February2016 by IMPACT PR

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25/04/2014

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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

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

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Images: Carnival in Valletta. A celebration of colours © Darrin Zammit Lupi

This year, Carnival celebrations will not be limited to Valletta but will also be organised in other towns and villages. As one can see from the Programme of Events on the oppisite page, activities will start in Óamrun leading on to Valletta. Once again, this year’s activities in Valletta will include the recently revived qarċilla – a carnival farce going back to at least 1760 – which is led by a notary together with a bride and groom, their parents and witnesses. The qarċilla makes fun of contemporary society, using humorous suggestive verse. In this year’s qarċilla written by Immanuel Mifsud, a well-known Maltese author who has just won the National Book Prize with his novel Jutta Heim, the notary will proclaim the marraige of two men. The main focus of activity will be in the streets of Floriana and Valletta, with St George’s Square being the main focus of activity. These events include the grand défilé as well as competitions for floats and dancing companies. Audiences can also expect new elements which will be introduced to this year’s calendar. Seating will be available for events at St George’s Square. Tickets can be purchased online from www.ticketline.com. The event will also be covered live on TVM on Saturday morning, Sunday afternoon and Tuesday evening, giving the opportunity to those who cannot make it to Valletta to get a glimpse of the festive and colourful atmosphere from home. We hope you have as much fun at this joyful event, as the participants who have enjoyed preparing for it throughout the year.

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Programme Thursday 4th February, 18:00 Opening Ceremony of Malta Carnival 2016 activities at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta. Friday 5th February, 17:30 Costume Parade along Republic Street, Valletta followed by Dancing Competions at St. George’s Square and carnival défilé consisting of the King Carnival float, Valletta 18 float, satiric floats and Section A Companies in Costumes on Floats. Saturday 6th February, 09:30 Children’s Carnival at St. George’s Square, Valletta. Saturday 6th February, 17:30 Dancing Competition together with the Grand Défilé performance at St.George’s Square, Valletta. Various activities will be held in Valletta throughout the day including the Qarċilla representation in St. John’s Square, Valletta. Sunday 7th February, 10:00 Carnival Band Parade in High Street, Ħamrun. Sunday 7th February, 13:00 Carnival Floats Parade at Castille Place, Valletta. Parade will proceed along Merchants Street to St. George’s Square and then along Republic Street. Sunday 7th February, 15:00 Special Sunday afternoon Carnival Grand Show at St. George’s Square, Valletta. Monday 8th February, 10:00 Dancing Schools Carnival Parade followed by a Dancing Show at St. George’s Square, Valletta. Monday 8th February, 16:00 Dancing Competion Programme followed by the Grand Défilé at St. George’s Square, Valletta. Tuesday 9th February, 10:00 Dancing Schools Carnival Parade followed by a Dancing Show at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta. Tuesday 9th Februay, 18.00 Grand Finale at St. Anne’s Street with the participation of Carnival Bands, floats and general merriment.

FEBRUARY CARNIVAL AND GOZO

Image: Carnival in Gozo © Tonio Schembri, Ministry for Gozo

February originates from the name given by the Romans to this month, Februarius, from the Latin term februum (purification) due to a purification ritual that was held during this month. February seems like the odd one out, out of all the months of the year, due to the change in duration when a leap year occurs. This is the month that brings a burst of fun and colour in the middle of the winter slumber, with the celebration of Carnival. Gozo, with its discreet, unassuming villages scattered across a hilly landscape, rises to the occasion and celebrates Carnival the big way. Carnival is a colourful and fun celebration in Gozo and this year it will fall between the 5th and 9th February. For five consecutive days, the island’s intense, natural Mediterranean blue and green is rivaled by the multi colours of carnival costumes and floats that meander themain town and villages in upbeat mood. Carnival precedes lent and in the past, the deeply religious population yearned for a time to revel and have fun, prior to the rigorous exigencies of this period. It is said that the word originates from the word carne (meat) and vale (removal, from the latin word levarium) and therefore the celebrations could be said to mean ‘farewell to meat’ or to ‘remove meat’, as during lent people abstained from eating meat. In the old days feasts were few and far between, and the forty day fasting during lent actually ended on Easter Saturday. Life was centred around farming where people toiled the fields from dask till dawn. Carnival celebrations were therefore a much awaited event. They would start from the Thursday preceding ash Wednesday, which was known as Giovedi Grass, and would go on till the following Tuesday. During Carnival, Gozitans, in festive mood, would celebrate personal events, like weddings. Gozitans are reknowned for their distinct carnival celebrations. Young and old dress up in colourful costumes and beautiful or grotesque masks. Attire does not have to be elaborate and anything pulled out of the wardrobe that is worn flimsily, funnily or inappropriately is within the range as long as it offers good disguise.

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Image: Spontaneous Carnival in Nadur © Matt Hush, Ministry for Gozo

The main activities take place in the town of Victoria (ir-Rabat) and in Nadur, though other villages like Xaghra, Xewkija and Għarb create their fair share of fun too. Celebrations in Rabat include parades with floats, costumes and rhythmic dance, which will be held in the evening on each day. A Carnival celebration specifically dedicated to children will also be held on Saturday 06th February in the morning. Carnival in Nadur is deeply traditional and essentially spontaneous. Here, the purpose of costumes is disguise – it is pure fun, a concoction of costumes that make people unrecognisable and most remain silent to aid their disguise, gaining the Nadur celebrations the sobriquet, the silent carnival. There is only one precondition for the start of the Nadur celebrations: sunset! Other localities such as Xagħra have their own traditions. This locality is in fact reknowned for its kumittiva. This consists of various folkloristic dances, with people dancing around a pole covered with multi-coloured ribbons, and an elongated basket at the top. Dancing would be accompanied by the daqqaqa playing traditional Maltese instruments. So why not join other revelers and have fun in Gozo! For more information go to www.visitgozo.com

Gozo Intricately beautiful

www.gozo.gov.mt

Image: Sunrise over valley from Ûebbu© - © Daniel Cilia, Ministry for 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. 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

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St. Paul's Shipwreck Image: Statue of St. Paul, Valletta

The 10th of February is regarded by most Maltese as a special day in the history of the Island. Being predominantly Catholics, the Maltese believe that it was St. Paul who brought the Christian faith to the island of Malta when he was shipwrecked here on his way to Rome to be tried as a political rebel in around 60 AD. As St. Luke writes in the Acts of the Apostles "And later we learned that the island was called Malta. And the people who lived there showed us great kindness, and they made a fire and called us all to warm ourselves... " The story goes on by saying that while St. Paul was by the fire a poisonous snake bit him but he suffered no ill effects. This incident made the islanders take it as a sign that he was a special man. This scene is depicted in many religious works of art on the islands as well as the many statues and sculptures of the saint. During his stay in Malta, St. Paul is said to have lived in a cave in Rabat, which is still known as St. Paul's Grotto and is up to present day a play of worship and visited by many locals and visitors including dignitaries visiting the islands. The feast of the Shipwreck of St. Paul is the first religious feast of the year and it is celebrated in Valletta. Colour, decorations and band marches give in addition to the religious services in the church dedicated to this saint give a different atmosphere to Valletta during the days leading up to the actual feast day. This is therefore a good opportunity to experience the belief and tradition that the Maltese share and the way they celebrate tradition and faith in the localities. Join in and experience Malta and the Maltese way of life.

Image: St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grotto, Rabat ÂŠ www.viewingmalta.com

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15/10/2015

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Schubert On Valentine’s Day If music be the food of love...do let your loved ones indulge on this Schubertian musical evening

14th February Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta

Nadia Debono Mro Michael Laus

Music between Friends: A Schubert Evening will be the first event in a series of chamber music concerts which will be held in the Mediterranean Conference Centre’s Temi Zammit Hall. Each of these concerts will be based on a specific theme. This first concert will evoke the Schubertiade, the evenings of music-making in a friendly and non-formal atmosphere which Schubert organized with the help of wealthy patrons and in which he performed with fellow-musicians. This evening’s performers are all members of the Goldberg Ensemble, an instrumental and vocal group of musicians which has given several memorable performances in Malta, including Handel’s Messiah. In the first part of the concert, pianist Michael Laus, Resident Conductor of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, will perform the 4 Impromptus D.899 and the Piano Piece D.946 no.1. For the second part, Michael Laus will be joined by Marcelline Agius, Nadia Debono, Akos Kertesz and Michelle Scicluna, who are all members of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, to perform the evergreen Trout Quintet. Although Schubert composed this quintet when he was only 22, the work remained one of his most attractive and original creations. The concert, a special Valentine’s Day event, will be held on Sunday, 14th February in Temi Zammit Hall, Mediterranean Conference Centre, at 18:00 Tickets at €10. Bookings on www.mcc.com.mt or 2559 5750

Akos Kertesz

Michelle Scicluna

Marcelline Agius

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LIVING IN MALTA & GOZO

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Is A Wellness Coach What You Need?

We all know that life has become so busy, stressful and fast paced. Yet we all would like to find time to do those healthy lifestyle changes. The usual excuse that we come up with is that we cannot manage to do that alone. With the help of a Wellness Coach you can now make it. This is exactly why Health Coaching was created and why you need it! Whether you are in Malta for a short stay, or living here it is always necessary to follow a healthy lifestyle whilst still being able to enjoy all that Malta has to offer. Make your experience in Malta also one that affects your lifestyle. A Wellness Coach will: • help you clarify what goals you want to set for yourself • mentor you in the quest for a better you • assist you in setting goals and working on a plan of action • help you understand how and why you have gained that extra weight • guide you in finding the real reasons for craving the ‘bad’ foods • empower you to redo priorities in order to make the time to follow through on your resolutions • facilitate food choices by introducing new food items and various ways of cooking and preparing food • share recipe ideas, food preparation tricks, and healthy ingredients to use as substitutes for the not so healthy • clear away the conflict of information found on social media as to what is / not healthy, and what is available in Malta and Gozo

For more information contact Shirley on: 27432499 / 99846603 / macroyoga@gmail.com or via www.yourhealthybalance.net

Shirley Cauchi (Bhuvaneshwari) is a Wellness Coach with an interest in Macrobiotics and Yoga. She is also a Healing Massage & Holistic Beauty Therapist operating from her ‘Healing Space’ in Mqabba.

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Local Councils Events in February Celebrating Tradition, Folklore and Culture 6th Carnival activities in Xag˙ra Nazzarenu Square. 19:30. A varied Carnival programme including local dance companies, the traditional kumittiva dance and the traditional kukkanja. 7th Carnival activities in Xag˙ra Victory Square. 10:30. A varied Carnival programme including local dance companies, traditional Carnival floats and the traditional kumittiva dance.

7th Il-Festa tal-Baned fil-Karnival ta' Malta Triq il-Kbira San GuΩepp, Óamrun. 10:00. The Carnival Band Parade is a unique attraction for all Carnival Lovers. King Carnival Floater will open the parade and there will also be 2 Satiric Floaters participating. Following the 1st Óamrun Scouts Group, the three Óamrun Band Clubs, and various Dancing Schools who will entertain those present for this event. A Carnival Costume Competition will be organised and entertainment will be offered to those present. Presenters of the Event will be the Maltese Folk Music Group Greenfields. This activity is being organised by the Óamrun Local Council together with the Council for Arts & Culture and in collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government & the Malta Tourism Authority. Everyone is invited to attend in Carnival Costumes.

7th Xewkija Carnival 2016 St Bert Street, St John The Baptist Square, Xewkija. 10:00 – 14:00. A carnival parade will commence at 10.00am from St Bert Street proceeding to the St John The Baptist Square with the participation of Prekursur Band Club, Carnival Dance Companies and carnival floats. At 10:30 at St John the Baptist Square the Carnival Dance Companies will start their performances while the defile reaches the Square where all the participants including the Carnival floats will entertain the public by their shows. Afterwards the traditional ‘Kukkanja’ will also be organized.

21st The Wignacourt Tower Festival Triq San Pawl u Triq San Fran©isk – next to it-Torri Wignacourt. 10.00 - 17.00. This activity is aimed to promote the historical aspect of the locality of San Pawl il-Bahar. In fact the activity will take place around the Wignacourt Tower which is of great historical importance to the Maltese Islands. The Wignacourt Tower is in fact the oldest survival coastal defence post in Malta. During the day several activities will be held, all of which are related to local culture and history. These include pageants, parades, dances, exhibits of crafts and tools, and traditional food displays. Few are aware about the historical importance of the locality and hence through such an activity both Maltese and tourists this aspect of the locality is promoted further.

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