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MALTA&GOZO D A Y B Y D A Y
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PAGE12_13.pdf
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MALTA IN JANUARY
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JANUARY IS ONE OF MALTA’S COLDEST MONTHS AND WHILST THE AVERAGE TEMPERATURE ONLY DESCENDS SOME 15 DEGREES CELSIUS DURING DAYTIME AND NINE DEGREES CELSIUS AT NIGHT, THE PERCEIVED TEMPERATURE BY THE HUMAN BODY IS THAT MUCH COLDER OWING TO THE ELEVATED HUMIDITY IN THE AIR – A NATURAL SIDE-EFFECT OF LIVING ON SUCH A TINY ISLAND. Therefore anything involving brisk exercise can be considered the ideal way of enjoying the great outdoors in this wintry climate. One of the best things to do is to head for the open countryside and trek or walk your way around to discover peace and tranquillity along with some curious nooks and crannies. Several people have taken up cycling with enthusiasm over recent years. This mode of exercise allows the perfect experience of rural and coastal areas. Take in the small terraced fields divided by uneven rubble stone walls. Observe the majestic cliffs along the coast, and the chapels which sprout up out of nowhere. Pass through the tiny peculiar village centres, take in the sight of a typical village square, stop at a quaint tea shop for warming tea and ‘pastizzi’.... and then move on to experience more of Malta’s endemic wild flowers, trees, shrubs....
Image: © Mario Galea - www.viewingmalta.com
All these places offer great potential for superb photographs and videos. But be well prepared for your day out – dress warmly, carry protective gear against a sudden downpour, use sunscreen on your face if it is very sunny and be ready to push your way uphill when the going gets tough. Malta’s countryside is not exactly flat country and a great deal of hilly climbs await you.
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Mellie˙a Bay. Image: © Balazs Nemeth - www.viewingmalta.com
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Image: © Mario Galea - www.viewingmalta.com
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Image: © Teatru Manoel
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Jeune Orchestre Atlantique from France at the Valletta International Baroque Festival 2013
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BUILT BY THE KNIGHTS OF ST JOHN AFTER THE GREAT SIEGE OF 1565 AND CONSEQUENTLY ADORNED BY ITS EIGHT LANGUES, VALLETTA NOT ONLY HAD TO SERVE AS A POWERFUL FORT, BUT WAS ALSO TO BECOME A STRONGPOINT OF CULTURE, ECONOMY AND POLITICS IN THE WORLD. EMBELLISHED AT THE HEIGHT OF THE BAROQUE PERIOD, VALLETTA ROSE TO BECOME A CITY BUILT BY GENTLEMEN FOR GENTLEMEN.
The Valletta International Baroque Festival has been conceived purposely as a celebration of this baroque identity of Valletta. For two weeks, between the 9th and the 26th of January 2013, Valletta will resound with music from the period when it was built. More importantly, an international festival like this forthcoming first edition of the Valletta International Baroque Festival will not only confirm and enhance Valletta’s prestige but will also show Europe that this small historical outpost in the Mediterranean has over the centuries played a vital role in European history. On Tuesday 15th January 2013 the Valletta Baroque Festival will present a fabulous orchestral concert by Jeune Orchestre Atlantique from France. This international orchestra of young professional musicians will present a unique programme of music by Maltese composers, as
well as works from the Bach legacy. A wonderful opportunity to experience Baroque music in Malta’s unique Baroque Theatre – Teatru Manoel, one of the oldest working theatres in Europe. Conductor, leader and violin soloist: StéphanieMarie Degand; Flute soloist: Florian Cousin; Soprano: Claudia Tabone; Alto: Clare Ghigo This remarkable event is organised with the support of the Culture Programme EUR TEXT of the European Union. The concert is also supported by the Ministry for Justice, Dialogue and the Family, the Malta Arts Fund, Cultural Contact Point Malta and Teatru Manoel. The concert will be held on Tuesday 15th of January 2013 at 7.30pm at Teatru Manoel in Valletta. Tickets at €10 available from the booking office (+356)21246389 or directly from the website: www.vallettabaroquefestival.com.mt. For more information visit: www.eurtext.eu.
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GOZO'S
RICH HISTORY
Image: Gozo Folklore Museum © Clive Vella
THERE IS SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT GOZO. THE SMALLER ISLAND OF THE MALTESE ARCHIPELAGO HAS CONSTANTLY LIVED IN THE SHADOW OF ITS BIGGER SISTER AND YET IT STILL SUCCUMBED TO THE MULTIPLE INFLUENCES OF THE DOMINATING PEOPLES THROUGH HISTORY. THIS MEANS THAT GOZO HAS HAD ITS FAIR SHARE OF TURBULENCES, BOTH HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL, OVER THE PAST 7000 YEARS OR SO.
Image: Ìgantija Temples © F.W. Hutter
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It is particularly significant to note that the oldest archaeological remains are found on Gozo, dating back to pre-history. From the Temple Period (circa 4100 – 2500 BC) free-standing monuments at Ìgantija in Xag˙ra, are now a UNESCO site.
important for the islands' future economy. The Arabs influenced the language and gave the present island names of Malta and G˙awdex (Gozo), as well as some of the oldest village and family names.
The earliest historic people to land on Gozo were the Phoenicians hailing from the country we now call Lebanon. They travelled round the Mediterranean and traded with the islands. Then Gozo, along with Malta, became part of the Roman Empire. The Romans introduced the code of law and used Malta and Gozo as a hub for honey and olive oil exports. Christianity was introduced in 60 A.D. by St. Paul during the Roman dominion.
The Normans re-established Christianity in 1090. Then followed a period of constant change - the new masters were aristocrats from Germany, France and Spain: the Swabians (1194); the Angouvins (1268); the Aragonese (1283) and finally, the Castillians (1410). The islands were leased in fiefdoms as happened throughout Europe at the time. In Gozo, the Angouvins had a cemetery in today's Victoria, where various French nobles and crusader casualties are believed to be buried. Several tombstones and artefacts from the period were saved from destruction and can still be found at the Museum of Archaeology in Victoria.
In the late 9th Century A.D. the Arabs moved in. They introduced the water mill and the cotton plant that proved
Image:Ta’ Kola Windmill, Xag˙ra © IMPACT PR
Image: The Citadel © IMPACT PR
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Soothing Soups So it’s winter and you’re wondering what’s the typical food around Malta these days. Simply, healthily, slow cookingly – soups. Traditionally Maltese housewives always shopped at the local market for the variety of vegetables in season during winter, and January usually provided quite a variety including cauliflower, cabbage and kohl rabi. Warming winter soups were created around these vegetables and one of the most popular was the thick and savoury Minestra. The Minestra recipe changed according to the month and its produce in season so that each ladleful was rich in nutrients, fibre and vitamins. However a staple ingredient of the Minestra was always a quantity of small pasta, included to give the soup more texture. At the end of a hard days work, the Minestra was the perfect thing to have and a richer version of this simple fare was the Kawlata which included smoked pork. Another healthy alternative was the beef or chicken broth. The latter is still highly popular during winter and it is believed, and rightly so according to scientific studies, that the broth of chicken contains certain nutrients which are perfectly engineered to counteract the side-effects of colds, flu, coughs and runny noses. Whilst in Malta, forget about creamy soups and be prepared to eat vegetables which come neatly or roughly chopped according to the chef’s personal preferences. Either way, Maltese soups are a must and have to be savoured to counteract island cold through and through.
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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.
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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
THE BLESSING OF ANIMALS
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THE BLESSING OF ANIMALS IS CARRIED OUT ON THE LITURGICAL FEAST OF ST ANTHONY THE ABBOT, AS THE SAINT IS LOOKED UPON AS THE PROTECTOR OF ANIMALS. THIS CUSTOM ORIGINATED FROM THE ISLAND OF SICILY WHERE THE CULT TOWARDS THIS SAINT IS VERY POPULAR AMONG THE RURAL PEOPLE. THIS YEAR THE BLESSING OF ANIMALS FALLS ON THE 20TH JANUARY. THERE ARE SEVERAL PLACES WHERE THIS CEREMONY TAKES PLACE BUT THE OLDEST ONE IS THAT WHICH TAKES PLACE IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH OF ST MARK, NEXT TO SAQQAJJA, RABAT, IN THE MORNING. The feast starts with a solemn mass in honour of St Anthony the Abbot When mass is over, a procession follows throughout the nearby streets. The procession is typically Maltese. The major attraction of this procession is the statue of the saint which is carried shoulder-high. When the procession reaches again the church square, the band players take their place at one of the corners of the square. The square will be already full of devotees together with their farm or domestic animals. Then the statue is placed in front of the church facade, facing the devotees and the friars take their place in front of the statue. A ‘defile’ of animals and their owners is formed in the street in front of the church. Some farmers follow. These usually bring their farm animals in Maltese carts (karrettuni). Other members of the public, especially children follow with their pets. When the owners and their animals are in front of the Augustinian friar, he sprinkles some holy water on the animals while the animals are given some barley which is placed for them in a tray. The animal owners are then given a rusk and a picture of the saint who is always portrayed surrounded by a pig and other animals. While this is going on, the band plays lively marches. It is worthwhile to say that the animals are all decorated with ribbons and tassels. This ceremony is not only carried out at Rabat. A similar celebration is held, at Xag˙ra, Gozo and Mosta.
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