May2015 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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Fort St Elmo

Image: Watchtowers overlooking the entrance to Grand Harbour ÂŠ Heritage Malta

Fort St. Elmo occupies a strategic position at the tip of the Sceberras peninsula. During the Medieval period, the strategic site at the tip of the Sceberras peninsula was already recognised. Indeed, in the Militia Roster of 1417 there is reference to a permanent watch-post at Santu Eramu, and it is also known that a watch-tower was built there. The Order of St. John, which arrived in Malta in 1530, concluded that the defence of Marsamxett and Grand Harbours necessities the building of a fort at the tip of the Sceberras peninsula. After an Ottoman razzia in 1551 and various reports indicating another looming Ottaman attack, Grand Master De Homedes issued the order of the building of the fort. A star-shaped fort was constructed in circa 6 months, by military engineer Pietro Pardo, under the supervision of Knight Fra Leone Strozzi. By 1565 the fort acquired a cavalier, a covertway, a terraille, and a ravelin which was hasty built only a few months before the Great Siege of 1565.

Image: Piazza D'Armi and Church of St. Anne ÂŠ Heritage Malta

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Image: Abercrombie's Bastion ÂŠ Heritage Malta

The Ottomans attacked Fort St. Elmo on 28th May 1565, which was heavy bombarded for nearly a month till its capture on 23rd May. The knights and the soldiers within the fort defended it till the last man standing; however it was inevitable that the fort would be captured due to the superior Ottoman troops and also due to the vulnerable landward side of the fort. After the Order of St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory during the Great Siege, the fort was immediately reconstructed and enlarged by military engineer Francesco Laparelli, who also designed the grid-iron street plan for the new city of Valletta to be built on Mount Sceberras, thus safeguarding Fort St. Elmo from any landward attack. Additions and alterations were carried out to the fort ove the centuries. Indeed, in 1614, the Vendome Bastion was built, and later a polverista was built within the same bastion. Further alterations and additions were also carried out during the British Period, since it was essential to adapt the fort to the various advances in military technology. Actually, a number of gun emplacements were constructed to house the new twin 6-pounder QF guns. Fort St. Elmo also played an important role during World War II. Indeed, during the first Italian attacks, 6 RMA gunners lost their lives. It also had an essential part in the defeat of the Italian seaborne attack of 26th July 1941 on the Grand Harbour.

Image: Dungeons ÂŠ Heritage Malta

May In Gozo

Springtime Bonanza

Image: Gozo Citadel andTal-MerΩuq Hill © Joseph Zammit - courtesy Ministry for Gozo

May is gifted with springtime bonanza. As the temperature warms up to summer expectations, the coastline and countryside brim with the golden colours of spring as summer approaches with promises of long nights and exceptional beach days. Walks along Gozo’s coastline and its countryside are still possible during this period. Walking along Gozo’s coastline one is set to discover a number of hidden gems, which are also heritage treasures, including a number of coastal towers which set guard against potential corsairs and marauders willing to attack the island centuries ago. Indeed, in 1551, the population of Gozo was nearly completely taken into slavery by the invading Turks who set their sights on Gozo after unsuccessfully attacking the island of Malta. A number of legends and stories are still linked to this event along Gozo’s coastline such as the one in Ras in-Newwiela (near Ta’ Çenç Cliffs), where legend says that the Gozitans were lowered into slavery on ropes, in the awaiting ships. While the weather is already warm enough for diving, the temperature is still cool enough to allow for adventurous sports. The Hellfire 55km ultra trail event (2nd May) is an eyed event by lovers of outdoor sports. The course is a circumnavigation of the island which covers cliff edge single tracks, lush valleys and water courses, seaside salt pans, sandy beaches and rocky terrains. Surely, it seems like experiencing the whole Mediterranean in one race. May means the start of the festa season with the feasts of Saint Paul in Munxar (24th May) and Saint Anthony in G˙ajnsielem (31st May). Gozitans are very passionate about their religion and traditions. Each locality tries to be ‘the best’, stirred by a huge dose of voluntary work as churches and village and town streets are draped in colourful lights and decorations. Each week is a treat of band marches and fireworks displays and of all that is intrinsically local. Gozo’s cultural pulse never fails to surprise. May hosts the ninth edition of the Gaulitana Festival under the expert guidance and direction of Maestro Colin Attard. The festival features international and local performers – choirs, chamber ensembles and soloists – in a diversity of music styles – from sacred to secular, from serious to light, from chamber to operatic. The highlight of this edition is the full scale production of Verdi’s popular opera Rigoletto to be held at the Aurora theatre on Friday 22nd May 2015.

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Image: Diving in Gozo © Chris Migeon - courtesy visitgozo.com

Rigoletto is a three act opera by Giuseppe Verdi based on the play Le Roi’s amuse by Victor Hugo. The opera had a triumphant premiere at La Fenice in Venice on 11th March 1851, and is considered by many as the first of the operatic masterpieces of Verdi’s middle-to-late career. The tragic story revolves around the licentious Duke of Mantua, his hunch-backed court jester Rigoletto, and Rigoletto’s beautiful daughter Gilda. Verdi had quite some problems in the staging of this opera, mainly related to censorship in those days. May is unmissable in Gozo, nature is generous with beautiful lansdcapes and the Gozo cultural calendar is packed with events. Gozo is the right destination for relaxation in full enjoyment of nature and culture.

Image: The Hellfire 55km event, courtesy of visitgozo.com

Image: Opera Rigoletto, courtesy of visitgozo.com

Gozo Intricately beautiful

www.gozo.gov.mt

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

Most Expats Are Making This Investment Mistake At the recent Le Tour de Finance, the first time Europe’s leading expat finance seminar has visited Malta, I gave a presentation explaining the 3 most common financial mistakes that expats make in Malta. For those who were unable to attend the event, the first mistake is explained below.

You are almost certainly paying too much tax We meet with new clients on a regular basis. The first part of our process is a no obligation meeting to establish how clients are currently managing their money and establishing how things can be improved. You may be surprised to learn that more than 80% of the people we meet are paying more tax on their investments and savings than they need to! Highlighted in red below are the savings and investments that most people hold – all of which pay unnecessary tax. For Advice About Your Circumstances: Call Michael Lavin on 2131 6298 or email mlavin@hollingsworth-int.com

The equivalent of a tax efficient UK ISA, by far and away the biggest savings tax break you have in Malta is that: “Capital investments in tax neutral countries, such as the Isle of Man, are free of tax even when gains are remitted to Malta” If you are not making the most of this, it makes no sense to ignore your options– I am more than happy to help with some good advice.

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

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A Musical Extravaganza Dedicated to All Mothers On Mother’s day

Image: The Georgian Sinfonietta

At the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta preparations are underway to celebrate the popular Mother's Day event on May 10th with a uniquely special concert. The famous Tbilisi State Chamber Orchestra, more popularly known as the Georgian Sinfonietta; The famous Russian pianist Mikhail Lidsky (a professor at the Moscow State Conservatoire and world renowned virtuoso) and the Brazilian Alessandro Borgomanero (professor of violin at the University of Goias and famous soloist who plays on a 1689 Stradivarius), will be playing under the baton of Alexei Galea Cavallazzi a full undergraduate of the Moscow State Conservatoire. The musical programme chosen for such a unique occassion is varied and easily accessible to all lovers of good music. The first item is the Holberg Suite for strings by Norwegian composer Grieg. This shall be followed by Mozart’s piano concerto number 14 , Kv 449. Borgomanero will be the soloist in Nobre’s desafio number 3. Nobre is a Brazilian composer of the 20 th century. Desafio means challenge in Portugese. After the interval the orchestra shall play a piece from Georgia Tsintsadze, music for strings. The closing piece shall be the famous Mendelssohn concerto for violin, piano and strings in d minor which shall bring together both soloists with the orchestra. This extraordinary concert is being held at the historical Mediterranean Conference Centre which was built by the Knights of Malta in the 16th century and now constitutes one of the best theatres in the Mediterranean. The concert starts at 18.00hrs; and the booking is open (tickets cost €15) on www.mcc.com.mt or via telephone 25 595 750. Image: Conductor Alexei Galea Cavallazzi

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Stuffat Tal-Bebbux Bl-Arjoli

As the weather gets warmer and the rainy days are more distant, most Maltese enjoy a cold beer together with the traditional dish of Stuffat tal-Bebbbux Bl-Arjoli (Maltese stew of snails with arjoli). By May the snails would be ideal to prepare since they are starved and hence do not contain much water. They are served in a traditional Maltese stew made with oil, vinegar and garlic. Some also add potatoes or other vegetables. The stew is then accompanied by the arjoli dip which is a mixture of garlic, tomato paste, onion, olives, anchovies, bread, fresh herbs, chilli and oil. It is therefore no surprise that such a dish is most of the time accompanied by drinks and served as an appetiser in most local bars and restaurants. You can find Bebbux served in many traditional Maltese bars and restaurants across Malta and Gozo. Whilst in France, escargots are classy cuisine, for the Maltese, the same snails which we call bebbux are a typically Mediterranean dish which get together friends for drinks and chats especially at the end of the week.

Image: Snails stew ÂŠ www.viewingmalta.com

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

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Local Councils Events in May

Celebrating Tradition, Folklore and Culture 3rd Wirja Agrarja – Ħidma u Tradizzjonijiet Óad- Dingli, (08:00 – until late afternoon) The 12th edition of Ħad-Dingli – Ħidma Agrarja u Tradizzjonijiet. The venue is in Buskett Gardens, under the tent. As being an event with an agricultural and traditional theme, we included various local and national aspects in order to enhance the programme of events.

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9th Traditional Maltese Wedding Bubaqra Centre, Ûurrieq (19:00 onwards) This re-enactment is about a typical marriage of the past (1500-1700). A basil pot is placed on the windowsill of a house-hold where a young lady, ready for marriage, lives. A young man intends to court this young lady. He employs a match-maker (˙uttab) to settle this deal with the parents of the young lady. He also pays a folk singer (g˙annej) to sing songs of praise to the young lady under her window. Once the deal is settled, the parents of the couple meet at a notary public to draw a contract about the dowry (dota) to be given to the bride by her parents. On the day of the wedding, the bride comes out of her parents’ house in a matrimonial procession. In our case the bride goes out of an elevated historical house in the square where the reenactment is held. A good number of re-enactors take part in this wedding procession (il-gilwa). These friends and relatives (haddara) dressed in colorful and elegant costumes of the period walk under a canopy. Others follow, dressed in common people clothes of the time. All these walk to the church accompanied by musicians, singers and dancing. Once in church, the holy rites of matrimony are said in Latin in front of the priest. Later the whole entourage walks balk to the bride’s house for a reception sitting down a table eating traditional Maltese foods. Here presents are presented to the new married couple amidst folklore singing and dancing.

16th Live Artisan Exhibition Bubaqra Centre, Ûurrieq Live Artisan Exhibition including works in stone & lace making. Traditionally dressed actors will serve traditional maltese food. There will be entertainment throughout the activity. 24th Irkottafest 2015 San Benedittu Street, Misraħ Ħal Kirkop u Misraħ San Leonardu Ħal Kirkop Local Council will be organizing Irkottafest 2015, a cultural event aimed to recall memories of the rural past of the village. This event will be held on Sunday, 24th May, 2015 from 10.00am onwards. Event will take place along Triq San Benedittu, Misraħ Ħal Kirkop and Misraħ San Leonardu. 31st Potato & Agrarian Festival Dame Cecilia Pick Garden (Tal-Warda Garden), Qrendi (09:00 - 19:00) The Agrarian Potato Festival is going to be held on Sunday 31st May in the pittoresque village of Qrendi. A festival which earmarks one of the main products produced by this locality since it is surrounded with a good number of fields and the production of potato is always one of the main events in the agrarian calendar. The aim of this festival is to highlight the importance of this product in today's culture, and how potato is produced throughout the year. There are various types of this product that can be used in different cuisines, such as: jacket potato, boiled potato and potato chips, to mention just three. Apart from this there are going to be food stands so that visitors can taste some of these different types of potatoes, while one can also buy raw potato. Local farmers will be exhibiting their products and the machinery that was used in days gone by while explaining to those present how things are done in the present day. The Gnien tal-Kmandant is going to be open for the general public, an 18th century garden erected by Sir Alexander Ball. Rumour has it that this garden was used for potato experimentation when Malta was a colony of the British Empire. Come join us on the 31st May for a unique experience on the Maltese Islands.

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