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THE 5TH EDITION OF THE MALTA INTERNATIONAL CHOIR FESTIVAL GOOD MUSIC, EXCEPTIONAL SONG AND THE PLEASURES OF CHORAL SINGING COME TOGETHER DURING THE MALTESE AUTUMNAL SEASON. THE MALTA INTERNATIONAL CHOIR FESTIVAL IS CELEBRATING ITS 5TH EDITION BETWEEN 31ST OCTOBER AND 3RD NOVEMBER 2013 AND INVITING MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO SHARE IN ITS ENJOYMENT. THE MINISTRY FOR TOURISM AND THE MALTA TOURISM AUTHORITY ARE ORGANISING THE EVENT TOGETHER WITH INTERKULTUR OF GERMANY, AN ENTITY SPECIALISING IN CHORAL FESTIVALS THAT ARE CELEBRATED AROUND THE GLOBE. 2013 sees the festival breaking its own record by hosting 28 international choirs along with five Maltese choirs - 33 different choirs in total. Thursday night will launch the Malta International Choir Festival with a grand 'Singing for Peace' ceremony being celebrated in the capital city - Valletta's most prestigious edifice, St John’s Co-Cathedral. Choral competitions will be held over the same weekend within two key buildings overlooking the Granaries of Floriana, the town immediately situated on the outskirts of Valletta. The secular music competition is being held at the Catholic Institute, whilst the sacred music competition is being held very close by, in St Publius Parish Church. Visiting Valletta on Friday or Saturday at any time between 12.00hrs and 13.30hrs will provide the public the rare opportunity of enjoying various informal concerts. This will be held at different locations around Valletta, such as the Upper Barrakka Garden, De Valette Square and the Grand Master’s Palace. Sunday will reach the festival's highlight with a Grand Prix evening, during which the varied choirs shall compete for a first prize which comes with a grand winning of Euro 3,000. This is the only event which comes against an admission fee. For further information please visit: www.maltachoirfest.com or else phone 22915440 / 1.
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Image: Š IMPACT PR
ST. MARTIN'S BAG A quaint old Maltese traditional gift which delights children and is closely linked to autumn is the "borĹźa ta' San Martin" - bag of St Martin. This very Maltese version of treating children to some delicious delights knows its origin way back in history when European Christians used to fast before Christmas starting on the feast of St Martin which falls on November 11. The "Quadragesima Sancti Martini" lasted for 40 days but at its onset, people were allowed to eat, drink and be merry. The feast of St Martin is celebrated on the Sunday closest to 11 November. This year it will fall on Sunday 10th of November . Even whilst the old tradition has lost a lot of its popularity during recent years, many parents or grandparents still prepare these drawstring cloth bags of goodies for children. Such delicacies as are found in a typical bag include sun-dried figs, almonds, walnuts, chestnuts, an apple, and an orange, a tangerine which is seasonal at this time as is a nice plump pomegranate. Then, to top it all - one St Martin bun, a variant of the hot cross bun which comes without raisins but with a small candy sugar covered liquorice stick tucked in its centre. When toys were few and far apart, the nuts were usually used instead of marbles to play games with other children. If not cracked, a nut was promptly eaten. Uncracked nuts were saved to be roasted. Traditional rhymes and songs were also popular with children up until recently.
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GOZO
WALKS WALKING AROUND GOZO, WHETHER ON THE WILD SIDE OR ALONG HERITAGE TRAILS, IS VERY MUCH A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE THAT BRINGS YOU IN TOUCH WITH THE RUGGED NATURE AND A BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE, AS WELL AS WITH THE INNER BUILT-UP CORE THAT IS DOTTED WITH HISTORIC LANDMARKS. GOZO IS SUCH AN IDYLLIC LOCATION TO VISIT THAT SPECIFIC WALKING TRAILS HAVE BEEN MAPPED OUT WITH THE VISITOR IN MIND.
Image: Saltpans © Eloise Robbertze Image: Walkways in Victoria © IMPACT PR
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Image: Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary © IMPACT PR
At this time of year Gozo retreats back to quietness after the summer. The colours of the landscape take on an autumnal tinge and the country offers peaceful hill climbs with the opportunity of panoramic views over the cliff-tops. Check out the botany, as Gozo reveals the flora and the fauna of the garigue expanses. Look out for the carob trees, the prickly pear trees, the caper bushes. If you prefer the seaside, tracking along the coastal paths will lead you to appreciate the small inlets, coves and bays that encircle the island. If you're tempted to jump in for a dip, make sure the sea is calm, as undercurrent tides can be typically precarious. With the typically Mediterranean weather that remains mostly stable with sunshine and moderate temperatures throughout autumn, you only have to be prepared for the occasional downpour. Otherwise this period in time is also suitable for cycling trips that can be planned ahead. Walk or ride your way to the oldest sites on the island - prehistoric remains such as those as Ìgantija and back to Rabat, the capital city whose name was changed to Victoria during colonial times. Stop over at any one of several villages and sit yourself down to a warming tea and some traditional 'pastizzi' cheesecakes whilst you admire the local church and the buildings around the square. It is enough to re-fuel yourself for the next leg of your walk. As you make your way out of the core, take note of the narrow alleys, of the old houses, the chapels and the stone architecture for some exceptional photographic memories to take back home.
Image: Dwejra Tower © IMPACT PR
Image: © Mario Galea www.viewingmalta.com
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.
TEATRU
MANOEL
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
ONE OF THE JEWELS OF THE CAPITAL CITY OF MALTA, VALLETTA, IS MOST DEFINITELY THE MANOEL THEATRE. THIS IS NOT JUST A THEATRE, IT IS A BIJOUX OF A THEATRE, AND ONE WITH AN EXCEPTIONAL HISTORIC AND NATIONAL VALUE, AN INTRINSIC PART OF THE CITY WITH ITS TITLE AS UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE.
MAL MAL TA&GOZO TA&GOZ 18 l 19
The theatre, acclaimed as being one of the oldest working theatres in existence, was born as the brainchild of one of Malta's most eminent Grand Masters during the times of the Knights of St John's permanence on the islands. António Manoel de Vilhena personally commissioned and funded its building in 1731, in a bid to provide honest entertainment to the masses. Just one year later, the first performance to grace its stage and launch its career was held on 19th January 1732. Scipione Maffei’s La Merope officially introduced theatre to the general public. Considered Malta’s national theatre, today it enjoys a packed performance season, year after year, with its season typically spanning from October to May. This year the theatre promises to offer over 100 different events including concerts, recitals and drama productions which are offered both in the Maltese and the languages, dance productions as well as an extensive education programme incorporating targeted concerts for children. Tour the Theatre The Theatre is open for tours daily from Monday to Friday (9.30am to 4pm) and Saturday (9.30am to 1pm). Tours include an audio guide in different languages. Book yourself a tour and experience the beauty and authenticity of the most marvellous of small theaters - The Manoel.
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MALTA&GOZO D A Y B Y D A Y
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