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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
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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
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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
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Arrival of the British Ankunft der Briten L’arrivée des anglais L’arrivo degli inglesi
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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: © IMPACT PR
Out With The New In With The Old Maltese Carnival is a much-awaited yearly celebration of revelry that occurs right in the middle of the Mediterranean winter. With its origins hailing back to the 1400s, Carnival was further developed and embellished by the Knights of the Order of St.John who introduced sumptuous spectacle and pageantry. For the first time in 40 years, Carnival will this year be held in Valletta’s St.George’s Square, bringing the festivities to the heart of the old city. In fact Carnival 2014 will be tangibly taking a step back into the past, while putting on new masks.
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D A Y B Y D A Y
Image: Old carnival photo in St. George’s Square, Valletta.
This year will mark numerous novelties and comebacks to the Carnival - from the return of political satire, to the qarċilla. Political satire was banned from Carnival in 1936, whilst the qarċilla alias a wandering farce that takes comedy around the streets of Valletta, hasn’t been performed in over a century. This year’s qarċilla, written by leading author Trevor Żahra, will re-enact a parody of a wedding ceremony. A first-ever - Carnival 2014 will see festivities run non-stop through the night. Another first is the extraordinary twinning with Notting Hill Carnival, a Caribbean carnival and the largest festival of popular culture in Europe. UK Universal Carnival Queen Sureya John shall be headlining the presentation, whilst another Carnival Queen, from the Elimu Paddington Band, will also perform with the Notting Hill Group. The twinning will further highlight Carnival’s diversity and inclusion, as will the participation of a group of dancers from the Adult Training Centres of Agency Sapport. Other novelties include artistic carnival direction by Jason Busuttil, a People’s Choice Award to be selected via televoting, and contacts with Viareggio Carnival. The Malta Carnival is organised by the Malta Carnival Committee with the support of the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts and MSV Life.
Ġgantija is a temple complex in Gozo, standing high on Xagħra’s plateau. It consists of two enclosures within one gigantic boundary wall. The remains of this temple complex, along with others speckled all over the Maltese Islands, are testimony to the island’s very earliest dwellers, who established themselves on Malta and Gozo's shores, over 5,000 years ago.
Image: © Heritage Malta
The Ìgantija Archaeological Heritage Park From archaeological finds and research, it is evident that these ancient communities, had plenty of agricultural expertise, producing enough resources to support themselves as a group. As such they had leaders and shared rituals and religious practises. Ġgantija is the most important of the prehistoric temples on the Maltese islands, and this because of the good state of preservation of the entire complex as well as the size of it all. It is believed that the structure was constructed in phases during what is known as the Temple period. The South temple is the oldest and dates circa 3600BC. This fact automatically makes Ġgantija one of the earliest free-standing structures in the world. The fact that the monumental structure indicates a distinctive architectural form means that even by the standards of its time, its designers and builders were highly innovative and skilled. UNESCO has recognized the site’s outstanding value, and in 1980 Ġgantija was included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
Image: © DOI
Image: © DOI
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Image: © Heritage Malta
Image: © DOI
Image: © Heritage Malta
Image: © Heritage Malta
Heritage Malta has recently obtained funding from the European Regional Development Fund for the purpose of creating a project that provides an enriched experience for visitors at Ġgantija. The finalised project was officially inaugurated in October 2013 and incorporates several different aspects around the temples. Namely these include the construction of an Interpretation Centre housing the most significant prehistoric finds in Gozo and also the rehabilitation of the grounds surrounding the temples. In line with Heritage Malta’s commitment to bring culture closer to the people, the exceptional archaeological and cultural relevance of this site was brought to light through a collection of profusely illustrated essays presented in the Agency’s latest publication entitled, ‘Ġgantija, the Oldest Free-Standing Building in the World’ which is available for sale from a number of Heritage Malta gift shops.
Image: © 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
Freedom Day March 31 Freedom Day alias Jum il-Óelsien as the Maltese call it, is celebrated on March 31 every year. This annual celebration and remembrance has a special significance for Malta. After having been a crown colony of the British Empire since 1814, Malta became a Republic in 1964, and finally gained Independence in 1979. This year Freedom Day celebrates 35 years on March 31.
MAL MAL TA&GOZO TA&GOZ 16 l 17
The history of Malta is characterized by constant and ongoing occupations. The latest of these was the British occupation which saw Malta enduring two World Wars as a British military and naval base. Whilst Malta served as a base in both instances, Maltese soldiers joined British troops to fight around the world, and soldiers hailing from different parts of the British Empire but namely British, were brought to Malta for care and rehabilitation. It was during World War II that Malta was awarded the George Cross for valour, and that cross is the self-same one represented on Malta's national flag. The significance of Freedom Day is not only tied to the tangible removal of the British base from Malta but also to the representational significance of the final release of Malta from foreign rule. A break with the past, a break with conquest and a step towards an independent future. This national holiday starts early on with morning celebrations being held at the impressive Freedom Monument in Vittoriosa where key political personalities meet to lay wreaths and pay their respects to the national significance of the monument. The afternoon is dedicated to a competitive regatta with traditional Maltese boats known as 'dg˙ajsa' vieing for a first prize on the Grand Harbour. Spend the day celebrating Freedom Day with Malta.
D A Y B Y D A Y
Images: Š DOI
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Zeppoli
(sfine© ta’ San ÌuΩepp)
Image: Zeppoli (sfine©) © Nenu The Artisan Baker, Valletta.
Malta’s cuisine is undoubtedly exquisite, yet it is not as unique as one might think. Because of its location, Malta has enjoyed a lot of cultural influences from diverse countries around the Mediterranean basin, especially from Italy and Sicily, the latter being an island with which Malta has a very strong link. Cultural influences include cuisine, and alongside a diet of pasta which the Maltese love so much, sweets are the predominant Italian influence on Maltese cuisine. A perfect example of this influence has to be the Zeppole which are extremely popular sweets made throughout Italy. Also known in Malta as Zeppoli (the Maltese language version of the word) or the St. Joseph Day Cake, this is a sweet pastry, a cross between a doughnut and choux pastry. The light, deep-fried ball of dough is often filled with a sweet, creamy and rich ricotta cheese filling. the final result is topped with powdered sugar or alternatively nuts. The Zeppoli are quite popular in Malta, especially since they are closely linked wih St. Joseph’s Day, so much so that they are called after the saint. Their namesake is mostly due to the Zeppoli being made during March, the month when the feast of St. Joseph occurs. Other names for Zeppoli are ‘sfine©’ and ‘bigne di S. Giuseppe’, the latter a name particular to Rome. It is customary for Maltese to associate any occasion with food, like the Easter Figolli or the Carnival Prinjolata. To each his own, after all. We recommend a visit to Nenu The Artisan Baker in Valletta to taste the Zeppoli made the traditional way.
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MALTA&GOZO D A Y B Y D A Y
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PAGE02.pdf
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