December2015 by IMPACT PR

CY CMY

PAGE03.pdf

CMY

15/10/2015

09:53

CY CMY

PAGE06NEW.pdf

25/04/2014

13:20

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

CMY

MILESTONES MEILENSTEINE ÉTAPE IMPORTANTE PIETRA MILIARE

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

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

Arrival of the British Ankunft der Briten L’arrivée des anglais L’arrivo degli inglesi

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

CY CMY

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: ÂŠ 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: ÂŠ IMPACT PR

12 l 13

Image: Republic Street, Valletta ÂŠ 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: ÂŠ IMPACT PR

Gozo’s Christmas Brimming With Tradition

Have you ever dreamed of walking through Bethlehem where Jesus was born? Then Ta’ Passi fields limits of the village of G˙ajnsielem, is surely worth a visit. Bethlehem f’G˙ajnsielem has now become an annual tradition. Recreating the ambience of traditional rural Gozo, this enchanting village allows you a walk through a traditional bakery or a carpenter’s workshop, providing that authentic real life experience of Gozo’s heritage. Image: Live Nativity village at Bethlehem f’G˙ajnsielem © Ministry for Gozo

Opening its doors on the 6th December, one can easily hop on the ferry to Gozo and drive or walk uphill to this beautiful place where the Christmas nativity scene comes back to life. One can also choose to stay on location in accomodation that is exclusively set up to give the visitor a true experience of an authentic nativity village. The event will close its doors on Sunday 3rd January, with the visit of the 3 kings. Other live cribs situated in old towns and farmhouses in Xag˙ra, and Nadur are surely worth a visit. Xag˙ra is well known for its tradition of crib making. Twenty seven large artistic cribs will be displayed at various locations in this picturesque town, known worldwide for its Ìgantija temples, a UNESCO world heritage site. Some of these cribs have mechanised figurines that animate them, a true spectacle for any visitor, young and old. An illustrated map of these cribs in Xag˙ra will be available at the Gozo Culture and Malta Tourism Authority offices in Victoria, and also from the Xag˙ra local council and parish church. Visitors will also have the possibility to participate in a cultural tour, being organised on Saturday 26th December, by the G˙aqda ‘il-Milied fix-Xag˙ra.’ This includes tasting of the traditional home brewed coffee and the village biskuttini, for which Xag˙ra is especially renowned. Gozo has a strong, old tradition of crib-making and is well known for the making of clay figurines or pasturi which adorn these traditional cribs. These traditional crib figurines or pasturi depicted typical scenes and trades, which provide a snapshot of every-day life in pre-World War II Gozo, such as farmers tilling their fields, cotton weavers, fishermen and bakers. Image: Carol Singing © Schola Cantorum Jubilate

14 l 15

Image: Nativity village at Bethlehem f’G˙ajnsielem © Ministry for Gozo

The Christmas season will officially open in Gozo on Saturday the 5th December with the lighting of Republic Street in Victoria, and its large Christmas tree. Another major attraction will be the Christmas village that will be set up between Friday 11th and Sunday 13th December, at the Gozitano agricultural village in Xewkija. Stalls with traditional food and a host of activities for children and adults alike, including an array of established choirs and local bands will continue to make the event a special one. During the same weekend, a children’s fun park ‘Children’s World’ will be staged at the Gozo Sports Complex in Victoria. This year will also see the Christmas street parade along Republic Street, on Saturday 19th December. Another sought after event is the Christmas pageant in the village of San Lawrenz, on Sunday 20th December. While the traditional festi are generally associated with summer, December provides an out of season colourful festa, as the convent of Saint Frances in Victoria celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception, on the 8th December. The quaint hamlet of Santa Lucia celebrates the festival of light on the 12th December, commemorating its patron saint and including a much awaited procession with children dressed in long white gowns, wearing a crown of lit candles, proceeding from the Church square through the dimly lit streets of the hamlet. Surely, there is no place like Gozo to celebrate Christmas the authentic way. For a complete list of events check www.christmasingozo.com

Gozo Intricately beautiful

www.gozo.gov.mt

16 l 17

Celebrating A Quarter Of A Century With

The Sleeping Beauty Ballet The magic of The Sleeping Beauty comes to Malta this festive season, as the Brigitte Gauci Borda School of Dance celebrates its 25th anniversary with a truly spectacular show at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta on the 5th and 6th December 2015.

Images: Top: Claire Calvert Soloist from The Royal Ballet, Photo by Johan Perrson Left: Violin Players. Photo by George Abdilla

Starring top ballerinas from the Royal Ballet, Tchaikovsky`s Sleeping Beauty promises to be a captivating fantasy story filled with beauty enchantment and poetry in motion. Two accomplished top dancers from the prestigious Royal Ballet in London, namely Erico Montes and Claire Calvert, will be dancing the Principal roles in this production. The full length ballet, will also feature Russian and French professional guest dancers such as Tatiana Lebedeva as Carabosse, Svetalna Silina as the Queen and Donatien Ravet in this magnificent production, together with, over 200 talented dancers. The Brigitte Gauci Borda School of Dance is one of Malta’s most distinguished institutions of its kind, and is renowned for its emphasis on performance skills and quality teaching. A full-length ballet of this magnitude is rarely presented in Malta. The aforementioned Erico Montes has choreographed this piece to Tchaikovsky’s original music for this show – and it is noteworthy that the production will coincide with the legendary composer’s 175th birthday. Moreover, the costumes and scenery are being exclusively designed by Maltese artists and designers for this one-off production. The Sleeping Beauty, promises to be a fantastic, singular attraction for locals and tourists alike. The shows, will take place at the historical Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta on Saturday the 5th December at 7.30pm and on Sunday the 6th December at 4pm. Tickets are available from the Mediterranean Conference Centre and can also be purchased online www.mcc.com.mt or by calling on 2559 5750.

Image: Roses. Photo by George Abdilla

Image: Nymphs. Photo by George Abdilla

Xatt Is-Sajjieda Marsaxlokk tel: +356 2766 7720 Email: lanostrapadrona@melita.com

Set right in the heart of Malta’s main fishing village, Marsaxlokk , La Nostra Padrona Restaurant enjoys a full view of the picturesque harbour. Although specializing mainly on seafood, the ‘A la Carte’ menu includes Mediterranean dishes and various specialities of our Chef. With fish delivered daily right from the boats, a selection of fresh fish and shellfish is always guaranteed. Designed with the intention to blend classic with modern the exterior's blue and white colour scheme reflects the blue water of Marsaxlokk spectacular fishing harbour and boats. . Truly the perfect place for anyone seeking a dining experience to remember, whether its business, lunch or dinner. We look forward to welcoming you at La Nostra Padrona Restaurant; it'll be a pleasure to be your hosts.

18 l 19

TRADITIONAL STUFFED TURKEY MALTA'S HISTORY IS REFLECTED ALSO IN THE CULINARY TRADITIONS SUCH AS IN THE CASE OF THE TYPICAL MALTESE CHRISTMAS LUNCH. THE TRADITION OF EATING STUFFED TURKEY AT CHRISTMAS WAS ADOPTED DURING THE BRITISH COLONIAL PERIOD. UNTIL PRESENT DAY ONE WILL FIND THAT STUFFED ROAST TURKEY IS FOUND ON MANY TABLES FOR LUNCH ON CHRISTMAS DAY WHERE ALL THE FAMILY IS GATHERED. There are many small details to pay attention to while preparing this dish. 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.

Local Councils Events in December Celebrating Tradition, Folklore and Culture 2th & 5th Organ Festival Knisja Parrokjali Santa Margerita, Sannat, Gozo. 19.00. On 2nd December the Organ and Trumpet Concert will be held. Featuring two Italian soloists: Ciricino Micheletto – Organ Works and Roberto Rigo - Trumpet. On the 5th December the Gala Organ Concert will be held starring: Solo Organ Works, Voice & Organ, Haydn’s Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo featuring Vladimir Suzdalevich from Norway (Organ Works), Anastasia Bogacheva – Alto from Russia & Chorus Urbanus (Gozo) directed by Mro. John Galea.

6th December 2015 – 3rd January 2016 Bethlehem f’G˙ajnsielem Ta’ Passi Fields G˙ajnsielem, Gozo – always open however animations are in the evenings on weekends & public holidays. Bethlehem f’G˙ajnsielem is a life-size crib, constructed on 20,0000 square metre of fields on a stretch of land known as Ta’ Passi. It comes to life during the month of December with about 150 actors taking visitors back in time to Judea of 2000 years ago. The atmosphere will simply be unique....horses turn mills, villagers go about their jobs, shepherds inhabit caves, animals roam in enclosed spaces and a poor unknown couple tend to their newly born in a grotto... It promises to bring timeless Christmas story to life as never before. 12th Milied f'Casal Paola Pjazza Antoine De Paule, Paola. 17:00 – 22:00. Soçjeta' Filarmonika Fra Antoine De Paule, Banda Kristu Re in collaboration with the Paola Local Council will be organising the 9th edition of Milied f'Casal Paola 2015 on Saturday 12th December 2015. This event will consist of commercial, cultural and spiritual activities where the general public can enjoy and feel the Christmas Spirit during this festive atmosphere. The town’s main square, main streets and club facade will be decorated and lit for the occasion. Shops will be open till late. Music and dance will be a main attraction especially for children. The church belfry will be open to the general public. At 22:00 synchronised fireworks display with music related to Christmas will mark the closing of the event.

20 l 21

18th Milied fix-Xg˙ajra 2015 Sala tal-Knisja. 19.00. The Xg˙ajra Local Council is going to organize a Christmas festival which will include traditional singing and dancing, Christmas traditional food/drinks and an animation team for the little ones. This activity will be open for the general public and will be a good occasion to celebrate the festive season.

20th Joys of Gosepl BirΩebbu©a Parish Church. 19.00. This concert, will focus on Gospel Singing, and will see the participation of local and national artists, including the JOY Gospel group and the Ûag˙Ωag˙ Azzjoni Kattolika (ÛAK) BirΩebbu©a Group performing gospel singing, supported by a local live band. 31st December - 1st January 2016 NEW YEAR'S EVE in the CITY Pjazza Indipendenza & Pjazza San Ìor©, Rabat, Gozo. 22.00 - 02.00. The event will be taking place in Independence Square and in Saint George’s Square. The Squares will serve as a meeting place for all those who would wish to attend. Two main stages will be set up which will host a number of performing artists. The climax of the event will be reached during the countdown leading to the New Year. As done in a considerable number of cities around the world, the Rabat Citta’ Victoria Local Council has embarked on an idea eight years ago which focused on creating a popular meeting place for Gozitans, Maltese and foreigners alike to celebrate the New Year. The thousands of people who literally flock to Victoria on the day would have the opportunity to celebrate together in a historic context, therefore also indirectly promoting our heritage, our identity, our history. Participation is free of charge.

CY CMY

PAGE18 18/8/15 14:19 Page 1 C

CY CMY