December 2012 by IMPACT PR

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MALTA&GOZO D A Y B Y D A Y

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CHRISTMAS EVE PROCESSIONS

A TYPICAL MALTESE CHRISTMAS TRADITION

IN EVERY TOWN AND VILLAGE A LITTLE MANIFESTATION (LOCALLY KNOWN AS PROCESSION) LEAVES THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE CENTRE ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND HEADS TOWARDS THE LOCALITY PARISH CHURCH. THIS IS ORGANISED BY MEMBERS OF THE LAY SOCIETY M.U.S.E.U.M. WHO RUN THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE CENTRES. IN THIS PROCESSION, CHILDREN WHO ATTEND RELIGION CLASSES TAKE PART TOGETHER WITH THEIR TUTORS.

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Image © DOI

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An image of Baby Jesus is carried shoulder-high by four boys in their early teens. While children walk, one after another, on opposite sides of the street, singing carols. Some members of the lay society carry musical instruments and some children carry banners with quotations taken from the bible. This manifestation is brought to an end by the recitation of a Christmas sermon by a young boy inside the parish church. This sermon is then repeated during the midnight service in the parish church or in some other conventual church.

By time this manifestation was taken to foreign countries where the members of the M.U.S.E.U.M. set up their mission centres. In Nadur, one of the major villages of Gozo, this manifestation also includes grown up people dressed in historical and biblical customs.

This tradition has a long history. It was first organised at Óamrun by a popular priest – St George Preca who founded the M.U.S.E.U.M. His aim was to instil in the minds and hearts of the Maltese a fuller and deeper appreciation of the real significance and meaning of Christmas. By 1940 this manifestation had spread throughout all the parishes of Malta. In 1941, during the Second World War, it was organised for the first time in Gozo – at Victoria. The promoter was a member of the M.U.S.E.U.M. who was a refugee there.

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Image © DOI

Christmas carols The development of this tradition brought the need to increase the repertoire of Christmas carols in the Maltese language. Some foreign carols were translated into Maltese. The most popular of all carols is an original one written in Maltese by the Jesuit priest Dr Andrew Schembri – ‘Ninni, La Tibkix IΩjed’ (Sleep, Weep No More). This carol was written by this clergyman to be used by the Maltese migrants who settled in North Africa. This carol was used by St George Preca for the first Christmas Eve procession.

Image © IMPACT PR

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Image: Girna at The Limestone Heritage Park & Gardens © IMPACT PR

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THE GIRNA

A FOLKLORISTIC HUT Image © IMPACT PR

THE MALTESE COUNTRYSIDE HAS ITS OWN TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS. SOME OF THE FIELDS ARE BUILT ALONG SLOPES IN THE FORM OF GIGANTIC STEPS. THESE ARE SEPARATED BY RUBBLE WALLS. SOME FIELDS WHICH ARE FOUND ON FLAT LAYING LAND INCLUDE A FARMHOUSE WHICH ITS TYPICAL FIRST FLOOR ROOM, KNOWN AS L-GÓORFA, IN WHICH THE FARMER AND HIS WIFE SPENT THE NIGHTS. THE COUNTRYSIDE INCLUDES ALSO TWO OTHER CHARACTERISTICS, THE WINDMILLS, WHICH ARE EITHER MADE OF STONE OR IRON AND THE GIREN. The giren or corbelled stone huts were built by primitive methods. They were made in different shapes and sizes, according to the needs of the farmers. The majority of the giren are in the form of a circle with a dome shaped roof. Some giren are in the form of a square. Whatever its shape and size, the walls and roofs are made similar to those of the rubble walls. This building technique unfortunately has died out. It was a much appreciated job and well-paid one. It showed the ability of the builder to build walls out of different shape stones in such a way that the walls are strongly built. The Girna (singular for giren) has its own characteristics. Its door is always built low-lying and small. One has to walk on one’s knees to enter and enjoy these folkloristic buildings. It includes always a stone made in a large hook shape where the farmer could easily tie his mule or donkey, especially if his fields lay miles away from his home or farmhouse. The girna included several holes which were built at normal man’s height. One can see some giren in the north of Malta especially in the Mellie˙a area.

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Celebrate Christmas in CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH A DIFFERENCE IS NOT A MEAN FEAT WHILST IN MALTA. JUST CATCH THE FERRY BOAT ACROSS THE WATER TO THE SMALLER ISLAND OF GOZO AND BE READY TO EXPERIENCE MUCH MORE THAN CHRISTMAS TREES AND TWINKLING LIGHTS. One of the most succinct experiences is the procession with the Baby Jesus. This is a religious tradition initiated by the Christian Doctrine Society (M.U.S.E.U.M) founded by Saint Dun Ìor© of Malta, it sees boys and girls accompanying a statue of the infant Child through village streets in pageantlike processions which recall the cold night of Christmas.

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Between 8th December and 6th January, the village of Xag˙ra becomes ‘The village of Christmas’. This year will see the 12th edition of a live nativity scene via a unique and artistic representation of the Nativity with live actors. Organized by the Guiding Light Group in an old farmhouse, this is but one Christmas-linked activity. Others include regular guided tours to the numerous Christmas Exhibitions and artistic cribs around Xag˙ra, as well as a visit to the baroque interior of the Nativity Basilica. This year the hamlet surrounding the church of Sant’ Anton, is also presenting an eco-Christmas initiative, by building an original Christmas tree made of hundreds of recyclable plastic bottles and cans. Enquiries: 21 560 813; 21 560 593; kgnxaghra@gmail.com.

On 16th December experience Gozo's ‘Yesteryears Christmas’ – a celebration of Gozo’s Christmas past and forgotten traditions, folklore, music and gastronomy. Located in the vicinity of the Gozo Citadel in Victoria and at the Cittadella Centre for Culture and the Arts, activities will be introduced by an organized bus tour of various artistic static and mechanical cribs around Gozo. Enquiries: Gozo Culture Office on 22156700; info@gozoculture.com This coming Christmas Eve will see the 43rd edition of the annual Christmas Pageant at San Lawrenz, called “Twieled fi Djarna”. This pageant recounts the experience of the story of the nativity story and involves a large part of the village's population and their homes. San Lawrenz's main square and surroundings will offer the whole family the possibility to interact with the message of Christmas. Enquiries: San Lawrenz Parish office on 21556073.

Images © Ministry For Gozo

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GOZO EVENTS DURING DECEMBER

Jum il-Fontana. Locality Day. Local Council Hall, Fontana. www.fontana.gov.mt

The Death of Snow White – A Tragedy in 7 Days. Aurora Opera House, Victoria. www.teatruaurora.com

1-2

Feast of St. Andrew Apostle. Co-titular feast including religious and social activities in main streets of Fontana. www.qalbtagesu.com

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Flower Arrangements & Xmas Decorations. Exhibition Hall, Ministry for Gozo, St. Francis Square, Victoria. www.gozo.gov.mt

7-7

Presepju tal-Banca. Traditional annual Christmas Crib. Banca Giuratale, Independence Square, Victoria. www.gozoculture.com

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Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady. Hamlet feast including religious and social activities. Immaculate Conception Church and adjacent streets, Qala. St. Francis Square and adjacent streets, Victoria. www.qala.gov.mt – Franciscan Conventuals’ Friary 21556089

7-9

Christmas Market. Christmas decorations, entertainment and food stalls. Main Square, Nadur. www.nadur.gov.mt

8-6

Xagħra – The Village of Christmas. The 12th edition of live nativity scene. Ġnien Xibla Street, near Nazzarenu Church, Xagħra. kgnxaghra@gmail.com - 21560813

8-9

Feast of St. Lucy. Hamlet festa including religious celebrations and social activities in the square and main streets of Santa Luċija. www.santalucija.com

Gozo International Celebration (Christmas edition). Concert at Qala Parish Church. www.qala.gov.mt

Republic Day. A musical concert presided by the President of the Republic. Ministry for Gozo Hall, St. Francis Square, Victoria. www.gozoculture.com

14-15

Carols by Candlelight by The Schola Cantorum Jubilate. St. Augustine’s Priory, Victoria. www.scjchoir.com

Leone Grand Christmas Concert by the Leone Band with the participation of various talents. Aurora Opera House, Victoria. www.leone.org.mt

Gozo’s Yesteryear Christmas. Celebrating past Christmas Gozitan Traditions Cittadella Centre for Culture & the Arts, Gozo Citadel, Victoria. info@gozoculture.com - 22156700

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Annual Christmas Crib Exhibition. Exhibition Hall, Ministry for Gozo, St. Francis Square, Victoria. Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepju 79551305

Permanent Crib Exhibition. Bishop’s Curia Basement, Republic Street, Victoria. Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepju 79551305

Purċissjoni tal-Bambin. Procession with the statue of Baby Jesus. Main Streets, Żebbuġ. www.zebbuggozo.com

The Christmas Concert. Performance by Animae Gospel Choir featuring Christmas Carols and lively Gospel Classics. Good Shepherd Chapel, Victoria. christianborg81@gmail.com

Venite in Bethlehem Concert. St. Margaret Parish Church, Sannat. gauciag@maltanet.net

A Holy Night With Animae. Good Sheperd Chapel (Taċ-Ċawla), Victoria. www.entertainment.com.mt

Twieled Fi Djarna. A traditional Pageant relating the story of salvation from Adam and Eve till the Birth of Jesus Christ. San Lawrenz Square and main streets, San Lawrenz. caly71@hotmail.com - 21556073

Purċissjoni tal-Bambin. Procession with the statue of Baby Jesus. Main Streets, Qala. www.qala.gov.mt

Purċissjoni tal-Bambin. Procession with the statue of Baby Jesus. Dun Ġorġ Preca Street to Xagħra Basilica. Museum Xagħra 21556789

Il-Milied Sliem fil-Melodija. Christmas festival including songs, drama, poetry and cultural events with the participation of local artists, bands and drama group. Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, Nadur. Cultural Commission, Nadur Parish – 21551649

The Grand Christmas Concert. Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady, Xagħra. www.xaghra.com

New Year’s Eve Street Party. Live concert & entertainment. Independence Square, Victoria. www.victoria.org.mt

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TRADITIONAL STUFFED TURKEY

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IT MAY SEEM STRANGE THAT IN A MEDITERRANEAN ISLAND SUCH AS MALTA, THE TYPICAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH INCLUDES ROAST TURKEY. THE TRADITION OF EATING STUFFED TURKEY AT CHRISTMAS WAS ADOPTED DURING THE BRITISH COLONIAL PERIOD AND BECAME A STAPLE EVER SINCE. PREPARING A STUFFED ROAST TURKEY IS NO MEAN FEAT AND YET MANY KITCHENS AROUND MALTA SIZZLE WITH PREPARATIONS FOR THIS SPECIAL DISH AT THIS TIME OF YEAR. There are many small details to pay attention to during these preparations. The old style of preparation is usually most recommended. This entails preparing some special broth in a super-sized pot into which the turkey can fit comfortably along with some vegetables that you favour to include with the broth. Allowing the concoction to boil and slow cook over a low flame for just 20 minutes is enough. Lift the turkey out of the pot and your turkey broth/stock is ready. Preparing your turkey for the oven comes next – prepare butter, bacon…… but wait, if you’re already thinking it’s too much of a task for you to go through, perhaps you should put away your aprons and head towards Mosta where Ta' Marija Restaurant has been feeding food connoisseurs at Christmas for over 40 years. One of the most reputable restaurants on the island, popular with the locals and tourists alike, it is professionally managed by the Muscat family and exhorts original and authentic Maltese cuisine. The welcoming traditional ambience is complimented with regular entertainment including traditional Maltese folk dancing and singing plus the warm welcome of Marija herself. Don’t forget to book ahead of time however – A multi-award-winning restaurant, Ta’ Marija is usually full to the hilt and you won’t want to be disappointed.

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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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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 copy of this monthly magazine in your mail with our compliments. Simply e-mail your name and address to: info@impactpr.com.mt

Sterling Silver Maltese Filigree Jewellery made by filigree maker Charmaine Gerada

• 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.

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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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Pair of 19th Century Gold Earrings with precious stone. (Private Collection) Contemporary silver Maltese filigree jewellery created by filigree maker Charmaine Gerada.

MALTESE FILIGREE JEWELLERY THE OLDEST FILIGREE JEWELLERY ITEM ON THE ISLAND OF MALTA HAILS BACK TO PHOENICIAN TIMES WHICH IS PROBABLY HOW THE MALTESE FIRST CAME INTO CONTACT WITH FILIGREEMAKING THIS DEVELOPED FURTHER DURING ARABIC AND THE TURKISH OCCUPATION. WHEN THE KNIGHTS OF ST JOHN CAME TO MALTA, THEY BROUGHT WITH THEM THE INFLUENCE OF THE DIVERSE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES FROM WHICH THE NOBLE KNIGHTS ORIGINATED. ITALY, PORTUGAL, SPAIN WHICH WERE STRONGLY REPRESENTED IN MALTA HAD STRONG FILIGREE-MAKING TRADITIONS SO IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE THAT THEIR FILIGREE ARTEFACTS STRONGLY INFLUENCED MALTESE SILVERSMITHS AND GOLDSMITHS. Maltese filigree became a national industry during the 19th Century when Maltese filigree developed to its ultimate finesse. This is most evident in the jewellery created for discerning 'tourists', namely wives and daughters of the elite British servicemen stationed on Malta or nobles who visited to discover more about this newest addition to the British Empire. After the Victorian era, Maltese filigree continued to prosper thanks to the tourist trade which however relegated filigree to a souvenir status. Sadly, today very few people practise this unique trade. Yet there is presently a re-invention of the Maltese filigree jewel by a handful of freelance filigree makers who are experimenting with new designs and fashion jewellery that can compete with the strong influx of foreign-made and machine-made filigree that has flooded the market of late. When purchasing Maltese filigree, request to see authentic Maltese-made handmade filigree to help support filigree makers who are struggling to maintain the quality of traditional Maltese filigree intact.

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A VIENNESE NIGHT CHRISTMAS GALA

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What has Vienna got in common with Malta? Nothing at face value, but most certainly a lot during this coming Christmas season. Malta Art Events is proudly presenting world renown musicians, singers and dancers who will be travelling to Malta all the way from Vienna in December. They will be performing in collaboration with The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra for the very first time on a Maltese stage. “A Viennese Night - Christmas Gala” is being presented live at The Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta on the 29th December 2012. The full version of “A Viennese Night Christmas Gala” will be expertly conducted by the Italian Maestro Damiano Binetti. He is well known as an international conductor and artistic director of the Silesian Theatre in Opava and is also the musical director of the prestigious Prague Madrigalists. The orchestra will be complemented by the involvement of solo violinist Ilija Marinkovic and two opera singers from the Vienna Opera Theatre: the Soprano Agnesa Vrablova, and the Tenor Rafael Alvarez. The performance will see the participation to a number of dancers from the exclusive Imperial Vienna Ballet. Enquiries: www.maltaartevents.com.

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