks Factory – Ûurrieq St Mary Fireworks Factory – G˙axaq St Andrew’s Fireworks Factory Socjeta Filarmonika L-Unjoni – Luqa St Michael Fireworks Factory – Lija Pyro Musical Display Pyrotex – UK (winner 2014)
D A Y B Y D A Y
PAGE22.pdf
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30/03/2015
13:51
Valletta Green Festival Returns
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One of the Valletta 2018 projects met with great enthusiasm last year will be returning this May.
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The Valletta Green Festival is a weekend-long event which transforms one of the largest open spaces in Valletta, Pjazza San ﾃ経rﾂｩ, with a huge floral carpet of over 80,000 potted plants.
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The next Valletta Green Festival will in fact take place from the 29th to the 31st May 2015 and the festival will be held every year in May, with the intention of growing further over the coming years. The first edition of the Valletta Green Festival, held in 2014, saw Pjazza San ﾃ経rﾂｩ filled with flowers with a massive floral installation of 400 square metres. The infioriata is created from seasonal flowers, packed tightly together, resulting in a colourful mixture of whites, pinks, purples, yellows and reds. The Valletta Green Festival introduces a green and colourful element to an otherwise urban area such as Valletta. The floral carpet seeks to inspire residents to start developing green areas in their own towns and villages. Roof gardens, for example, are easy to set up, and not only make urban landscape more visually attractive, but they also lower temperatures in the hot summer months. The project is a Valletta 2018 in collaboration with the Ministry for Sustainable Development, The Environment and Climate Change; the Environmental Landscaping Consortium; the Parks Department, as part of the Tree 4 U (34U) campaign; Nature Trust Malta and WasteServ Malta Ltd. The Valletta 2018 Foundation Valletta is responsible for the implementation of the Cultural Programme in the run up to and during the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) year. For further details visit: www.valletta2018.org
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23/03/2015
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Important UK Pension Changes Take Effect This Month The UK government is completely overhauling the system so you can take your private and employer pensions how you like, rather than be restricted to smaller annual withdrawals as was previously the case. This applies to all private and employer pensions as long as you haven’t already bought an annuity or started to draw an income from a final salary scheme. For the vast majority of people, accessing their full pension fund in one go would be an extremely bad idea and leave them short in later years. However, retaining the option at least, to access more from their pensions in the event of an emergency would be comforting for many. For example those who need long term care often struggle to meet the costs, and at this point being able to draw more from your pension could be a huge help.
The fly in the ointment
The rule changes are undoubtedly positive news but there remains a huge catch with UK pensions. Pensions are often one of people’s most valuable assets. Depending on what sort of pension you have, at least a large proportion of the benefits you hold, and often all of the benefits, cannot be passed onto your loved ones when you pass away. This seems unfair as most people have worked hard to build a pension and being able to pass the value of your pension on could really make a difference to your spouse or children. It is for this reason that expats in Malta should consider transferring their UK pension to Malta, but only with a scheme that has been approved by the UK HMRC. Under Malta rules, 100% of your pension can be passed on to your spouse or children free of tax. This could well be one of the most important steps you take to ensure your loved ones are financially protected.
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For Advice About Your Circumstances: Call Michael Lavin on 2131 6298 or email mlavin@hollingsworth-int.com
Michael Lavin Expat Financial Expert
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Hollingsworth International Financial Services Ltd is licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority to provide investment services under the Investment Services Act, 1994. Enrolled Insurance Broker under article 13 of the Insurance Intermediaries Act, (Cap. 487). Registration Number C32457
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PAGE28.pdf
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18/03/2015
13:08