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26/08/2013
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Christmas In Malta The Festive Season on the Maltese Islands starts earnest in December and goes on the first week of January. Streets are decorated in colourful lights and various events, exhibitions and religious celebrations are organised.
Image: Š www.viewingmalta.com
The month of December starts off with the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a public holiday on the 8th, celebrated in Cospicua. Many families take this opportunity to finish all the Christmas decorations varying from colourful lights to the traditional "presepju" or crib. The latter ranges from small and simple cavern models to complex mechanised landscapes with lights, running water and moving models. Some of which also include traditional local trades and crafts. 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 around Malta and Gozo. Image: Š IMPACT PR
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Image: Republic Street, Valletta Š DOI
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. This tradition was born way back in 1920, thanks to the personal enthusiasm and insight of Dun Gorg Preca (now Malta's national Saint Gorg Preca), the founding priest of the MUSEUM, a society that promotes Catholic cathecism teaching for children. The climax of the religious celebrations is reached at midnight on Christmas Eve. The locals flock to midnight mass where a sermon recited by a local child is a must. Christmas Day is then celebrated with an abundant Christmas lunch, while boxing day and New Year's Eve are also celebrated in style. An important aspect of Christmas in Malta is family. At this time of the year families come together to celebrate this special day, organising dinners and lunches. Although many customs have changed over the years, and though Christmas has taken more commercial undertones, Christmas festivities in Malta still focus primarily on family and friends, and surrounding yourself with your loved ones on such a special day.
Image: Š IMPACT PR
THE MALTA EXPERIENCE The Audio-visual spectacular
You can see it all, in a nutshell - Malta's epic history and all that happened on these islands throughout a 7000-year period. The Malta Experience is considered the ‘first stop’ on a sightseeing tour, whether you're here for a day or a month. Screened in the building which once housed the Holy Infirmary of the Knights of St. John, The Malta Experience can be enjoyed in a purpose-built 265 seat auditorium, constructed along with a café that provides breath-taking views across Valletta’s majestic Grand Harbour. Launched in 1980, the first version of this audio-visual presentation initially utilised 21 projectors and came in four different languages. By 1998 the projectors were 44, and within 10 years they had been replaced by four high definition digital video projectors. Now in its 5th edition, the story throughout the show is recounted in a staggering total of 17 languages. It is inspired by the theme of the sea - a key element in Malta’s history. With the arrival of each new group of settlers at Malta's shores, the islands' landmarks altered and increased, ranging from the prehistoric temples of stone-age settlers, through to the silent city of Mdina and the fortressed walls of Valletta. Each invasion brought a new page to the history and a new episode to tell. Today, The Malta Experience remains one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions and has so far attracted well over four million visitors. Be one of the next visitors to experience The Malta Experience for yourself. The show is open daily, except for Christmas Day, New Years Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Images: © The Malta Experience audio visual spectacular
Bethlehem f’G˙ajnsielem 2013 Experience the timeless story of Nativity
BETHLEHEM IN GĦAJNSIELEM? ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE WITH A LIFE-SIZE NATIVITY VILLAGE IN GOZO, JUST FIVE MINUTES AWAY FROM MÌARR HARBOUR. THE VILLAGE IS FOUND ON A STRETCH OF LAND KNOWN AS TA’ PASSI, THAT ACCOMODATES 150 ACTORS WHO TIME-TRAVEL BACK TO JUDEA 2000 YEARS AGO.
Images: © IMPACT PR
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The initiative to create Betlehem in G˙ajnsielem became reality with the support of varied non-profit organizations of this village and the full support plus financial backing of the G˙ajnsielem Local Council. Each year the attraction pulls in thousands of visitors. After last year's absence following four consecutive years of this re-enactment en masse, the nativity village is back this year. On arriving at the nativity village, visitors get given a map that will guide them through all the attractions - the carpenter and blacksmith’s dwellings, the bakery, the open-air market selling seasonal fruits, fish and vegetables, the crafts area promoting traditional skills and folklore, the tavern with local food, the farmhouse with panoramic roof and the Bethlehem Inn. The family theme is vividly present throughout, reminding all and sundry that Christmas is a celebration of the family. The picnic area is an excellent open-air space for Sunday family outings. If you visit by night, you can make use of the oil lamps distributed to assist in re-creating authentic old time scenarios. Visiting the crib with the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, a donkey and cow in the background and the sound of flowing fresh water streams, make this an extra special experience. Bethlehem f'G˙ajnsielem promises also a series of re-enactments reminding us of passages from the Holy Bible story such as the ‘trip’ which Joseph and Mary embarked upon to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. This will be held on the 14th of December as part of the inauguration ceremony. Then there will be an Adoration of the Magi on the Epiphany - the 5th of January 2014. On this day, three Wise Men riding horseback all the way from a village in Malta to Çirkewwa terminal will board a ferry and reach the nativity village and the nativity grotto in the mid-afternoon. Certainly something to look out for! More information on www.ghajnsielem.com/bethlehem No bookings required. Entrance FREE.
GOZO EVENTS DURING DECEMBER 1
Jum il-Fontana. Commemoration – Locality Day. Local Council Hall, Fontana. 21558877 www.fontana.gov.mt
1 – 2 Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle, Fontana. www.qalbtagesu.com
21556097
21-31 Permanent Crib Exhibition. G˙aqda “Óbieb tal-Presepju”, Bishop’s Curia, Republic Street, Victoria. 79551305 22
Christmas Pageant. A traditional Pageant relating the history of the salvation from the Garden of Eden till the Birth of Jesus Christ. San Lawrenz Square and main street, San Lawrenz. 21556073 www.sanlawrenz.gov.mt
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Purçissjoni tal-Bambin. Procession with the statue of Baby Jesus, Zebbug. 21554882 www.zebbuggozo.com
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Purçissjoni tal-Bambin. Procession with the statue of Baby Jesus, Qala. 21556684 www.qala.gov.mt
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6 – 7 Carols by Candle Light. St. Augustine’s Priory, St. Augustine Square, Victoria. www.visitgozo.com
Purçissjoni tal-Bambin. Procession with the statue of Baby Jesus. Dun Gorg Preca street to Xag˙ra Basilica. 21556789
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7 - 8 Feast of Immaculate Conception of Our Lady, Victoria 21556089
The Leone Grand Christmas Show. 20:00. www.teatruaurora.com
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New Year’s Eve Street Party. Concerts & Entertainment. Indipendence Square and St. George’s Square, Victoria. 21563556 www.victoria.org.mt
1 – 6 Brushes with Light by Maria Cassar. Art..e Gallery, one, Library Street, Victoria. www.gozoculture.com 1 – 9 Ethography & Anthropology. Thematic Exhibition by Brumalia Events. Banca Giuratale Foyer, Independence Square, Victoria. 22156700 www.gozoculture.com 2 – 8 Dried Flowers and Christmas Decorations. Exhibition Hall, Ministry for Gozo, St. Francis Square, Victoria. 22156400 www.gozo.gov.mt
7 - 8 Feast of Immaculate Conception of Our Lady, Qala. 21556684 www.qala.gov.mt 13
Il-Presepju tal-Banca. The annual artistic Christmas exhibition. Banca Giuratale, Independence Square, Victoria. 22156700 www.gozoculture.com
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Republic Day Commemoration. A musical concert. Ministry for Gozo Hall, St. Francis Square, Victoria. 22156700 www.gozoculture.com
14-15 Feast of Saint Lucy, www.santalucija.com 15
Santa
Luçija.
99841080
Gozo’s yesteryear Christmas. Cittadella Centre for Culture and the Arts. 22156700 www.gozoculture.com
16-31 Annual Christmas Crib Exhibition. Exhibition Hall, Minsitry for Gozo, St. Francis Square, Victoria. 79551305 21
Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Christmas Orchestra. Qala Parish Church, Qala. 19:30. www.maltaorchestra.com
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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
MAL MAL TA&GOZO TA&GOZ 18 l 19
D A Y B Y D A Y
MALTESE TRADITIONAL TRIFLE The Maltese love their sweet specialities and one of the most delicious home-made desserts is the Maltese traditional Trifle. This Trifle owes its origins to the British colonial times when custard and jelly were both introduced on the islands by British ladies who enjoyed their tea-time on Maltese verandahs, whilst fanning themselves from the heat. Since the typical English Trifle combined both custard and jelly with remnants of cake, the Maltese tastebuds were truly tempted.
Image: Š Melvin Bugeja
There was something uniquely enticing about the soft custards and coloured jellies which the Maltese cuisine embraced with gusto. The Maltese housewives bought the packaged concoctions happily, in a bid to emulate the English tea-time custom and proceeded to recreate their preparation of the Trifle with Mediterranean relish. The first thing that is needed is a clear glass bowl, deep enough to hold abundance. The Trifle is composed of layers of the three typical ingredients - red jelly, cream-coloured custard and cake. The Maltese version throws in extra dashings of spirits such as Marsala, Vermouth or Whiskey, spoonfuls of mashed and sweetened fresh ricotta and tops it all off with crushed peanuts/nuts. After it sits in refrigderation for a number of hours, it emerges at tea-time and is ladled into saucers or cups. Somebody wants more jelly out of the dish, somebody else asks for more cake. The children love the colours and the adults relish the different tastes. Ah yes.... nothing like Maltese Trifle.
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MALTA&GOZO D A Y B Y D A Y
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