MALTA & GOZO DAY BY DAY MAY 2019

malta gozo

M AY 2 0 1 9

Newspaper Post

D AY BY D AY

Main Collaborating Partners:

maltaandgozo.com

CONTENTS

18

14

22

6 Milestones 8 May 2019 Events 13 Qassatat tal-Irkotta (small ricotta pies) 14 Gozo Scores A Hat-Trick At International Tourism Fair In Berlin 17 Valletta Map 18 A Secret Garden In Pietá 20 Maltese Folktales 22 A Fun Day at Esplora Interactive Science Centre 24 Maltese Islands Map 26 13th International Spring Orchestra Festival 2019

Tourist Information Offices: Malta International Airport-Arrivals Lounge Tel: 23696073/4; MellieħaMisraħ Iż-Żjara tal-Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II 26 ta’Mejju 1990 Tel: 21524666; Mdina-Torre dello Standardo, St. Publius Square Tel: 21454480; Valletta-Tritons Fountain Square Tel: 22915504; Victoria, Gozo-17, Independence Square Tel: 22915452/3; Valletta Waterfront-Pinto Wharf Tel: 21 220633; Vittoriosa Inquisitor’s Palace, Main Gate Street Tel: 21 800145; Customer Care Freephone: Tel: 80072230 (Monday to Friday 08:00 - 12:30 and 13:15 - 17:00)

malta&gozodaybyday May 2019 | 5

MILESTONES

3600 BC The Temple Builders

750 BC The Phoenicians

218 BC The Romans

60 AD Christianity

870 AD The Arabs

1090 AD The Norman Conquest

1530 AD The Knights of St John

1565 AD The Great Siege

1798 AD The French Period

1800 AD Arrival of the British

1914-1918 First World War

1919 AD Sette Giugno riots

1939-1945 Second World War

1964 AD Independence

1974 AD Republic

1979 AD Freedom Day

2004 AD EU Accession

6 | malta&gozodaybyday May 2019

WELCOME Welcome...

May starts with colourful fireworks displays over the Maltese skies with the annual Malta International Fireworks Festival. The countryside is in full bloom and the temperature is ideal to enjoy the countryside and also the beaches. The festa season starts with band marches, colourful decorations and merry atmosphere in towns and villages across Malta and Gozo. There is so much to see throughout the day with exhibitions and displays of local traditions and various arts during the day to theatrical performances and concerts in the evening. Enjoy your stay in the Maltese Islands.

Herzlich Wilkommen...

Der Mai beginnt mit buntem Feuerwerk am Himmel Maltas beim jährlichen Malta International Fireworks Festival. Die Natur erblüht und die Temperatur ist ideal zum Erkunden der Landschaft und der Strände. Die Festa-Saison wird mit Kapellenmärschen, farbenfrohen Dekorationen und einer fröhlichen Atmosphäre in den Ortschaften auf Malta und Gozo eingeläutet. So viel gibt es zu sehen, von Ausstellungen und lokaler Traditionen bis zu Kunst und Theateraufführungen und Konzerten am Abend. Wir wünschen Ihnen einen angenehmen Aufenthalt auf den maltesischen Inseln.

Bienvenue...

Le mois de mai débute avec le Malta International Fireworks festival, spectacle pyrotechnique plein de couleurs qui illuminent le ciel maltais. Par ailleurs la campagne maltaise est en pleine floraison et la température est idéale pour profiter de la campagne et des plages aussi. La saison des fêtes commence avec la musique des fanfares, les décorations en couleur et une atmosphère conviviale dans les villes et villages de Malte et Gozo. Il y a tellement de choses à voir tout au long de la journée : expositions et spectacles, traditions locales et arts divers le jour ainsi que des représentations théâtrales et concerts le soir.

Amusez-vous bien pendant votre séjour dans l’archipel maltais.

Benvenuti...

Maggio inizia con spettacoli colorati di fuochi d’artificio sui cieli maltesi con l’annuale Festival internazionale dei fuochi d’artificio di Malta. La campagna è in piena fioritura e la temperatura è ideale per godersi la campagna e anche le spiagge. La stagione delle feste inizia con marce a nastro, decorazioni colorate e allegra atmosfera nelle città e nei villaggi di Malta e Gozo. C’è così tanto da vedere durante il giorno con mostre e mostre di tradizioni locali e varie arti durante il giorno, spettacoli teatrali e concerti serali. Goditi il tuo soggiorno nelle isole maltesi.

Publising details: Every feedback is welcome by IMPACT Public Relations 45A, South Street, Valletta VLT1101 Malta.

Tel: (356) 21 251339 E-mail: impactpr@impactpr.com.mt www.maltaandgozo.com Publising House: IMPACT Public Relations Publisher/Editor/ Director of Marketing: Chris Grima

MAY 2019 Issue No. 201 Partners: Hotels Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay; Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa; Fortina Spa Resort; Hilton Malta; Hotel Phoenicia Malta; Intercontinental Malta; Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Resort & Spa; Radisson Blu Resort - St. Julian’s; Radisson Blu Resort & Spa - Golden Sands; Ta’ Cenc Hotel; The Palace Malta; The Westin Dragonara Resort; The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux.

Calypso Hotel, Cavalieri Hotel; Club Salina Wharf; Coastline Hotel; Cornucopia Hotel; Dolmen Resort Hotel; Hotel Juliani; Hotel Kennedy Nova; Hotel Santana; Il-Palazzin Hotel; Marina Hotel St. George’s Bay; Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa Malta; Paradise Bay Resort Hotel; Park Hotel; Preluna Hotel & Spa; Qawra Palace Hotel; Ramla Bay Resort; Seabank Resort & Spa; San Antonio Hotel & Spa; Suncrest; St. Patrick’s Hotel; Sunny Coast Resort Club; The Riviera Resort & Spa; The Victoria Hotel; The Waterfront Hotel.

Tourism Journalist of the Year Award

Copyright: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information given was correct at the time of publication, but no responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions. © IMPACT (Consultancy & Developments) Ltd. - Malta 2019

malta&gozodaybyday May 2019 | 7

EVENTS

May 2019 Events FEASTS 1st Popularly known as May Day or International Workers’ Day, this day is also a public holiday in Malta and Gozo. Activities commemorating this event take place mostly in Valletta. The date also coincides with the religious feast of St. Joseph the Worker celebrated in the town of B’Kara.

5th Feast of St Publius, Floriana.

26th Feast of St. Paul. Munxar, Gozo.

EVENTS 1st to 4th Malta Internationsl Fireworks Festival Various locations 3rd to 5th Gozo Alive, culture in the city.

4th Malta Mechanised Ground Fireworks Festival 2019. The Granaries, Floriana.

4th and 5th Medieval Mdina 2019. Mdina Malta. 09:00 and 18:00 respectively.

4th and 5th The Nutella Festival. Pjazza tal-Gran Mastru, Qormi. 18:00 10th Festa ta Nar Tradizzjonali Malti 2019. Birżebbuġa.

21:00 11th Festa ta’ Nar Tradizzjonali Malti 2019. Mqabba.

21:00 31st Changing of the Guard St. George’s Square, Valletta. 10:30.

RE-ENACTMENTS Daily Firing of Noon and Sunset Gun. Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta. 12:00 & 16:00.

Monday – Saturday Victorian Garrison. Fort Rinella, Kalkara. 14:00 16:30.

8 | malta&gozodaybyday May 2019

CONCERTS 3rd to 5th One Drop Reggae Festival Marrakech, Gianpula Village.

3rd to 5th Beland Music Festival 2019. Żejtun 4th Closing Concert- International Spring Orchestra Festival. Teatru Manoel, Valletta. 20:00 8th Notte Romantica. Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta. Malta 10th Golden Voices. Malta International Music Festival.

Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.

17th Long live the Queen. (Queen tribute band).

Għaxaq Ground, Għaxaq. 20:00

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

1st to 26th Julinu’s Radioactive Ravioli A solo-exhibition Spazju Kreattiv Art Gallery, Valletta 4th and 5th The Annual Horticultural Show. San Anton Gardens, Attard.

10th to 12th MRO19 – Gadgets Expo. MFCC, Ta’ Qali. 18:00 11th and 12th Spring Fair. Villa Rundle, Gozo 11th Malta Artisan Markets at Suq tal-Belt. Valletta.

12th Żabbar Autofest 2019. Żabbar. 07:00

CONFERENCES 22nd CC MaltaBlockchain Conference. Hilton Malta.

St. Julians. 08:00

SPORTS Wednesdays and Fridays Ta’ Marija Folklore Dinner Show. Ta’ Marija Restaurant, Constitution Street, Mosta. 20:00 23:00. www.tamarija.com Every Wednesday Chamber Of Mysteries - Dinner & Show. IrRazzett L-Antik, Qormi. A Night of Wizardry, Wine and Wonder.

2nd to 5th Lost & Found Festival. St Paul’s Bay. 30th May to 2nd June Earth Garden 2019 Earth Garden Festival. National Park, Ta’ Qali.

19:00

EXHIBITIONS

1st Victoria Lines Challenge Hike. Għargħur 1st and 2nd 12th Malta International Scrabble Open.

Luzzu Lido, Qawra 4th Xterra Gozo Trail Run Or Mtb Għajnsielem, Gozo 4th EAP Malta International 2019. Pembroke.11:00 5th The Mqabba 5K Run & Walkaton. Mqabba 10th to 12th Malta Robo League. MFCC, Ta’ Qali. 20:00

1st May –31st August Exploring The Phoenician Shipwreck Off Xlendi The Citadel – Gozo 08:00 - 16:00

18th Xterra Malta Cross Triathlon 2019 Għajn Tuffieħa

1st to 30th Inspired in China. Fine Art Exhibition by Maltese Artists. (2018 – 2019). Monet Gallery, Cavalieri Art Hotel, Spinola Road, St. Julian’s

19th 2019 Ocean Lava Malta 113k Triathlon Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq

V E R A N S TA LT U N G E N

Mai 2019 Veranstaltugen FESTE

KONZERTE

1.

Allgemein bekannt als Maitag oder Internationaler Tag der Arbeit ist dieser Tag auch in Malta und Gozo ein Feiertag. Die meisten Veranstaltungen aus Anlass des Tages finden in Valletta statt. An diesem Datum wird in Birkirkara auch das religiöse Fest des Hlg. Josef dem Arbeiter gefeiert.

5.

Fest des St. Publius, Floriana.

26.

Fest des St. Paul. Munxar, Gozo.

V E R A N S TA LT U N G E N 1. bis 4.

Malta International Fireworks Festival An verschiedenen Orten 3. bis 5.

Gozo Alive, Kultur In der Stadt.

4.

Malta Mechanisches Bodenfeuerwerk Festival 2019. The Granaries, Floriana.

3. bis 5.

One Drop Reggae Festival Marrakech, Gianpula Village.

3. bis 5.

Beland Music Festival 2019 Żejtun 4.

Abschlusskonzert- Internationales FrühlingsOrchester Festival. Teatru Manoel, Valletta.

20:00 8.

Notte Romantica. Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta. Malta 10.

Golden Voices. Malta International Music Festival.

Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.

17.

Lang lebe die Königin. (Queen Tribute-Band).

Għaxaq Ground, Għaxaq. 20:00

U N T E R H A LT U N G

4. und 5.

Mittelalterliches Mdina 2019. Mdina Malta. 09:00 und 18:00 Uhr.

Mittwochs und freitags Ta’ Marija Folklore Dinner Show. Ta’ Marija Restaurant, Constitution Street, Mosta. 20:00 - 23:00. www.tamarija.com

4. und 5.

Nutella Festival. Pjazza tal-Gran Mastru, Qormi.

18:00

Jeden Mittwoch Kammer der Mysterien - Dinner & Show. Ir- Razzett L-Antik, Qormi. Eine Nacht voller Zauber, Wein und Magie.

10.

Festa ta Nar Tradizzjonali Malti 2019. Traditionelles Feuerwerkfestival. Birżebbuga. 21:00

2. bis 5.

Lost & Found Festival. St Paul’s Bay.

11.

Festa ta’ Nar Tradizzjonali Malti 2019.

Traditionelles Feuerwerkfestival. Mqabba. 21:00

30. Mai bis 2. Juni Earth Garden 2019 Earth Garden Festival. National Park, Ta’ Qali.

19:00

31.

Wechsel der Wachen Valletta. 10:30.

1. Mai –31. August Entdeckung des phönizischen Schiffwracks vor Xlendi. The Citadel – Gozo 08:00 - 16:00

St. George’s Square,

HISTORISCHE VORFÜHRUNGEN

Täglich Abfeuern der Noon and Sunset Kanone. Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta. 12:00 & 16:00.

VORLEUNGEN 22.

CC Malta Blockchain Konferenz. Hilton Malta. St. Julians. 08:00

AUSSTELLUNGEN 1. bis 30.

Inspiriert in China. Kunstausstellung maltesischer Künstler. (2018 – 2019). Monet Gallery, Cavalieri Art Hotel, Spinola Road, St. Julian’s 1. bis 26.

Julinu’s Radioactive Ravioli Soloausstellung Spazju Kreattiv Art Gallery, Valletta 4. und 5.

Jährliche Gartenbauausstellung.

Gardens, Attard.

San

Anton

10. bis 12.

MRO19 – Gadgets Expo. MFCC, Ta’ Qali. 18:00 11. und 12.

Frühlingsmesse. Villa Rundle, Gozo 11.

Maltas Künstler auf dem Markt. Valletta.

12. Żabbar Autofest 2019. Żabbar. 07:00

SPORT 1.

Victoria Lines Challenge -Wanderung. Għargħur 1. und 2.

12th Malta International Scrabble Open.

Luzzu Lido, Qawra 4.

Xterra Gozo Trail Lauf oder MTB Għajnsielem, Gozo 4.

EAP Malta International 2019. Pembroke.11:00 5.

Mqabba 5K Lauf & Walkathlon. Mqabba 10. bis 12.

Malta Robo League. MFCC, Ta’Qali. 20:00 18.

Xterra Malta Cross Triathlon 2019 Għajn Tuffieħa 19.

2019 Ocean Lava Malta 113k Triathlon Baħar iC-Ċagħaq

Montag – Samstag Victorian Garrison. Fort Rinella, Kalkara. 14:00 16:30.

malta&gozodaybyday May 2019 | 9

L’A G E N D A D E S L O I S I R S

Mai 2019 Événements FÊTES 1er Plus connue comme le Premier Mai ou la Journée Internationale des Travailleurs, cette journée est aussi un jour férié à Malte et à Gozo. Des activités commémorant cet événement ont lieu pour la plupart à La Valette. Cette date coïncide aussi avec la fête religieuse de St Joseph le Travailleur célébrée dans la ville de B’Kara.

CONCERTS 3 au 5 One Drop Reggae Festival. Festival de musique ReggaeMarrakech, Gianpula Village

4 et 5 The Annual Horticultural Show. Exposition horticole annuelle. Jardins de San Anton, Attard 10 au 12 MRO19 – Gadgets Expo. Exposition de gadgets.

MFCC, Ta’ Qali. 18 :00

3 au 5 Festival de musique de la Fanfare Beland 2019 Zejtun

11 et 12 Spring Fair. Fête du printemps. Villa Rundle, Gozo

4 International Spring Orchestra Festival. Concert de clôture. Théâtre Manoël, La Valette. 20 :00

11 Malta Artisan Markets at Suq tal-Belt. Marchés artisanaux. Marché de La Valette.

26 Fête de St Paul, Munxar, Gozo.

8 Notte Romantica. Soirée de musique romantique.

Centre Méditerranéen des Conférences. La Valette.

12 Żabbar Autofest 2019. Żabbar 07 :00

EVÉNEMENTS

10 Golden Voices. Malta International Music Festival.

Concert de musique vocale. Centre Méditerranéen des Conférences. La Valette.

5 Fête de St Publius, Floriana.

1er– 4 Festival international du feu d’artifice de Malte.

Lieux différents 3–5 Gozo en vie, la culture dans la ville.

4 Festival du feu d’artifice mécanisé de terre 2019.

The Granaries. Floriana

17 Long live the Queen.(Groupe en hommage du groupe musical Queen).Ghaxaq Ground, Ghaxaq.20h : 00 Mercredi et Vendredi

DIVERTISSEMENT

4 &5 Mdina Médiévale 2019. Mdina Malte. 09 :00 et 18 :00 respectivement

Ta’ Marija Folklore Dinner Show. Dîner et spectacle de danses folkloriques. Ta’ Marija Restaurant, Mosta. 20 :00 – 23 :00.

4 &5 Festival de la Nutella. Pjazza tal-Gran Mastru, Qormi. 18:00

Chaque mercredi Chamber of Mysteries. Ir- Razzett L-Antik, Qormi.

Dîner et spectacle. Nuit pleine de Magie, Vin et Surprises

10 Spectacle de feu d’artifice traditionnel maltais 2019.

Birzebbuga. 21 :00

2 au 5 Lost and Found Festival. Fête de Plage. St. Paul’s Bay

11 Spectacle de feu d’artifice traditionnel maltais 2019.

Mqabba. 21 :00

30 au 2 juin Earth Garden 2019 Festival Earth Garden. National Park, Ta’ Qali. 19 :00

31 Relève de la Garde. St George’s Square, La Valette 10 :30

RECONSTITUTIONS HISTORIQUES Chaque Jour Tir d’un canon à midi et au coucher du soleil. Jardins d’Upper Barrakka, La Valette.12 :00 & 16:00 Lundi – Samedi Garnison de soldats britanniques de l’époque victorienne. Fort Rinella, Kalkara. 14 :00-16 :30

10 | malta&gozodaybyday May 2019

EXPOSITIONS 1er – 31 août Exploring the Phoenician Shipwreck off Xlendi.

Exposition portant sur la découverte d’une épave phénicienne au large de Xlendi. La Citadelle – Gozo 08:00 – 16:00 1er au 30 Inspired in China. Exposition de Beaux Arts par des artistes maltais. (2018-2019). Monet Gallery, Cavalieri Art Hotel, Spinola Road, St Julian’s.

1er au 26 Julinu’s Radioactive Ravioli. Exposition solo.

Spazju Kreattiv Art Gallery, La Valette

Exposition de voitures.

CONFÉRENCES 22 CC Malta Blockchain Conference. Conférence Blockchain. Hôtel Hilton Malta. St Julians. 08:00

SPORTS 1er Victoria lines Gharghur.

Challenge

Hike.

Randonnée.

1er et 2 12th Malta International Scrabble Open. Compétition Scrabble.

Luzzu Lido, Qawra 4 Xterra Gozo Trail Run Or Mtb. Course à pied sur la côte gozitaine.

Għajnsielem, Gozo 4 EAP Malta International 2019. Athlétisme. Pembroke.

11 :00 5 The Mqabba 5K Run & Walkton. Course à pied et Marche à pied. Mqabba 10 au 12 Malta Robo League. Programme éducatif pour enfants (7-11 ans). MFCC, Ta’ Qali. 20 :00 18 Xterra Malta Cross Triathlon 2019. Triathlon Għajn Tuffieħa 19 2019 Ocean Lava Malta 113k Triathlon Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq

COSÁ C’È IN PROGRAMMA

Maggio 2019 Eventi FESTE 1°

Popolarmente noto come May Day o Giorni Internazionale dei Lavoratori, questo giorno è anche un giorno festivo a Malta e Gozo. Le attività commemorative di questo evento si svolgono principalmente a La Valletta. La data coincide anche con la festa religiosa di San Giuseppe Lavoratore celebrata nella città di B’Kara.

CONCERTI

Art Hotel, Spinola Road, St. Julian’s

Lunedì e sabato

1 ° al 26 °

Guarnigione vittoriana. Fort Rinella, Kalkara.

14:00 - 16:30.

Ravioli radioattivi di Julinu Una mostra personale Spazju Kreattiv Art Gallery, La Valletta

3 ° al 5 °

4e5

One Drop Reggae Festival Marrakech, Gianpula Village.

The Annual Horticultural Show. Giardini di San Anton, Attard.

3 ° al 5 °

10-12

Beland Music Festival 2019 Żejtun

MRO19 - Gadgets Expo. MFCC, Ta ‘Qali. 18:00

5°

Festa di San Publio, Floriana.

4°

11 e 12

Fiera di primavera. Villa Rundle, Gozo

26

Concerto di chiusura - International Spring Orchestra Festival. Teatru Manoel, La Valletta.

20:00

Festa di San Paolo. Munxar, Gozo.

EVENTI

8°

Mercati artigianali di Malta presso Suq tal-Belt.

Valletta.

Notte Romantica. Mediterranean Conference Centre, La Valletta. Malta

12 °

Żabbar Autofest 2019. Żabbar. 07:00

1 ° al 4 °

Festival internazionale dei fuochi d’artificio di Malta Varie località 3 ° al 5 °

10 °

Voci d’oro. Festival internazionale di musica di Malta. Mediterranean Conference Centre, La Valletta.

Gozo Alive, cultura in città.

Malta Mechanized Ground Fireworks Festival 2019. The Granaries, Floriana.

4e5

Mdina medievale 2019. Mdina Malta.

Rispettivamente alle 09:00 e alle 18:00.

CONFERENZE 22

17 ° 4°

11 °

Lunga vita alla Regina. (Queen tribute band).

Għaxaq Ground, Għaxaq. 20:00

CC MaltaBlockchain Conference. Hilton Malta.

San Giuliano. 08:00

SPORT I N T R AT T E N I M E N T O 1° Mercoledì e venerdì

Victoria Lines Challenge Hike. Għargħur

Il festival Nutella. Pjazza tal-Gran Mastru, Qormi.

18:00

Ta ‘Marija Dinner Show. Ristorante Ta ‘Marija, Constitution Street, Mosta. 20:00 - 23:00. www. tamarija.com

1°e2°

10 °

Ogni mercoledì

Festa ta Nar Tradizzjonali Malti 2019.

Birżebbuga. 21:00

Chamber Of Mysteries - Dinner & Show. IrRazzett L-Antik, Qormi. Una notte di magia, vino e meraviglia.

4e5

11 °

12th Malta International Scrabble Open. Luzzu Lido, Qawra 4°

Xterra Gozo Trail Run o Mtb Għajnsielem, Gozo 4°

Festa ta ‘Nar Tradizzjonali Malti 2019. Mqabba.

21:00

Lost & Found Festival. St Paul’s Bay.

31

30 maggio al 2 giugno

Cambio della guardia St. George’s Square, La Valletta. 10:30.

Earth Garden 2019 Festival dei giardini terrestri.

Parco Nazionale, Ta ‘Qali. 19:00

Dal 2 ° al 5 °

EAP Malta International 2019. Pembroke.11: 00 5°

The Mqabba 5K Run & Walkaton. Mqabba 10-12

Malta Robo League. MFCC, Ta’Qali. 20:00

RIEVOCAZIONI STORICHE Quotidiano

Fuoco di mezzogiorno e pistola al tramonto.

Upper Barrakka Gardens, La Valletta. 12:00 e 16:00.

1 maggio - 31 agosto

Exploring The Phoenician Shipwreck Off Xlendi The Citadel - Gozo 08:00 - 16:00

MOSTRE Dal 1 ° al 30 °

18

Xterra Malta Cross Triathlon 2019 Għajn Tuffieħa 19

2019 Ocean Lava Malta 113k Triathlon Baħar iC-Cagħaq

Ispirato in Cina. Mostra di Belle Arti di artisti maltesi. (2018 - 2019). Galleria Monet, Cavalieri

malta&gozodaybyday May 2019 | 11

F E AT U R E S

Qassatat tal-irkotta (small ricotta pies) Q A S S A T A T A R E V E R Y P O P U L A R S N A C K S W I T H T H E L O C A L S , M O S T LY E A T E N M I D M O R N I N G O R T E A T I M E . N O R M A L LY E A T E N W I T H A C U P O F T E A O R C O F F E E . PA S T R Y B A G S F I L L E D W I T H C H E E S E .

Ingredients:

- 500g shortcrust pastry

- 200g ricotta

- 1 beaten egg

- A separate beaten egg for glazing

- Finely chopped parsley

- Freshly grated nutmeg

- Seasoning

Method 1) Prepare the pastry.

2) Preheat the oven at 190â °C, gas mark 5.

3) Place the ricotta in a bowl and mash it well with a fork. Add the beaten egg, parsley, nutmeg and seasoning. Mix all the ingredients well.

4) Roll out the pastry thinly. Cut smallish rounds out of the pastry and place a spoonful of filling on each round. Wrap the pastry up and around the filling, leaving a small gap at the top. Brush with beaten egg.

5) Place the qassatat either on a greased baking tray or on a tray lined with wet baking paper.

6) Bake for about 40 minutes. These small pies are best eaten warm

malta&gozodaybyday May 2019 | 13

F FE EA ATTUURREESS

Gozo Scores A HatTrick At International Tourism Fair In Berlin Photo: OPERA in Gozo © Photo by Daniel Cilia

THEY S AY T H AT THE BEST THINGS COME IN THREES AND T H AT M U S T B E T R U E B E C A U S E FOR THE 3RD CONSECUTIVE YEAR GOZO HAS WON THE PRIZE FOR BEST COMMUNITIES AND C U LT U R E C AT E G O R Y; TA K I N G H O M E T H E T R O P H Y AT T H E 2 0 1 9 ’ S PRESTIGIOUS ITB TOURISM FAIR H E L D I N B E R L I N , G E R M A N Y.

T

he ITB is the world’s leading travel and tourism fair for professionals working in the industry.

The prize was awarded to Gozo by Green Destinations, an international organisation that promotes sustainable tourism.

This particular category focuses on “global leadership in protecting culture and tradition, involving local communities, and avoiding over tourism”.

For a small island, Gozo’s calendar is always brimming with an eclectic mix of arts, entertainment and cultural activities which happen throughout the year, not just during the high tourist season. Our island has always stayed true to its traditional culture and heritage, which in turn is appreciated by tourists who flock to Gozo to witness a snapshot of rich island life whilst appreciating the sheer beauty of the island’s dramatic landscape.

Over the past few months, locals and tourists have enjoyed Gozo’s Christmas festivities, Valentine series, Carnival celebrations, the Gaulitana Festival of Music, and Easter events. The Victoria Arts Festival is just around the corner and so are the traditional village feasts, which are an important part of Gozo’s calendar of events.

14 | malta&gozodaybyday May 2019

F E AT U R E S

The list of cultural activities is endless, Gozo truly is an amazing small island with a pulsating, cultural heartbeat.

The Minister for Gozo, Justyne Caruana said she was hugely proud of Gozo scooping a third award on the international trade stage. She said that this fantastic prize was earned by all our islanders, because of their dedication throughout the year in organizing and supporting many of Gozo’s events.

Every month Gozo hosts a variety of arts, entertainment and cultural events enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you want family fun, adrenaline fueled action, high art, or popular entertainment, our small island really does have it all and now we have the trophies to prove it.

For more information on what is happening this month and next, visit www.visitgozo.com.

Photo: Concert inside St. George’s Basilica, Victoria © Photo by Terry Camilleri malta&gozodaybyday May 2019 | 15

VA L L E T TA M A P

PINTO WHARF

G R A N D

M A R S A M X E T T

H A R B O U R

H A R B O U R

& NATIONAL WAR MUSEM

1

Triton Fountain City Gate 3 St. Andrew’s Scots Church 4 St. James Cavalier 5 Auberge of Castille, Leon & Portugal 6 Upper Baracca Gardens 7 Lower Baracca Gardens 8 Siege Bell Memorial 9 Sacra Infermeria / The Malta Experience 10 Fort St. Elmo/National War Museum 11 Open-air Market (Mon. – Sat.) 12 Jesuit Church / Old University 2

13

St. Paul’s Shipwreck Church Palazzo di Citta / Public Registry 15 Cappellania 16 Castellania 17 St. James Church 18 Auberge of Italy / MUZA 19 Palazzo Parisio 20 Church of St. Catherine of Italy 21 Our Lady of Victories Church 22 Sovereign Military Order of Malta 23 Republic Street 24 Royal Opera House 25 Palazzo Ferreria 14

26

38

27

39

St. Barbara Church Auberge of Provence 28 National Museum of Archaeology 29 St. John’s Co-Cathedral 30 Great Siege Square 31 Auberge of Auvergne/ Law Courts 32 Republic Square 33 National Library 34 Queen Victoria Monument 35 Grand Master’s Palace & Armoury 36 Manoel Theatre 37 Carmelite Church

40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

St. Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral Auberge of Aragon Sliema-Valletta Ferry St. Andrew’s Bastion Auberge of Bavaria Admiralty House St. John’s Cavalier Hastings Gardens Church of Porto Salvo The Castellana Bus Terminus Cruise Liner Terminal Central Bank

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F FE EA ATTUURREESS

A secret garden in Pietà UP TO SOME YEARS AGO, THE GARDENS OF VILLA FRERE IN P I E TÀ W E R E I N A C O M P L E T E S TAT E O F A B A N D O N M E N T. F E W W E R E AWA R E O F T H E I R E X I ST E N C E , EVEN THOUGH THE FINE DORIC T E M P I E T T O , W H I C H O R I G I N A L LY F O R M E D PA R T O F T H E G A R D E N S , S T O O D P E R P L E X I N G LY F O R L O R N AT T H E R E A R O F S T L U K E ’ S H O S P I TA L .

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t was Architect Edward Said, who specializes in building conservation, who rediscovered the narrative of this magnificent place and acted to save it from utter destruction. His setting up of the NGO Friends of Villa Frere promoted this site even further and led to the first steps of its restoration and conservation.

As the national agency of the Government of Malta for cultural heritage, Heritage Malta eventually became the official holder of the title of the property of Villa Frere. In 2019, Heritage Malta signed a partnership and management agreement with NGO Friends of Villa Frere for the promotion, public availability, and the running and operation of this historical site.

It was the British diplomat, poet, scholar and philanthropist John Hookham Frere who created the 12-acre estate, which comprised the construction of a series of architectural follies, including the Doric tempietto. The demise of his wife in 1831 affected him strongly and the creation of this garden was a means of comfort for his sadness. From this garden which enjoyed wide open views spanning from Mdina right across to Valletta, he could also look out at the Msida Bastion Cemetery, where his wife reposed.

F E AT U R E S Frere was very well versed in a number of languages, including Greek, Latin, Italian, French and Spanish. In Malta, he began to study the Maltese and Hebrew languages. Soon, Villa Frere became known for its rich library which turned the place into an intellectual mecca for numerous academics, poets and authors.

Mikiel Anton Vassalli, a Maltese writer, a philosopher, and a linguist who published important Maltese language books, reportedly spent ample time in Pieta’ discussing with Hookham Frere on how to establish Maltese as a written and taught language. Other foreign public figures such as Sir Walter Scott, Gabriele Rossetti and John Davy are also known to have visited the place.

This romantic story and Villa Frere’s garden faded away with Hookham Frere’s death in 1846. The site fell into neglect until forty years later, when the villa became the residence of Captain Edward Price. A notable garden enthusiast, Price gave life back to the property, introducing a selection of exotic plants from around the world and creating different planting sections.

Earning it the title of a botanic garden, the place became a prominent attraction, both to locals and foreigners. Renowned artists, painters, scholars and even three monarchs have walked inside these lush grounds. In 1930, the gardens attained international fame when they were featured in Country Life Magazine, a world-leading landscaping periodical.

During the Second World War, Villa Frere sustained only minor bomb damage, however in the years afterward, the construction of a primary school, a nursing school, a helipad for St Luke’s hospital, and a parking area, ate away at the once sprawling grounds. Today, just over a third of the original area survives

(including the house), yet their mystique is still there. NGO Friends of Villa Frere has been working hard to protect what remains and to restore the gardens with life once again.

While architect Edward Said is dedicating himself to the restoration of the structures in the gardens, his colleague Fernando Mifsud, a landscaper and garden designer, is focusing on the regeneration of the gardens. A number of volunteers give them a hand in the vast work involved, while a variety of private, corporate and government entities help them out by sponsoring some of the material or services required.

Each first Saturday morning of the month, the gardens of Villa Frere are open to the public. Entrance is by donation. Visits on any other day should be pre-booked at villafrere@gmail.com and require a minimum of 10 people.

For further information, visit Heritage Malta’s website www.heritagemalta.org or the Facebook page of Friends of Villa Frere.

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The Old Man Buried in the Cave A

long, long time ago, in a faraway land, people lived on for a very long time. One day the king decided to do away with the elderly subjects of his kingdom. He passed a law that when anyone reached a hundred years of age, their children were to escort them to a cave, provide them with just a little food and seal the entrance of the cave with a stone wall so that the old folk would die trapped inside. However, there happened to be a young man who loved his father so much he could not bring himself to bury him alive in a cave. On the other hand, neither could he ignore the king’s orders.

When his father turned a hundred years old, he took him to the cave and sealed the entrance with a stone wall. However, he left two holes open: one at the very top for air and the other further below for food. Every single morning the young man would pass by the cave with his sheep and give his father some milk, a chunk of goat’s cheese and bread, thereby allowing the old man to survive.

Time went by and the king declared a new law. He ordered that no one was to sow his fields before sowing the king’s land. The young man was very worried because he had many fields to work.

Whatever could he do to manage both tasks at the same time?

“I know!” he thought to himself, “I will ask my father for advice”.

The next morning, as he was delivering the food, he discussed the issue with his father. “This is what you need to do”, the old man replied, “Go buy a cow and an ox, this way you can work twice as fast, during the day work on the king’s land and by night work on your own fields”. The young man thanked his father and set off at once to follow his worthy advice.

He bought the cow and the ox and he managed to work on the king’s land by day and on his own fields by night. Time went by and the wheat on the king’s land and on the young man’s farm sprouted simultaneously. As soon as the king found out, he sent 20 | malta&gozodaybyday May 2019

for the young man to inquire about this.

“How come your fields are yielding crops at the same time as mine?” asked the king. “With the help of a cow and an ox, I was able to work twice as fast” answered the young man.

The king did not reply but he thought “This young fellow seems very smart; I will test him further to see how far he can go!” The king ordered: “Very well, since you are so capable of doing two things at the same time, tomorrow I want you to appear before me both clothed and naked!”

The young man was speechless. “Dear me! How can I ever appear in front of the king naked and wearing clothes, both at the same time?” Then he remembered about his father in the cave and went to him for advice.

“Don’t worry my son” answered the old man, “fasten a scarf around your waist and wrap yourself up in a fishing net, this way you are both covered and exposed”.

That night the young man slept like a child and the next morning he went to the palace wearing the fishing net. Everyone at the king’s court had a great laugh when they saw him dressed up in that manner, but at the same time they admired his clever solution to the king’s challenge. Even the king smiled, but he wanted to test him further.

“Well done” exclaimed the king, “you are very smart. Tomorrow I want you to come back here wearing shoes barefoot!”

The young man once again went straight to the cave for his father’s advice. “That’s easy” replied the old man when his son told him about the king’s request, “get a pair of shoes and tear out the soles to expose your bare feet. When you wear the shoes you would still be barefoot”.

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“Come closer” ordered the king gently, “apparently no one can defeat you. I want to know how you have come to be so clever”.

“I owe it all to my beloved father” he answered promptly.

“In that case, I would like to meet your father. Go fetch him and bring him before me so I may congratulate him personally” exclaimed the king.

“I cannot do that your highness” replied the young man, as he fell down on his knees, “my poor father is condemned to the caves of the dead!”

“How can this be?!” answered the king. “If your father is dead, how can he give you his advice?!”

The young man had to confess the whole story. He told the king about the two openings he had left in the wall, one for fresh air and the other one for food. When the king heard this he stood up from his throne and declared “From this day onwards, the elderly will no longer be buried alive in caves. It has been made very clear that we need the old members of our kingdom for their worthy advice”.

The young man followed his father’s instructions and the next day he appeared before the king wearing his shoes. As the king spotted the shoes he started laughing. “Ha-ha” the king exclaimed “this time you have failed my test. I see you are still wearing shoes on your feet, therefore, you cannot be barefoot”.

The young man went straight to the cave to set his father free and they kept living happily together for more years to come.

“Your highness” asked the young man, “would you allow me to lift my feet towards you?” The king approved and the young man lifted his leg, exposing the palm of his foot. Everyone burst out laughing and some even applauded him because the young man was truly wearing shoes and barefoot all at once. The king himself was amazed by the shrewdness of this simple young peasant.

“I will give you one final challenge” declared the king, “I want to see if you are able to come before me riding and walking at the same time!”

The young man saluted the king and went straight to the cave.

“How can I ever ride and walk at the same time?” mumbled the young man.

“Listen carefully to what you have to do” replied the father, “You have to find a donkey small enough so that when you ride on its back, your feet still touch the ground. This way you would be able to walk while riding your donkey”.

The young man was delighted and the next morning he appeared before the king riding on a small donkey with his dangling legs stepping along the way. Everyone was impressed... including the king. malta&gozodaybyday May 2019 | 21

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A Fun Day at Esplora Interactive Science Centre IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A F U N DAY O U T E X P E R I E N C I N G S O M E T H I N G A L I T T L E D I F F E R E N T, WHY NOT CHOOSE TO VISIT ESPLORA INTERACTIVE SCIENCE C E N T R E , S I T U AT E D I N T H E H E A R T OF THE PICTURESQUE VILLAGE O F K A L K A R A?

splora is one of Malta’s must-see visitor attractions featuring over 200 indoor and outdoor interactive science exhibits, hands-on workshops and science shows all in a temperaturecontrolled environment!

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Your fun-filled day out at Esplora will start in the Main Exhibition Building where interactive exhibits are spread out over three sprawling levels which are all accessible by lift. Here you will be able to immerse yourself in hands-on exhibits that cover various aspects of science, from Electricity and Magnetism to Forces and Motion, Sensory Illusions, Music, Engineering and so much more! So, go ahead: Explore, Think and Imagine!

The level on the ground floor is designed for ‘Little

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Esploras’ or visitors that are aged eight and under.

This area includes a Ball Factory that expands over an entire room and a playhouse designed to be a replica of a historical Maltese townhouse. From this area you can step outside and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour, Valletta and our neighbouring city of Vittoriosa whilst exploring the outdoor activites and water exhibits.

Esplora boasts a café where you can choose from a variety of delicious hot meals and snacks in a setting with fantastic views of the Grand Harbour. After you have had a good rest, go and check out the only Planetarium in Malta for the Cosmos and Life in Space exhibitions as well as full-dome shows and Presenter-led visualisations of astronomy and the amazing night sky of Malta.

Our Activity centre is where we host our interactive science shows and hands-on workshops. Don’t miss out on these amazing experiences where our entertaining presenters showcase science in an engaging way!

Esplora has gained its Quality Assurance Seal from the Malta Tourism Authority and is also part of the Star Awards Scheme. To gain FREE vouchers for various attractions look out for the Star Awards fliers when you are around and nominate your favourite member of Team Esplora!

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M A LT E S E I S L A N D S M A P

Valletta

Three Cities

Hagar Qim

Verdala Palace

GOZO Blue Lagoon

Ta’ Pinu Church

Mdina

Marsaxlokk

Mosta Dome

The Citadel

Ggantija Temples

Ramla Bay

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M A LT E S E I S L A N D S M A P

COMINO

MALTA

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13 International Spring Orchestra Festival 2019 th

of death and maidens Photo: Eesti Sinfonietta

RUNNING FOR NINE DAYS, FROM FRIDAY 26 APRIL TO SATURDAY 4 MAY, THE INTERNATIONAL SPRING ORCHESTRA FESTIVAL IS ABOUT ARTISTIC COLLABORATIONS, FORGED MUSICAL FRIENDSHIPS; LONGSTANDING OR NEW, TO CREATE A MUSIC JOURNEY OF DARING WORKS; SOME OF WHICH HARDLY EVER PERFORMED IN MALTA.

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outh is when one - supposedly - is filled with life, dreams, gets carried away. Aspires. Some content themselves with what the tide brings in. Others search perpetually what the future might have in store for them. Death takes all this away, wiping superfluous hopes and delusions of grandeur to oblivion. But there are those whose endeavours go well beyond the grave, chiselled in the collective memory. This year the International Spring Orchestra Festival (ISOFestival) explores such antipodes. And we commemorate the centenary of one of the most important artistic movements to shape the 20th century – Bauhaus, explained composer Karl Fiorini – Artistic Director and Founder of the ISOFestival.

This year’s theme revolves around the tenebraic Der Tod und das Mädchen – Death and the Maiden, Schubert’s Lied on Matthias Claudius’ poem of the same name, but which Schubert also composed as a String quartet – described as “a pillar of chamber music”, and which Mahler at the end of the 19th century orchestrated for strings. Mahler’s version will be performed on the opening night by the all-female string orchestra Harmonia Consort, London, on Friday 26 April at the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta. At the same venue on Sunday 29 April,

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the Somogyi String Quartet, Budapest, will perform the original Schubert version, which will also feature Schoenberg’s String Quartet no.1 in the first half – a Malta premier. The following day at the Malta Society of Arts, Valletta (Palazzo De la Salle), the Aquilon Trio, London, will perform a rather bold programme of contemporary music, including the late Charles Camilleri’s New York Trio, Thea Musgrave’s Pierrot and two world premieres

by French composers Roland Conil and Dominique Lièvre.

On Tuesday 30 April Azerbaijani pianist Saida Zulfugarova will perform Beethoven’s Tempest Sonata and the final op. 111 Sonata, together with Schumann’s Kinderscenen (Childhood scenes).

The voice will also feature a major role in this year’s edition. On the opening night [26 April] Mezzo Clare Ghigo will perform the highly expressionist and quasi-erotic Das Buch der hängenden Gärten from Schoenberg (The book of Hanging Gardens) orchestrated for strings by Fiorini. On the 27th April at the Museum of Archaeology, Soprano Gillian Zammit will perform a series of Lieder accompanied by the principle harpist of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Britt Arend, and on May 1 Baritone Joseph Lia will perform Schubert’s Der Tod und das Mädchen amongst other highly evocative repertoire at the Malta Society of Arts. The last three nights will find the Zürich based Ameraldi Trio, and the Estonian Sinfonietta at the Teatru Manoel. The Ameraldi will perform Dimitri Shostakovich’s Piano Trio no. 1 and Five pieces for piano trio and Schubert’s Eb Piano Trio. For the closing concert conductor Brian Schembri, long-time champion

of Fiorini’s music and collaborator of the ISOFestival, and after a year’s absence from the Maltese music scenario, will be taking the podium to conduct the Estonian Sinfonietta. In the first half of the programme Schembri will be joined by pianists Charlene Farrugia – performing Hindemith’s Kammermusik no.1 and Lucia Micallef – Poulenc’s Aubade (piano concerto). In the second half, French Mezzo Soprano Brigitte Peyré will World-premiere Fiorini’s Quatre miniatures (Four miniatures) based on the text of the French poet Sophie Charpentier and Malta-premier Mahler’s “provocation to Providence” Kindertotenlieder (Songs on the death of Children).

In addition the concerts at the Teatru Manoel will open by the young piano prodigy 12-year old Daphne Delicata, who is the first Maltese to be admitted to the Menuhin School of Music, UK. All concerts start at 8pm.

Students and senior citizens benefit from a 50% reduced rate, whereas children under 15 are entitled to a free ticket each. For reservations www.kultura.mt and www.teatrumanoel.com, for further information www.iso-festival.com or admin@iso-festival. com. The ISOFestival would like to thank the Ministry for Justice and Culture and Arts Council Malta for their support.

Photo: Trio Ameraldi malta&gozodaybyday May 2019 | 27