May2014 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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GÓANAFEST 2014 MALTA MEDITERRANEAN FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL ARGOTTI GARDENS FLORIANA, WALKING DISTANCE FROM VALLETTA

30 MAY - 1 JUNE

Image: © Jeremy de Maria

There are old men, certainly, plenty of them – their voices brimming with soul and emotion. But, contrary to popular impression, g˙ana (maltese folksong) is not just about old men. More and more, there are women, young men - even a six-year-old boy who performs with his grandfather. Then again, with its upbeat rhythms, stirring tunes and mix of nostalgia and innovation, g˙ana is changing - and G˙anafest is one festival which celebrates that change, while respecting the music’s roots in the past. Previously the domain of humble village bars, għana is even becoming hip. Perhaps it is because, set against the transience of contemporary culture, these songs - or chants - speak about the human condition, about problems and struggles that do not change through the generations. Or because they are a celebration of that which has gone before. Or perhaps it is because they often touch on the lives of ordinary people, their sorrows and joys, making folk both ancient and modern. Running between 30 May – 1 June, Għanafest aims to celebrate the diversity of Mediterranean folk music, bringing together a rich programme of għana, Maltese music bands and foreign folk bands. This year’s theme is “Gypsy, Klezmer” and musicians from Spain, Croatia and Israel (with the support of the Israeli embassy) will take audiences on a musical journey at the Argotti botanical gardens, where the festival is held annually. The Maltese bands, too, bring their own rich mix of traditional and contemporary. And then of course there is the għana itself, which will run throughout the festival. This is music that resonates, with the past, with the concerns of people – and Għanafest offers a unique opportunity to experience the different styles of għana. This is a festival which is not just a series of concerts – there is also a series of workshops on traditional instruments as well as a special programme for children. Għanafest is also complemented by traditional Maltese food and Maltese crafts, on display in an artisans’ market, making this an event for the whole family where young and old can mix in a friendly and fun spirit of celebration. GĦANAFEST – Malta Mediterranean Folk Music Festival 2014 is supported by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts and the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Governement under the auspices of FCN in collaboration with V18. Sponsors of the festival include MSV Life and the Phoenicia Hotel. The Festival will be held on 30 May -1 June at 7pm, Argotti Gardens, Floriana – within walking distance from Valletta. Tickets: €3 and €7 for a three-day block ticket available at the door. Parking available at the Floriana Boy Scouts headquarters, right next to the venue. www.maltafolkmusicfestival.org

Re-Enactment of the

Maltese Traditional Wedding A typical Maltese marriage held between 1500 -1700 would start with a pot of basil on a window-sill indicating that the household includes a marriageable young woman. Interested men intenting to court her, would engage the services of a match-maker (ħuttab) to approach the young lady's parents requesting permission to initiate the courtship. A folk singer (għannej) would also be engaged to serenade the young lady every night. If the parents of the future bride were in agreement and the suiter was selected, a notarial deed would then be signed to settle the bride’s dowry (dota). A wedding begins from the bride's home with the matrimonial procession. The bride emerges from a house in the village square, cheerily welcomed by elegantly dressed friends and relatives (ħaddara). The contingent walks under a canopy with the bride, whilst common folk follow. The retinue reaches church, accompanied by musicians, singers and dancing. The local priest recites the church's holy rites in Latin. After the celebration, the entourage follows the bride and groom back to the bride`s residence for a reception consisting of aperitifs and traditional food. Gifts are presented and the evening proceeds with folk singing and dancing. Join such typical celebrations and enjoy the experience of sharing traditional Maltese foods, during a re-enactment of the Traditional Maltese Wedding. This event is being organised by the Bubaqra Administrative Committee within the Ûurrieq Local Council in collaboration with the Cultural sub-committee within Soċjeta Mużikali Santa Katerina V.M. Żurrieq and with the help of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government. For more information please contact us on tant875@hotmail.com Images: © Charles Tanti

FEATURES

Gozo... So Much To Do

Image: Gozo ferry ÂŠ www.viewingmalta.com

Spring in Gozo? Certainly not to be missed. It all happens in a nutshell, true, since Gozo is so miniscule an island, but the intensity of it takes one's breath away. It just takes 30 minutes by ferry-boat to reach this 'sister' island from mainland Malta. The fragrance of the sea welcomes you all the way. And you land on the island of the three hills as the Maltese know it, pass through an elegantly modern terminal, to emerge into Gozitan life. A first superb experience is a walk along a village, around a village and down to the nearest beach. Visualise wild clover, dark pink in the sun, all the way down the terraced hills to the sea. The fields separated one from the other, by stretches of entwined cane stalks.

Image: Gozo walks ÂŠ www.viewingmalta.com

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D A Y B Y D A Y

Image: Gozo countryside © Daniel Cilia - Ministry for Gozo

If the wind is not too nippy, you can try swimming when the beaches are more than likely all to yourself. If you're of a more adventurous disposition, try to contact a local diving school. Gozo has some 13 dive centres and full facilities including a hyberbaric chamber. Divers on Gozo love to swim around the Blue Hole, several strategically located dive wrecks such as the MV Karwela. If you are less proficient you can access certain dives directly from the shore or alternatively opt for a dive which is just a short boat or car ride away. Evenings are best left for dining, dancing and sharing in the festa season which is launched by the small community within the village of Munxar which celebrates the feast of Saint Paul Shipwreck. Experience the festa culture, the lights and the church embellishments. Wondering what it's like living on an island in the sun? Gozo is the answer.

Image: Gozo diving © Markus Kirchgessner - www.viewingmalta.com

Image: Gozo diving © Victor Fabri

Images: © www.viewingmalta.com

Image: Gozo festa celebrations © Daniel Cilia - www.viewingmalta.com

Malta,

The Great Story of a Small Island-Nation Through 100 Objects

Female statuette (popularly known as Venus) from Óa©ar Qim Temples

Discoid figurine from Tarxien Cemetary levels at Tarxien Temples

Hand-operated Columbian printing press (1864)

Size isn’t all. Five times smaller than London, the Maltese Islands staged some of the most momentous happenings in history and treasure a concentration of World Heritage Sites per kilometre square surpassed only by the Eternal City. Home to the oldest free standing stone structures in the world, subject of a few epic sieges that impinged determinedly upon the unfolding of events during the second millennium after Christ, and a dazzling setting for the end of the dreaded Cold War aren’t but the pinnacles of an eventful story spanning millennia. Malta, the great story of a small island-nation through 100 Objects aims at presenting in an easily digestible and colourful way a general overview of the Maltese Islands from their geological inception to the more recent major political achievements. More importantly, it strives to fulfil this goal through a selection of 100 objects from the National Collection, in particular the numerous and multifaceted assortment of priceless artefacts, works of art and exceptional memorabilia entrusted to Heritage Malta as the National Agency for Museums, Conservation and Cultural Heritage. For the sake of completeness, though, a few intrinsically important documents and artefacts have been sourced from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Bank, the National Library, the Notarial Archives and the Akkademja tal-Malti respectively. The storyline is fashioned in twelve phases. The first is dedicated to geology and the colonisation by prehistoric flora and fauna, the following ten mirror the prevailing chronologic succession following the arrival of the first Neolithic settlers, while the twelfth and concluding phase deals with post-independent Malta. Each of the twelve sections is set in context by a brief presentation. The most remarkable occurrences and endeavours of the respective twelve phases are, in turn, represented by a corresponding number of varying objects, or occasionally, groups of artefacts. As expected, the complement of objects varies from one phase to the other. The Late Neolithic, the Classical period, the stay of the Knights of St John, and the British tenure feature a more abundant group due to their high-profiled standing in human history or lasting imprint in Malta’s socio-cultural DNA. Trapetum from rural villa at Tad-Dawl

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Pastizzi Maltese Snack

Freshly baked pastizzi ÂŠ IMPACT PR

Traditional pastizzi shop in Valletta ÂŠ IMPACT PR

Malta's most popular kind of take-away recently featured in Maltese news in a big way. An April's Fool joke on a local online news portal announced that the pastizzi, Malta's most popular and traditional food, was risking an EU ban by 2015. Some people realised this was a prank, but many failed to see the joke in the news item and online commentaries went berserk. Pastizzi sellers experienced a sudden boom in sales that morning of April 1st - an unparalleled number of sales as had not happened for two odd decades. Why indeed? Perhaps because everybody loves pastizzi. Perhaps because you can buy these savouries practically on every corner in every town. Perhaps because the fragrance of warm and freshly baked pastizzi is instantly recognisable and once registered, you cannot stop drooling. The recipe goes back to an unknown very distant origin. The two traditional varieties of pastizzi are made with either ricotta or with a concoction of peas. The mixture is wrapped within a little diamond-shaped parcel of filo pastry that is baked to crunchy goldenness. Pastizzi makers are usually very able and rapid in their making of these delicacies, composing several thousands a day in order to keep up with shop orders. As a culinary export, the pastizzi have also made their way abroad, namely to locations where Maltese emigrants are aplenty. Whether you stop to buy pastizzi in a corner pastizzi shop or whether you buy them from a coffee shop, make sure they are as warm as you can eat them, because that is how they should be eaten. Wash them down with hot tea or coffee in winter, and a fresh beer in summer - Exquisite!

Mediterraneo Marine Park Mediterraneo Marine Park promotes marine life conservation against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. Offering entertainment alongside a learning experience unique in its kind. As Malta's only marine park, the ‘Mediterraneo’ is a leading island 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, 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 group (since July 2012), 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 responsabilities. The park has three main programmes which are held daily: the Dolphin Presentation, the Sea Lion Presentation and the Parrot Presentation. All of these presentations offer an amazing experience to aid a better understanding of the animals and an appreciation of their individual characteristics. The highlight of any visit to 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! Some of the other species that visitors can also expect to see include green wing Macaw, Amazons, Snakes, Tortoises, Turtles, Frogs, Toads, Spiders, Scorpions and Lizards. DIDACTIC PROGRAMMES FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY STUDENTS Specific educational programmes based on four animal areas: Reptiles, Parrots, Sea Lions and Dolphins. TEAM BUILDING DAYS Ideal for Corporate Companies/Organisations wishing to have their personnel teams indulge on a relaxing and fun outing. For enquires please email your requests on: info@mediterraneopark.com or reservations@mediterraneopark.com Ba˙ar iç-Çag˙aq, Malta +356 2137 2218 +356 2137 6519 info@mediterraneopark.com www.mediterraneopark.com

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MEDIEVAL MDINA FESTIVAL

Città Notabile, alias Mdina has always managed to elicit fantasies of the distant past. Such as its heritage dating back to medieval times, a heritage which has given scope for the holding of The Medieval Mdina

Festival on 3-4 May. Now in its sixth presentation, the festival takes to the streets of Mdina for a two-day-long celebration involving re-enactments by foreign and local groups, flag throwers (sbandieratori), illusionists and jesters. All is held against a backdrop of medieval music and visitors can also enjoy viewing traditional falconry and birds of prey, attending lectures, visiting a typical medieval market, and much more.

Performances will be held all day on the corners and squares of The (usually) Silent City. Actors will perform in battle scenes and skirmishes, or re-enact a medieval wedding. Watch out for the slave market, sword fighting and archery. Drop in at the medieval tavern but make sure to visit the medieval kitchen. Spot the Maltese actors and extras staging scenes and strolling along in full costume. Special participation by foreign artists includes the Gruppo Sbandieratori di Vignanello; I Fanciulli e la Corte di Olnano (San Marino); the Ass. Gruppo Tamburi della città di Giarratana and jester Fabio Zaganelli. This exchange of cultural heritage and historical background promises to be a huge attraction for all. For the occasion, all tourist attractions will extend their opening hours and offer reduced prices. The event is organised by the Mdina Local Council, with the varied support of a number of Government Departments, residents, and the business community, especially the SMEs present in Mdina.

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•Attard Balzan•

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Malta,

The Great Story of a Small Island-Nation Through 100 Objects

Discoid figurine from Tarxien Cemetary levels at Tarxien Temples

Hand-operated Columbian printing press (1864)