June2015 by IMPACT PR

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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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Reminiscing the Great Siege of 1565

Image: Painting depicting the Great Siege © Heritage Malta

Voltaire once said that nothing is so well known as the Great Siege of Malta. Certainly, much of the promotion of this episode was boosted by the Order of St John itself as it seized the opportunity to attract Europe’s attention, recognition and funding. The massive confrontation which took place in Malta in 1565 between the Ottomans and the Order, came as a surprise to no one. Both parties had been harassing each other for years and Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent had made it clear that he was determined to correct his oversight when in 1522, he had allowed the defeated knights to leave Rhodes with dignity and with all the weapons they could carry. A colossal Ottoman fleet with thousands of soldiers was sent to invade the Maltese Islands with the aim to annihilate the Order. However, though greatly outnumbered, after four months of fierce fighting and bloodshed, the Knights of St John succeeded to win and the Ottomans retreated. 450 years have passed from this momentous period and yet the episodes that took place during the Great Siege of 1565, still captivate local and foreign interest. This inspired Heritage Malta to come up with a series of events to commemorate this epoch and to entice the public to explore further the life and times of related key figures and moments. Besides, Heritage Malta has recently launched a blog www. heritagemalta.org/1565 which is being updated on a regular basis and which is rich in facts and information related to the Great Siege. The first event was held on Sunday, May 17 with Vittoriosa revisiting its prominent past through the event ‘Dawn of the Great Siege: Life at Sea’ which will mainly focus on the Malta Maritime Museum and its whereabouts. The event saw nearly 3,000 attendees and was a huge success with Birgu in a festive atmosphere and the public engaged in all that was happening. The next event ‘1565 – First and Last Hope’ will take place between Friday, June 26 and Monday, June 29 where the public will be invited to visit Fort St Elmo in Valletta. 450 years ago, on June 23, those defending this small but significant post were overcome by the Ottomans after bravely holding on for a whole month. This challenging ordeal will be illustrated by an interactive and site-specific performance that will feature some of Malta’s best actors and will centre around the events prior, during and after the Great Siege of 1565. By being directly involved in this performance featuring some of Malta’s best actors, the audience will be encouraged to witness and experience what it would have been like to live in those days of great tension, turmoil and also patriotism.

12 l 13 The historic event ‘Shadows from the Great Siege’ that will be held on Wednesday, July 15 will see Senglea as its focal point. Participants will join an animated tour of the streets of this historical fortified city during which they will be presented with intriguing information and will also encounter various characters who featured in the Great Siege of 1565. These commemorative activities organized by Heritage Malta, will culminate with ‘1565 – An international exhibition’ that will be organized at the Palace State Rooms of the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta. This grand exhibition will be open to the public from September to December 2015 and it will incorporate some of the most important objects surviving the Great Siege, deriving both from Malta and abroad. From Sunday, September 6 to Tuesday, September 8, members of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta will travel to our islands in order to participate along with Maltese delegates in various cultural and liturgical activities. These include a liturgical celebration at St Lawrence Church in Vittoriosa, which in 1530 was declared by Grandmaster L’Isle Adam as the first Conventual church of the Order of St John. Thereafter, a procession to Victory Square will follow, where wreaths will be laid at the Victory monument representing the Great Siege of 1565. Ultimately, a Pontifical Mass will be celebrated in Mellieħa, whereas a Pontifical High Mass will be held in Valletta. Further ancillary activities are being planned by Heritage Malta and the Malta Arts Council to complement these main events in order to render immemorable this distinguished 450th anniversary of the Great Siege. For more information one can visit http://www.heritagemalta.org/1565 which is constantly being updated. The anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge our rich national heritage, whilst also giving us occasion to reflect on the mutual respect and fraternity that is continuously being fostered between Christians, Muslims and all other religions and ethnicities today.

Image: Re-enactments © Heritage Malta

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 • 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

GÓANAFEST

Malta Mediterranean Folk Music Festival 2015 This year's edition will be quite different and quite diverse from previous editions since it will be supported by the Malta CHOGM Task Force in anticipation of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which will be held this November. The music will feature instruments that are indeed associated with Commonwealth countries and which over the years have also gained considerable popularity thanks to their exposure in Britain, the cradle of popular music and indeed various world music programmes, aired by the BBC World Service, the cradle of world music broadcasting and the world's radio station. Jali Diabate, who comes from a renowned family of musicians will be displaying his expertise on the kora, the traditional 21-string West African harp, popular all across the continent. Ashwin Batish also comes from a popular music family: his father is the legendary Bollywood singer and music director Pandit Shiv Dayal Bashir. Ashwin Batish however, has also carved his own niche with his unique sitar playing and his songs “Bombay Boogie” “Sitar Magic,” and “India Beat” sold successfully in India. His ways and means of combining classical Indian sitar with funk, calypso, jazz and dance rhythms will be a high point in this year's Għanafest. Celtic music will be represented for the first time in G˙anafest thanks to Rura. Rooted in Scottish folk traditions, this multi-award winning, Highlands-based band have been renowned for their gritty, melodic and emotive music. Their

MAL MAL TA&GOZO TA&GOZ 14 l 15

Image: © Elsa Von Brockdorff

haunting, jagged music shows a new angle to Scottish folk, retaining its fiercely independent and assertive delivery which has made it unique and outstanding. They do so thanks to a powerhouse mix of highland pipes, whistle, flute, fiddle and bodhran playing. Maltese g˙ana will once more feature prominently, with many veteran acts delivering heartfelt, sometimes spontaneous folk songs in various different styles. Folk’s power lies in its telling of simple stories, the stirring tunes, the stunning rich voices and the regeneration of folk styles from young talents. These will again feature prominently this year, thanks to the sagacious collaboration of Rita Pace/Yvette Buhagiar with guitarist Evan Plumpton, and Corazon's teaming up with Walter Vella and Domenic Galea. Flamenco dancing, a fast growing popular style will also feature thanks to the Alegria Dance Company and there will also be lectures and workshops from the performers and presentations of various Maltese folk instruments like the flejguta (Maltese flute), ΩafΩafa (Maltese friction drum) and the Ωaqq (Maltese bagpipes), as well as a children's workshop on folk music. Tberfil, the decorative painted lettering often found on old buses, will again feature in this workshop thanks to its overwhelming success in recent years.

Image: Sitar Power Trio

D A Y B Y D A Y

Image: Rura

Despite its increasing popularity, the festival is still intimate enough for its details to be curated lovingly. Even the food is carefully picked to a theme: no commercial entities are in sight: you are likelier to find pastizzi, imqaret and all things traditionally Maltese, making this festival – devoted to music, food and crafts – much more than just a series of concerts. G˙anafest offers a unique opportunity to experience the different styles of Maltese folk music in a very sincere and heartfelt style. It offers an opportunity for newcomers and tourists to learn about Malta's past and present. Set against the picturesque setting of the Argotti Gardens, and Marsamxett Harbour, with its timeless themes, stirring tunes and rich voices, this is a festival that will impress and move. GÓANAFEST – Malta Mediterranean Folk Music Festival 2015 is organised by Arts Council Malta. The Festival will be held between 12-14th June from 18:30 onwards, at Argotti Gardens, Floriana, within walking distance from Valletta. Tickets: €3 per night or €7 for a three-day block ticket available at the door. More details on www.maltafolkmusicfestival.org

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D A Y B Y D A Y

“Inflation is as violent as a mugger, as frightening as an armed robber and as deadly as a hit man.” Ronald Reagan

Inflation Eats Away At Your Wealth You do not need to be told that the cost of living gets higher over time, when was the last time any of us thought the weekly shop had actually come down in price? What tends to be underestimated is the extent to which inflation eats away at your wealth. The amounts may sound small but can really erode your capital over time, as inflation rolls up, year after year.

Money Illusion What doesn’t help is that we see our money going ‘up’, even if only very slightly, in our savings accounts. What may appear a modest increase, is often actually a significant loss in real terms. Below shows the average value of a UK savings account over 4 years. The green line is the value without inflation and the yellow line shows the real value of the money taking into account inflation – a fall of nearly £13,000 over just 4 years!

Short term savings should always be held in cash but for money that you are unlikely to need for at least 5 years, there are currently some excellent cautious funds available that can help you beat inflation. I would be more than happy to help with some good advice.

Data Source: Bank of England, 1 Month Treasury Bills

For Advice About Your Circumstances: Call Michael Lavin on 2131 6298 or email mlavin@hollingsworth-int.com

Michael Lavin Expat Financial Expert Hollingsworth International Financial Services Ltd is licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority to provide investment services under the Investment Services Act, 1994. Enrolled Insurance Broker under article 13 of the Insurance Intermediaries Act, (Cap. 487). Registration Number C32457

L-Imnarja

Image: Traditional cart used to transport stone slabs ÂŠ DOI

L-Imnarja is a centuries old celebration which is celebrated on a national scale, so much so that it is a public holiday on the Maltese islands. Although the religious feast of the day, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul is celebrated on the 29th June, merry making, folk singing and stalls of local food are organised at Buskett Gardens in Rabat on the eve. This traditional festival hails from the days of the Knights of St. John in Malta who celebrated a harvest festival at the same place being in the vicinity of Verdala Palace, built by Grand Master de Verdalle in the area used for game hunting. During this night-long celebration, the traditional dish, fenkata or stewed rabbit is consumed in large quantities accompanied by local wines, marching bands, decorated carts and folklore singing.

Image: Horses and other animals are on display in Buskett ÂŠ IMPACT PR

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Highlight of the night is the traditional singing g˙ana which is spontaneous songs of the Maltese peasantry sung by the villagers in which traditionally, two peasants often carried a conversation in rhyming quatrains chanting lampoons with speed and ease producing roars of laughter from the crowds. An evidence of native skill and humour. The g˙annejja (singers) are accpompanied by the trilling of guitars. The festivities last till the early hours of the morning. On the day of the 29th June, liturgical services are held in the Mdina Cathedral and the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul is also celebrated in Nadur, Gozo. This time in the usual festive manner of celebrations in towns and villages. In the afternoon the festivities reach their climax with bare-back donkey and horse races, an event originating from the time of the Knights which takes place in a countryside road outside Rabat. The prizes, called palji (special borcaded banners) are presented at a large arched loggia built in 1696, in which the Grand Master used to watch the races attended by members of the Council of the Order.

Local Councils Events in June

Celebrating Tradition, Folklore and Culture 7th Il-Festa ta’ Lapsi 2015 Spinola Bay, San Ìiljan 10.00 - 16.00 St. Julian’s Bay and promenade will be transformed once again in a folkloristic village. This year, a record of around 50 exhibitors will set up their stands and demonstrate their skills in local artisan trades and even local agricultural products. Apart from that, there will be a re-enactment set up of a traditional Maltese farm with decorated carts and even animals. Along Spinola Bay there will be musicians with traditional instruments and folk dancers interacting with the general public. Everyone can even enjoy free of charge, a ride on a Maltese traditional cab around the venue. The highlight and climax of the event will be for sure the Grand Historical Re-enactment, which will be presented by the Malta Tourism Authority, with the participation of around 90 actors wearing epic costumes. This will kick off at 14.45 and will bring the event to an end. This historical re-enactment will recall the annual visit of the Grandmaster for the “Festa ta’ Lapsi” in the past. The Grandmaster will arrive by a traditional Maltese boat and will be given a warm welcome with folk dancing and firing of cannons. From there, the Grandmaster will march triumphally to his Palace. “Il-Festa ta’ Lapsi 2015” is being organised by the St. Julians Local Council and coordinated by Leon Promotions in collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government and the Malta Tourism Authority. 13th and 14th Fiori D’Argenta St. John the Baptist Square, Ix-Xewkija, Gozo 19.30 on the 13th June 2015 & 9.30 on the 14th of June On June 13th and 14th we organize the festival “Fiori D’Argenta”. On the 13 th June at 7.30p.m. at St. John The Baptist square we organize a festival of culture, music and traditions. On Sunday 14th June - Gioci Senza Frontieri. 20th- 21st Arti fil-Beraħ Marsaskala The Cultural Committee under the auspices of the Marsaskala Local Council on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June will be organizing a Cultural Activity ‘Arti fil-Beraħ’. This, will consist of an open air exhibition of more tan 40 hand made crafts including statue making in wood and stone, clay, ceramics, filigree,

necklaces, paintings, lace making, woolen objects. Spectators will appreciate watching the exhibitors execute their works of art. They will also be given the opportunity of trying their hands in the making of the various crafts. This activity will held from 6.30 pm onwards, when on Saturday there will be the official opening of the activity along the promenade at Marina Street. Marsaskala. Besides all these exhibits, there will also be a variety programme consisting of music, Maltese folk singing dancing and Maltese food will also be presented. On Sunday at 9.30 am, an exhibition of motor Cycles will start from St Thomas Tower on to the Promenade. 20th - 21st Festival of figs and typical products Xaghra, Gozo The sixth edition of the festival of figs in Xaghra will be held on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June 2015. The festival will consist of a conference about the cultivation of figs and two exhibitions of fig-made products and other typical products in Victory Square. It is worth mentioning that the Xaghra Local Council is the only Maltese Council which is a member of the 'ficusnet', which is a network of European cities who produce figs as one of their main typical products. Saturday 20th June 2015: 10.00am: Seminar about the cultivation of figs at the Victory Band Club, Xaghra Gozo, with the participation of local and foreign speakers. From 7.30pm onwards: Exhibition of local food in Victory Square with live entertainment by a local band. Sunday 21st June 2015: From 8.00am till 1.00pm: An exhibition of fig-made products and other local typical products in Victory Square. This exhibition will be accompanied by traditional folk music. 27th Reliving our childhood - The 60s Pretty Bay, Birzebbuga Everybody has a different childhood, depends on when you where born. This year, it’s the year to relive the 60s. How about to listen and dance to the music of the legends in the setting of the idyllic Pretty Bay? The Beatles, Elvis, The Rolling Stones and so on.. There will also be a 60s vehicles' show... from the VW Camper to the Mustang. Food, Drink & 60s craft will make sure the night is long!

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Education, Emotion and Fun Mediterraneo Marine Park

As Malta's only marine park, The ‘Mediterraneo’ is a leading attraction with tourists and locals alike. Boasting an enviable coastal location, the park promotes interactive participation with a varied selection of marine mammals including dolphins and sea lions; parrots and reptiles. Enjoying Malta's sunny climate, The Mediterraneo Marine Park remains open all year round. The park is conveniently located just off the main coast road enabling good transport links from most hotels and tourist accommodation. Part of the Costa Edutainment-Costa Parchi Spa, The Mediterraneo Marine Park advocates animal welfare through an interactive learning environment inspired by their motto "Education, Emotion and FUN". Visitors may participate in various animal interaction programmes which provide superb entertainment whilst increasing awareness and conservation responsibilities. The park has three main programmes which are held daily: The Dolphin Presentation, The Sea Lion Presentation and the Parrot Presentation. On the 31st October 2014 the park welcomed the arrival of a female baby dolphin and named it ‘Melita’ This summer Melita will be an added attraction, to the daily Dolphin Presentation. On the 1st of May a new Vivarium was opened, proudly hosting several reptiles amongst which are Iguanas, Water Monitors and Boas. A spacious outdoor compound ‘Tortoise Land’ has also been added for the enjoyment of visitors. All of these presentations and exhibits offer an amazing experience to aid a better understanding of the animals and an appreciation of their individual characteristics. Some of the species that visitors can also expect to see include green wing Macaw, Amazons, Snakes, Tortoises, Turtles, Frogs, Toads, Spiders, Scorpions and Lizards. The highlight of any visit to The Mediterraneo Marine Park has to be the Dolphin SWIM programme - a truly unique and once in a lifetime experience that is not to be missed! For enquires please contact Mediterraneo Marine Park: info@mediterraneopark.com, reservations@mediterraneopark.com, +356 2137 2218 +356 2137 6519 or visit www.mediterraneopark.com

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