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PAGE02.pdf
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PAGE03.pdf
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PAGE04.pdf
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PAGE06NEW.pdf
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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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Image: Muslim tombstone from Islamic Period levels at Domus Romana © Heritage Malta
PAGE12_13.pdf
100 Objects: C
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An Exhibition About The Islands’ Rich History by Heritage Malta
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“Malta, the great story of a small island-nation through 100 objects” was set-up with the scope of recounting the history of our islands, which not withstanding the minute geographical size, is very rich and relevant for a greater appreciation of the Mediterranean region known to many as the cradle of culture.
Image: Molar of extinct Maltese elephant © Heritage Malta
Image: Female statuette (popularly known as Venus) from Ħaġar Qim Temples © Heritage Malta
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12 l 13 The project was concieved during the autumn of 2012. The nearrative was given prominence from the very beginning whilst the choice of the one hundred objects was not based on artictic merits, monitary value or the popularity of certain artefacts within the national collection, but on the narrative qualities vis-a-vis the themes and the episodes which enrich the history of our country. The spectrum of artefacts covers a long array of materials and represents the major part of the collections found within the museums and sites entrusted to Heriatge Malta. A person visiting the exhibition is enticed to embark on a discovery voyage. A number of halls within the National Museum of Archaeology have been converted into a chronological timeline which takes us back to 35 million years ago when the Maltese islands first began to form below sea level. This timeline moves on up to the constitutional achievements in the last 50 years of the nation’s history.
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Image: Hand-operated Columbian printing press (1864) © Heritage Malta
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The set-up of the exhibition reflects Malta’s inseprable connection with the clear blue sea which surrounds our beautiful islands, the same seas which drew the different civilizations to our islands, the powers which ruled the Mediterranean and which found an unbeatable source for the executing of their aspirations. While the set reminisces of a sea vessell from the past, the interpretation of the hundred objects chosen tells the tale of the Maltese islands and their people making use of modern day technology. Besides the printed storyline throughout the exhibition and an audioguide in various languages, 15 audiovisuals were produced and for those visitors who are tech savy it is possible to access information about the artefacts and their significance by means of an interactive timeline in a number of languages. This exhibition is being held at the National Museum of Archeology in Valletta between 8am and 7pm and will remain open until the 1st of February 2015. For more information about this exhibition one may visit Heritage Malta’s official website www.heritagemalta.org or follow the exhibition's page on Facebook.
Image: Sixteenth-century icon representing St Anne with Virgin and Child from St Anne’s Carrack © Heritage Malta
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Local Councils Events in December
Celebrating Tradition, Folklore and Culture 3rd-21st Ix-Xlendi @ Christmas Xlendi, Gozo 5th-4th January 2015 Bethlehem F’G˙ajnsielem Għajnsielem, Gozo 5th-7th Seher il-Punent 2014 L-Għarb, Gozo
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21st Christmas by the Dock Bormla (Città Cospicua) 21st L-Erba’ Staġuni - Milied ta’ Dari Il-Gudja 21st Villa©© tal-Milied L-Imqabba
8th-14th Milied fin-Naxxar In-Naxxar
29th Et Incarnatus Est... The Annual Christmas Concert Ix-Xagħra, Gozo
13th Milied f’Casal Paola 2014 Paola
31st Spectacular New Year Celebration Il-Mellie˙a
19th-28th Live Crib Ħal Lija
31st Valletta NYE Celebrations 2014 Il-Belt Valletta (Città Umilissima)
20th The Qormi Christmas Village Óal Qormi (Città Pinto)
31st ‘New Year in the City’ – Celebrating the New Year in the Gozitan City Heading to V18 Ir-Rabat (Città Vittoria), Gozo
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Image: Betlehem f’G˙ajnsielem, Gozo - © DOI
Image: Christmas Street Decorations- © Clive Vella www.viewingmalta.com
PAGE15.pdf
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PAGE16_17.pdf
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Experience Christmas in Gozo THIS YEAR CHRISTMASTIME IN GOZO WILL LEAVE YOU SPOILT FOR CHOICE FOR THE ARRAY OF EVENTS TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT DECEMBER AND GOING ON TO JANUARY. Bethlehem f ‘G˙ajnsielem 6th December - 4th January2014
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Saturday 6 Sunday 7 Monday 8 Saturday 13 Sunday 14 Wednesday 17 Thursday 18 Saturday 20 Sunday 21 Thursday 25 Friday 26 Saturday 27 Sunday 28
16:30 - 21:00 14:30 - 19:30 14.30 - 19.30 16.30 - 20.30 14.30 - 19.30 09.30 - 13.30 09.30 - 13.30 16.30 - 20.30 14.30 - 19.30 15.30 – 20.00 16.30 – 19.30 16.30 - 20.30 14.30 – 19.30
JANUARY 2015 Thursday 1 Saturday 3 Sunday 4
15.00 - 20.00 16.30 - 20.00 14.00 - 20.00
Images: © IMPACT PR
12, 13, 14/19, 20, 21 Gozitano Agricultural Village The site will be transformed by music, illuminations and food stalls offering an impressive selection of wines, and a wide range of local delicacies. Visitors will also get to sample the locally produced Gozitan artisan beer, Lord Chambray. Moreover, two exhibitions will be set up by various artists depicting a Nativity theme, and a photography exhibition entitled: Palestine: a reality in photos. 13 – 14 Fantasy and Talent at Villa Rundle. Students from various schools and parishes will exhibit local talent by singing, play acting, and dancing. 19 - 21 Children’s Fun Park held at Gozo Sports Complex to give children the opportunity to meet their Favourite Disney characters and enjoy a variety of activities. Children attending the event can win a free trip to the Paris Euro Disney.
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16 l 17 12 – 14 Artisan Christmas Village Pjazza San Ìor©. Typical Christmas setting with festive wooden huts offering a wide range of merchandise related to Christmas, including a variety of decorations, cribs, crafts and seasonal foods. 24 - ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – Christmas Eve, St George’s Square, Victoria. A Grand Christmas concert will take place on Christmas Eve just after Midnight Mass by the Gozo Youth Wind Band. 24 - Processions will take place in different villages around Gozo on Christmas Eve. These processions are now an established tradition and will allow one to peak into the way locals celebrate Christmas. 24 - Midnight mass led by Bishop Mario Grech will be held at the Gozo Cathedral (Victoria). 1 – 31 Karmni Grima Museum. An Exhibition of a unique, antique crib dating back to the 1900 belonging to Karmni Grima (a Maltese peasant whose mystical religious experience led to the construction of the church of Our Lady of Ta' Pinu). Cribs Exhibition – Victoria will be held at the Ministry for Gozo main exhibition hall, Victoria. 31 - New Year’s Eve Concert will be held at St Augustine Square, Victoria, Gozo at 22:00. 5& 6, 20, 25, 27& 28 Various Choir Concerts will be held at Gozitan Churches. 1 – 31 Fun Train Tours. Enjoy a fun filled tour on the Calypso Train starting from M©arr finishing off at G˙arb, stopping en route at the main Christmas attractions being held.
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Other Attractions: 13 - Traditional illuminations will light up the village of Santa Luçija. 15 - 31 Live Crib In Praesepio, Nadur.This live crib is set in a 300 year old house of character which takes you back in time and portray life in Gozo in the old days.
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15 - 31 ‘Festo Christi Natalitio’ – An exhibition of Sacred Art with Christmas as its theme held in Nadur Local Council. 20 - 31 Around 27 Artistic Large Cribs set in various religious centers and homes of the villagers of Xag˙ra and at the Xag˙ra Parish Church will be open for public viewing.
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A Choir Festival will be held in the Qala Parish Church and the Qala Folklore Museum will hold and exhibition related to Christmas.
Gozo Intricately beautiful www.gozo.gov.mt
Image: Sunrise over valley from Ûebbu© - © Daniel Cilia, Ministry for Gozo
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PAGE19.pdf
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18 l 19
Qag˙aq tal-G˙asel
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Image: © IMPACT PR
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Qag˙aq tal-g˙asel, or as they are better known 'honey rings', are sweet pastry rings filled with a treacle mixture. The main ingredient in the filling is treacle. Qag˙aq ta’ l-G˙asel are Malta’s traditional Christmas speciality and are very popular among the Maltese and foreigners alike. You can buy these delicacies from confectioneries all year long though these are mostly consumed during the Christmas Season. Traditionally they are served together with coffee after the meal. Honey rings are so much associated with Christmas time that their making is mentioned in a traditional Christmas carol. They are amongst the mostly sold souvenirs bought by tourists and one can find them on sale in decorated boxes, yet one doubts how long they can last in such boxes. We therefore recommend that you tatse these traditional delicacies for yourselves and to take a piece of Maltese tradition back home with you.
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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.
Christmas In Malta Image: Republic Street, Valletta © DOI, Omar Camilleri
DURING THIS MONTH, LOCAL RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS ARE IN EARNEST, AS PREPARATIONS ARE UNDERWAY FOR CHRISTMAS DAY. THE FIRST SIGNALS THAT CHRISTMAS IS APPROACHING IS WHEN PUBLIC ROUNDABOUTS AND STREETS ARE DECORATED WITH FLASHING FAIRY LIGHTS AND BANNERS OR ILLUMINATED HANGING DECORATIONS. VILLAGES AND TOWNS VIE AGAINST EACH OTHER FOR THE BEST DECORATED STREET WHICH IS AWARDED A PRIZE EVERY YEAR ACCORDING TO THE DEGREE OF INVENTIVENESS INVOLVED.
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
Image: Traditional procession with the statue of Baby Jesus © DOI
Christmas nativity scenes - from make-believe cribs that sit on a table to living cribs which include cow, mule, sheep and all, are advertised all month long and can be viewed in home windows or visited across the country. The Presepju ranges from small and simple cavern models to complex working landscapes with lights, running water, and moving models. The air of mystery and magic is enjoyed by young and old alike and very serious competitions are organised for the best and most innovative crib all around Malta and Gozo.
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MAL MAL TA&GOZO TA&GOZ 20 l 21
D A Y B Y D A Y
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Image: Christmas celebration in the centre of Sliema © DOI, Martin Attard
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Image: One of the various live cribs organized in villages around the Maltese Islands © DOI
On Christmas night, the crib is a focal point for all the special religious events that ceremoniously take place, year in, year out. One public event held in the open, weather permitting, is the procession held during the evening hours of Christmas eve. The procession is primarily composed of children who take a tour around their village or town centre carrying a beautiful statuette of the Baby Jesus and singing religious carols. The tradition was born way back in 1920, thanks to the personal enthusiasm and insight of Dun Ìor© Preca (now Malta's national Saint Ìor© Preca), the founding priest of the MUSEUM, a society that promotes Catholic cathecism teaching for children. The first processions were such a resounding success that children living in localities where a MUSEUM branch is based, get to enjoy one.
Image: Special effects and projections on the Grand Masters’ Palace, Valletta © DOI, Omar Camilleri
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Life Still - an exhibition 5-14 December, The Vaults, Auberge de Castille, Valletta
LIFE STILL is an exhibition of paintings, sculpture, drawings by DRAKE, including a selection of works by AMANDA being held at within the vaults underneath Auberge de Castille, accessible from Merchants Street. It's been 50 years in the making, but after a long period of mental to-ing and fro-ing Kevin J Drake finally decided to bite the bullet, as it were, and organize his first exhibition of paintings, sculpture and drawings. The exhibition shall also feature a selection of works by Drake's companion and partner, Amanda, who, by Drake's own admission, is the ‘Real Artist’ in the mAndraKe relationship, having been formally trained both in the UK and in Malta, amongst others. Drake's activities and work have been curtailed drastically in recent years due to the degenerative M.E. disease that he suffers from. Some three years ago he began to paint and draw again in earnest, not being capable of 'staying still' for long, and have since created a large portfolio of work which, together with his earlier works from days gone by, he shall be displaying, during the exhibition, some 80 to 90 pieces, along with some 30+ pieces of Amanda's.
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PAGE28.pdf
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