Guide Me Malta

JUNE/JULY 2018 €3 MALTA'S LEADING INDEPENDENT visitors’ guide

Beaches

Explore Malta and Gozo’s secluded swimming spots

CUISINE

Salt harvesting and its links to local cuisine

FASHION

The hottest summer trends you need to know about

Summer in Malta

The events, activities and places to discover during summer on the islands

your guide to events | fashion | eating & drinking | shopping

INSIDE

June/July 2018 EDITOR Martina Said PUBLISHERS Content House Group ADVERTISING Head of Advertising Sales Matthew Spiteri Advertising Sales Executives Jean Mark Meli, Matthew Sciriha Advertising Sales Coordinator Elena Dimech Art Direction & Design Antoinette Micallef Box Design – T: +356 7969 1212

Marsaxlokk harbour - Photo: Peter Vanicsek - viewingmalta.com

18 Calendar of events

33 Culture

The major events taking place in Malta and Gozo throughout June and July.

Spark and flame – Marie-Claire Grima delves into the islands’ noisiest local tradition, village feast fireworks, to discover the story behind the colourful explosions that dominate Maltese summers.

21 Cover story

Senglea feast Photo: viewingmalta.com

Top 10 things to experience during the Maltese summer – Rebecca Anastasi guides you through the many things to see and do on the Maltese islands as temperatures rise.

page 33

Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mrieħel, BKR3000.

T: +356 2132 0713 E: info@contenthouse.com.mt W: www.contenthouse.com.mt

Published since 2005, Guide Me Malta is the largest and the leading independent guide for visitors in Malta and Gozo. The publication is published every two months. Guide Me Malta is distributed free of charge through leading hotels around Malta and Gozo. The publication is also distributed for free from MTA offices in Malta and Gozo and at the La Valette Club within the Malta International Airport (MIA). It is also sold at leading newsagents in Malta and Gozo, including those at the Valletta Waterfront, Gozo Channel ferries and at MIA. Editorial opinions expressed in Guide Me Malta are not necessarily those of Content House Group and the company does not accept responsibility for advertising content.

Cover picture:

Għasri Valley in Għasri, Gozo

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page 21

Photography Adri van der Berg; Camille Salinas Photography; Fran Stivala; Luke Anastasi; Malta Tourism Authority; Samuel Rondot; Soċjetà Santa Marija u Banda Re Ġorġ V, Mqabba; Viktor Vella; Xwejni Salt Pans Leli tal-Melħ (Cini)

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited.

INSIDE

June/July 2018

79 Eating & Drinking

Find the perfect place to wine and dine on the islands with our handy restaurant guide.

page 49

91 Fashion

7 sizzling fashion trends to expect this summer – From sequins and beachinspired prints to vibrant colours and oversized jewellery, Martina Said rounds up some of the best summer 2018 trends.

Kalanka Bay - Photo: viewingmalta.com

97 Nightlife 49 Beaches

Take a tour: Malta’s secluded beaches – With no shortage of beaches to choose from during a holiday on the islands, Jo Caruana picks the lesser-known spots which are certainly worth a visit.

67 Cuisine

An age-old tradition: harvesting Malta’s ‘white gold’ – Sarah Micallef uncovers the age-old trade of salt production on the Maltese islands and its place in local culture and cuisine.

page 91

61 World Cup

page 97

Malta’s feverish World Cup celebrations – Despite never participating in the World Cup, the enthusiasm for the tournament among the Maltese is intense.

Rebecca Anastasi finds out how you can follow the beautiful game with the locals during your trip.

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Oh, those summer nights – Parties, festivals and entertainment abound at this time of year. Jo Caruana brings you the best events happening after dark.

Isle of MTV - Photo: Daniel Balzan - viewingmalta.com

FOREWORD

Welcome to the Maltese islands!

ISSUE

79 JUNE/JULY 2018

Photo: viewingmalta.com

I

t’s that time of year we’ve all (or almost all) been waiting for – summer and the myriad events, entertainment, activities and general fun that come with it. It’s safe to say that the summer months here are concurrently the busiest and the most relaxed – days spent at the beach, events to be attended in the evening, and plenty of other things to be explored in between. Read

through the cover story (pg 21) to find out how to make the most of a summer holiday in Malta, as well as an article on Malta and Gozo’s more secluded beaches (pg 49) which guarantee a moment of tranquillity away from the crowds.

If a true local experience is what you’re after, then attending a village feast is a must – it’s here that you’ll experience what Maltese summers are really made of: food,

fireworks and festivities, and you can read all about the art of making the colourful explosions on pg 33.

From our pick of the most exciting trends in fashion this summer to the many, many night-time events taking place throughout June and July, we hope you enjoy this issue of Guide Me Malta.

Martina Said EDITOR

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2018 Until 30 June Picasso & Miró, the Flesh and the Spirit – The Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta is hosting a remarkable collection of works by two major Spanish artists of the 20th century – Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.

The exhibition consists of a selection of 100 etchings by Picasso from the Collection Suite Vollard that belongs to Fundación Mapfre and 40 paintings of Miró belonging to the Espacio Miró exhibition in Madrid. Fundación Mapfre is bringing this exhibition to Malta in collaboration with the Office of the President of Malta and Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti (FPM).

Venue: Grandmaster’s Palace, Valletta.

Until 17 July The Schranz Family of Artists: A Journey of Rediscovery – Heritage Malta, in collaboration with the Schranz family, is holding an exhibition to mark the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Schranz family of artists in Malta.

The exhibition explores the output of four generations of Schranz artists, their various styles, techniques and artistic entrepreneurship. Venue: Fort St Elmo, Valletta. www.heritagemalta.org

31 May-3 June Earth Garden – This annual outdoor music festival is held at Ta’ Qali and features over 100 acts from all over the world in an endless range of genres, including blues, jazz, techno and electro. Venue: Ta’ Qali. www.earthgarden.com.mt

by the Grand Bailiff of the Order of the Knights of St John in charge of military affairs. During the re-enactment of the fort's garrison, some 50 actors kitted-out in their uniforms perform their military drill to demonstrate to the Grand Bailiff its state of readiness. The show begins at 11am and lasts 40 minutes. Venue: Fort St Angelo, Birgu. www.visitmalta.com

6 June Anastacia in Concert – Pop legend Anastacia, the mega voice behind massive hits including I’m Outta Love and Left Outside Alone, will be performing live at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali. With over 30 million records sold worldwide, Anastacia’s performance in Malta, falling on the eve of a public holiday, forms part of her Europewide tour. www.nngpromotions.com

7 June Pageant of the Seas – Set against the majestic backdrop of Valletta’s Grand Harbour, the Pageant of the Seas programme teems with exciting activities – competitive races, visual demonstrations and water acts by day, and a colourful celebration by night.

Local communities take part in races on specially designed vessels, constructed specifically for the day. Other races are held between local swimmers. After sundown, the atmosphere transforms into a spectacular display of fireworks and light effects. www.valletta2018.org

8-17 June 3 June In Guardia Parade – The In Guardia Parade is a re-enactment portraying the inspection of the fort and its garrison

Valletta Film Festival – This is Malta’s largest cinematic event, screening over 40 feature films and 25 short films at indoor and open-air cinemas around

the city. The festival is made up of three competitive sections adjudicated by international juries and a number of sidebars that focus on films from different islands around the world, coming-of-age cinema and a retrospective dedicated to an established film director. Another section titled Without Borders – that focuses on a different region of the world each year – will feature the cinema of East Asia. A biennial conference on the Cinema of Small Nations will also be held during the 2018 festival, together with a series of talks, debates, workshops and other activities. www.vallettafilmfestival.com

9 June Tehillim – Tehillim is a vibrant concert featuring four 20th century masterworks, performed in Malta for the very first time. Musicians from the Brno Contemporary Orchestra (Czech Republic) will join forces with musicians from the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of conductor Pavel Šnajdr. Venue: Teatru Manoel, Valletta. www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

22 June, 27 July Changing of the Guard – This ceremony is held every last Friday of the month at St George’s Square, Valletta. The parade commences at 10.30am, with the AFM Band marching down Republic Street onto St George’s Square, Valletta. The new guard marches out from the Main Guard in order to replace the old guard who marches out from the Grandmaster’s Palace. Following the exchange of ‘duties’, the AFM Band conducts a marching display in the same square. Venue: St George’s Square, Valletta. www.cityofvalletta.org

For the full online Malta Calendar of Events please go to: www.visitmalta.com/events-calendar 18

22-23 June Għanafest – A two-day music festival dedicated to traditional Maltese għana, or folk song, sets up stage every year in Malta's magical Argotti Gardens in Floriana. Now in its 11th edition, the festival also brings audiences a fresh set of folk soundscapes from beyond Malta. www.ghanafest.com

and engage with broader audiences. Each year, the festival strives to enrich the cultural calendar with a host of events, including virtuoso music performances, visual installations, dance, and well-established international acts performing at various venues in and around Valletta. Venue: Valletta. www.maltaartsfestival.org

23-24 June

29 June

RITUAL – The third instalment of the Regional Concert Series, RITUAL combines the architecture of the Mnajdra megalithic complex with an exclusive recital of music, archaeology and a contemporary repertoire.

Taking place once at sunset and once at sunrise, the concert will see Scottish trombonist John Kenny tracing the evolution of the trombone through its predecessors, including a seashell and a replica of the Celtic war horn, ‘carnyx’. RITUAL is also a unique opportunity for audiences to celebrate the summer solstice at a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venue: Mnajdra Temples, Qrendi. www.modernmusicdays.eu/ritual.html

L-Imnarja – L-Imnarja is one of the oldest feasts celebrated in Malta and Gozo, commemorating St Peter and St Paul.

During the late afternoon hours, horse and donkey races are held in a country lane situated just below Mdina. The contenders vie for the palju (a traditional banner that is presented as a trophy to the winners of various categories of races) which in olden times used to be presented to the winners by the Grandmaster of the Order. The rest of the festivities take place in Buskett Gardens. Venue: Mdina and Rabat.

27 June Isle of MTV – Isle of MTV is back to rock The Granaries once again. Jason Derulo, Hailee Steinfeld and Sigala, featuring live vocals from Paloma Faith and Ella Eyre, will be joining Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike at this year’s edition of the highlyanticipated annual event, which has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry. Venue: The Granaries, Floriana. www.isleofmtv.com

13-22 July As You Like It – The MADC (Malta Amateur Dramatic Club) will this year be celebrating 80 years since its first Shakespeare play at San Anton Gardens with the same play it first staged in 1938 – As You Like It. Directed

by Philip Leone Ganado, the gardens will be transformed into the Forest of Arden, where young heroine Rosalind finds safety and love when fleeing the persecution of her uncle’s court. Venue: San Anton Gardens, Attard. www.madc.com.mt

make up the contemporary jazz scene. This year’s edition boasts three of the biggest names in jazz today, namely Chick Corea, Christian McBride and Karim Ziad. Venue: Valletta. www.maltajazzfestival.org

21 July Joseph Calleja in Concert – Famed tenor Joseph Calleja returns for his annual appointment at The Granaries in Floriana.

The special guest for this event will be legendary Italian singer-songwriter Eros Ramazzotti. Venue: The Granaries, Floriana. www.nngpromotions.com

27-29 July Kinemastik – The 14th edition of the Kinemastik International Short Film Festival (KISSF) will comprise various exciting events, such as screenings, concerts, parties and master classes. It ends with the children’s film festival, Little Rock People. KISFF is held in a beautiful garden cemetery located on the St Philip bastions in Floriana. Venue: Garden of Rest, Floriana. www.kinemastik.org

28 July Tomorrowland – Belgian dance festival Tomorrowland will be connected live with seven other locations across the globe, including Malta, in a worldwide event titled UNITE with Tomorrowland. The celebration features a massive DJ line-up, including local and international artists on stage and a live satellite connection from Tomorrowland.

Venue: Marsa. www.tomorrowland.com

16-21 July 29 June-16 July Malta International Arts Festival – This annual festival provides a dynamic platform through which established and emerging Maltese artists can showcase their work

Malta Jazz Festival – Held over six days in various venues across Valletta, the Malta Jazz Festival promises to be one of the highlights of the summer festivals, presenting an eclectic range of styles which

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COVER STORY

Top 10 things

to experience During the Maltese summer There’s no season which defines Malta as much as summer does. The long sunny days, balmy evenings and warm waters are a boon to these islands, which really show off their fresh colours at this time of year. Rebecca Anastasi guides you on what to do, and where to go, when temperatures rise.

Photo: Mario Galea - viewingmalta.com

There’s a smell in the air which proclaims summer is on its way. It hangs in the Maltese air from midMay on, a mixture of ice-cream and sun tan lotion, a herald of long days at the beach and dinner by the sea.

It’s almost as if the wind making its way across the islands becomes the season’s time keeper, telling us to hang on in there: summer is coming to town and there’s lots of ways how you can make the most of it.

1. Go to Valletta Malta’s capital city is a gem.

Referred to by UNESCO as an ‘open-air museum’, the city is this year’s European Capital of Culture.

Here, history is no longer stuck in the past, but it’s a living, breathing presence; a reminder of all that has come before, and a sign of the potential possessed by this small island nation. Built in the 16th century by the Knights of St John, ➜

Handheld guide Download the free iMalta app to help you find your way around the islands by suggesting the best places to visit and sights to see.

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COVER STORY

Valletta - Photo: viewingmalta.com

it’s hard to get lost as you walk its grid-like streets, designed to cool down the capital and to highlight the beauty of its auberges and grand palazzos. The baroque nature of the city is on clear display: Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, showcasing the drama of the period, is a must on your itinerary as is the Grandmaster’s Palace, with its armoury and vibrant tapestries, both of which will be welcome reprieves from the sweltering summer sun. For a more theatrical experience, don’t miss the Manoel Theatre, one of Europe’s oldest playhouses. Another cool spot

Ħaġar Qim temple - Photo: viewingmalta.com

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Grandmaster’s Palace, Valletta

in the city is the Upper Barrakka Gardens, overlooking the majestic Grand Harbour – the perfect place to watch the sun go down while savouring an aperitif.

2. Visit an art exhibition The burgeoning of exhibition spaces around the island has meant one thing: more opportunity to experience the standout art from the local and international scenes.

One of the most anticipated showcases is the Picasso and Miró Mdina

exhibition at the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, running until the end of June, and displaying the work of the two masters of the 20th century. Newer galleries such as Valletta Contemporary, Spazju Kreattiv and Malta Contemporary Art in Valletta provide a space for an appreciation of different forms. Moreover, the opening of MUŻA (Maltese for inspiration), the National Museum of Art, later on this summer is bound to have art lovers queuing for tickets. ➜

COVER STORY

Buġibba Coast - Photo: Jurgen Scicluna - viewingmalta.com

3. Live great culture – in the open-air!

You don’t need to head indoors – and miss out on the warm sun – to experience the wonder and excitement of world-class culture. If you’re looking to breathe history in the open-air, the megalithic temples of Ta' Haġrat, Skorba, Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, as well as Ġgantija in Gozo will fit the bill. Built in the years between 3,600 BC and 700 BC, they are some of the oldest free-standing structures on earth.

The Silent City, and Malta’s former

Malta National Aquarium - Photo: viewingmalta.com

capital, Mdina, also blooms in summer. You can walk from one end to another in an hour or less, marvelling at the architecture and sipping a cold drink. Don’t miss the view from the bastions: on a clear day, you can see where the sea meets the land on every side of this small island.

4. Hit the beach No summer ‘to do’ list would be complete without the ‘b’ word – beach! And, with so many to choose from, it’s easy to find one which suits your swimming style.

Sandy or rocky? Secluded or fully catered? Featuring sparkling shallow waters or hidden depths?

With the island being so small, you can always try one in the morning, and head to a different outcrop in the afternoon. It’s also useful to keep an eye out on where the locals go. Like good restaurants, the quality of a beach can be determined based on its popularity with the Maltese.

Try Riviera Bay, in the north, for pristine waters or St Thomas Bay, in the south, for a winning combination of sand and rock. ➜

Popeye Village

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COVER STORY 5. Get wet If you like to do more than get your big toe wet, Malta offers a host of opportunities to make the most of the waters around the island.

Flyboarding is a brand-new sport which is making waves both locally and internationally. Using water jet packs, the flyboard hydro propels you into the air! Anyone can try it – you don’t need to be a fitness fanatic and you will be assigned an instructor to guide you through the whole process. You could also try kayaking, jet-skiing, wind-surfing, deep-sea fishing, and diving for an adrenaline-filled encounter with the islands’ clear waters.

6. Wonder at marine life Have you ever wanted to swim with the dolphins? You can at Mediterraneo Marine Park in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, which offers you the opportunity to learn more about these fascinating mammals as well as experience live shows involving sea lions, exotic parrots and reptiles.

Your children can even spend some time feeding the turtles by the water and the birds in their aviary.

For a look at the extraordinary richness of marine life under the seas, you can also head to the Malta National Aquarium in Qawra.

The Aquarium is home to several

Comino

species, including sharks, sting rays and eels, and is sure to fascinate every member of the family.

7. Keep the children entertained This time of year is perfect to reconnect as a family. Esplora in Kalkara, located in the south of the island near the Three Cities, should be one of the first stops on your itinerary. Featuring over 200 exhibits, hands-on workshops and a planetarium, the memories from a visit to this science museum will keep burning bright for many years to come. For something completely different – but no less memorable – head to Popeye’s Village, the former film set of the Robin Williams Popeye movie. The streets are lined with colourful wooden houses, their nooks and crannies perfect for Photo: viewingmalta.com

The Royal Malta Golf Club Photo: Samuel Rondot - vallettaphotography.com

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the more intrepid explorer. Other attractions here include boat rides, a jump-around complex and water trampolines. And, for kids who love animals, Gozo’s Dream of Horses farm, located in Xagħra, is a magical place where children can learn more about our four-legged friends.

8. Play golf Pick up your clubs and try out the golf course at The Royal Malta Golf Club, which is bound to suit you to a Tee. It offers 18 holes in landscaped grounds, an oasis in the middle of a hot, summer island, and is suitable for beginners, as well as more experienced golfers. The dress code – as you can expect – is pretty strict, with no beach clothing allowed and good form expected at all times. You can even have a drink at Putters Inn after your game to celebrate your performance. ➜

COVER STORY 9. Take a boat trip The taste of salt on your lips and the smell of the sea are memories you will hold on to for a lifetime.

Whether you’re looking for an intimate sail around the Maltese islands, or a good laugh on one of its many pleasure cruises, there’s choice a plenty if you’d like to hit the decks and view Malta from the sea. Discover the honeycombed caves in Comino – used by pirates to hide their treasure centuries ago – and swim in Gozo’s deserted coves for a different view of the Mediterranean.

10. Dine by the water’s edge It is a truth universally acknowledged that food always tastes better when eaten by the sea.

Marsaxlokk Harbour - Photo: Peter Vanicsek - viewingmalta.com

The sound of lapping waves and the black seduction of the waters at night-time add an element of class to your evenings, and Malta has dozens of restaurants offering this experience. You will find vibrant

eateries, heaving with clientele, in the main tourist areas of Sliema and St Julian’s but, if you’re looking for something more intimate, head to Marsaxlokk, in the south, or Mellieħa, in the north.

CULTURE

DISCOVER VALLETTA 2018 and working in Malta, bringing out both the differences and similarities between Maltese and Filipino people living together.

Venue: The Mill – Art, Culture and Crafts Centre, Birkirkara.

Valletta Pageant of the Seas - Photo: Viktor Vella

Everyone is invited to be part of Valletta 2018, the European Capital of Culture. Packed with over 400 events and activities that friends and family can enjoy together, it’s a year that’s set to unlock everybody’s imagination.

What’s more, many of the events are free to attend or accessible to the public at very affordable prices!

Calendar Highlights Until 1 July ‘Dal-Baħar Madwarha’ (The Island is What the Sea Surrounds) Up until 1st July, art lovers and curious visitors will want to snap up the last chance to experience Valletta 2018’s major contemporary art exhibition. The exhibition, wherein 22 renowned and emerging artists explore the identity of islanders and the Mediterranean Sea, is operating in two main venues in Valletta: the Underground Cisterns in front of the Law Courts and ‘ilPixkerija’ (Valletta’s old fish market). €5 ticket valid for both sites.

Throughout June Solar Cinema This famous mobile, solar-powered cinema is touring Malta and Gozo to screen family-friendly local and international short films in unusual places every month. More details about June screenings can be found at www.valletta2018.org 7 June Valletta Pageant of the Seas 2018 Enjoy this spectacular display set against the backdrop of Valletta’s iconic Grand Harbour. Competitive water races and acts, as well as a colourful fireworks display by night celebrate the year’s sixmonth mark on ‘Sette Giugno’, a significant Maltese public holiday that commemorates a tragedy which saw Malta take its first steps towards independence.

22 June-12 July Exiled Homes This exhibition explores the stories of Filipino live-in caretakers living

30 June-14 July Latitude 36 In this exhibition, Charlie Cauchi and a host of foreign artists lament Malta’s migration history.

The project examines past and present migration stories through audio-visual works, installations and live performances. Venue: Blitz Art Gallery, Valletta.

20 July Malta Calls This open-air dance party transforms the grounds of Pembroke with beats spun by world-famous DJs. Spend an unforgettable evening from 8pm onwards with visual artists who've designed projections for The Chemical Brothers, together with actors, percussionists, and ŻfinMalta dancers.

Venue: St Clare’s College Secondary School campus, Pembroke.

Photo: Fran Stivala

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Senglea feast - Photo: viewingmalta.com

CULTURE

Spark and Flame

Malta’s fireworks are synonymous with summer and village feasts, but what’s the story behind these colourful explosions? Marie-Claire Grima delves into the fabulous world of bangs and sparks.

A thunderous boom, a sputtering crackle, and a burst of bright, dazzling, coloured lights punctuating the sky from June to September – love them or hate them, the soundtrack to summer in Malta is defined by fireworks, which go up without fail at the beginning, middle, and end of nearly every village feast in Malta, disappearing as quickly as they appeared, and leaving behind nothing but good memories and that unmistakeable scent of smoke and sulphur.

The tradition of firework manufacturing in Malta goes back for centuries, dating back at least to the time of the Knights of St John. The Knights would celebrate important feasts and events, such

as the birth of a prince, or the appointment of a new Grandmaster, with pyrotechnic displays, quite likely inspired by celebratory cannon or musket gun salutes. A few examples of these were the feu de joie, a salute by the musketeers produced to welcome dignitaries to the Maltese islands, the musketterija, a series of hundreds of explosions of crackers firing in rapid succession, and the solfarelli d'aria, a series of colourful weak shots fired in quick succession into the sky.

Years later, the Italian pyrotechnicians who came to Malta and shared their expertise with local manufacturers brought with them the gioco di fuoco, (which was amalgamated into Maltese

as ġigġifogu), better known as St Catherine’s wheels – a mechanised set of wheels attached to a pole on the ground which provide a rotating movement for the burning gas tubes, setting off sparks and light.

“Fireworks manufacturing is a huge tradition in Malta,” explains Joseph Camilleri, President of the Malta Pyrotechnics Association and Director of St Mary’s Fireworks Factory in Mqabba, one of the most well-known on the island. “And there is no sign of it dying out any time soon. I started manufacturing fireworks when I was 12 years old and I learnt by doing. I am now 61, and the obsession has never abated.” ➜ 33

CULTURE

Photo: viewingmalta.com

“The older generation taught us a lot and gave us a lot of good ideas, but today’s young people have improved on these ideas so much. There has been tremendous development in the creativity and skill of manufacturing fireworks. Nowadays, we even use computerised systems to let off fireworks!” he says. At a time when old traditions and skills are threatened by progress and the fast-paced changes happening around us, it’s heartening to see that Malta’s beloved fireworks industry is actually thriving on new ideas and making good use of the technology available to it.

The art of fireworks is highly regulated nowadays – fireworks are deadly stuff and quite tragically, most people in Malta know of someone who perished in a fireworks explosion. Manufacturers are now required to attend an official course and pass a written exam before obtaining the necessary licence to mix the highly volatile chemicals. Furthermore, Government recently announced that it would be giving factories a grant of up to €5,000 each for projects to improve safety, an announcement which was welcomed by the association as a vote of confidence in their work. That’s not to say that the industry doesn’t face any challenges. “One of our biggest problems is the construction boom, where new buildings are encroaching on the few open spaces we have to let off fireworks within the legal safety limits,” Joseph says, explaining that fireworks factories have to maintain a 183m buffer zone from the nearest roads. ➜

“The older generation taught us a lot and gave us a lot of good ideas, but today’s young people have improved on these ideas so much.”

Joseph Camilleri - Photo: Soċjetà Santa Marija u Banda Re Ġorġ V, Mqabba

CULTURE

CALENDAR OF FEASTS You can catch a spectacular fireworks display every weekend throughout the summer months, starting from Friday and ending on Sunday. Here are the dates of the upcoming feasts in June and July.

Photo: viewingmalta.com

There are 35 fireworks factories on the Maltese islands with around 1,900 licensees, and a further 700 people waiting in the wings to obtain theirs. And although it may seem like a thriving industry, the remarkable thing is that all manufacturers are volunteers, making only enough money to buy more materials for more spectacular displays. “Many volunteers come over to the factory every day at 4pm after work and stay on till midnight. Sometimes they even

work through the night to produce the fireworks,” explains Joseph. “The fireworks factory is our second home. We make huge sacrifices to produce these fireworks, all for the glory of our village parish feast and to entertain all those who come to admire our fireworks displays.”

Considering all this dedication and artistry, it comes as no surprise that Malta’s fireworks factories have gained a global reputation for their unparalleled creativity, and regularly win awards

Photo: Soċjetà Santa Marija u Banda Re Ġorġ V, Mqabba

4th June – St Joseph, Għaxaq 11th June – St Philip, Żebbug 18th June – Our Lady of the Lily, Mqabba 25th June – St Nicholas, Siġġiewi 2nd July – St Andrew, Luqa 9th July – St Joseph, Kirkop 16th July – St Sebastian, Qormi 23rd July – Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Żurrieq 30th July – St Joseph, Żebbug

at international festivals and competitions. “Maltese fireworks are unique, and that’s not just me saying it,” Joseph points out proudly. “We are very creative. In other countries they tend to use single shots – on the other hand, we’ve managed to spell out words and even depict faces using fireworks. I consider the Maltese pyrotechnicians of today true artists. ➜

Żejtun feast - Photo: viewingmalta.com

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CULTURE They are the painters of the sky.” In fact, the way the complex shapes are formed is a very wellguarded secret, one which distinguishes Maltese fireworks from those of foreign companies.

The St Mary’s show in Mqabba is held annually on 14th August. It is especially renowned for its innovative pyrotechnic tricks, including the jawdropping Tower of Light, a 50m metal tower which serves as the centrepiece of the show. The creativity is fuelled by pika – the fiery competitive spirit between different village parishes to have the best feast, and the best fireworks display. The factories have to raise their own funds to manufacture fireworks, partly through the generous support of the residents of the town, but mostly through selling fireworks to other towns.

“A typical display for our village would cost around €50,000,” reveals Joseph. “Two weeks after the festa, we start planning the following year’s display, and one month before the show, we start preparing the letting-off site.” And so the cycle starts all over again, a year-long process leading up to those fleeting moments of wonder and awe.

Photo: Soċjetà Santa Marija u Banda Re Ġorġ V, Mqabba

“I consider the Maltese pyrotechnicians of today true artists.

They are the painters of the sky.”

TAKE NOTE

Heritage Malta offers better accessibility to its museums and sites

Heritage Malta is the proud custodian of some of the country’s most impressive palaces and historical sites, some of which are truly unique venues. As part of its social responsibility, Heritage Malta ensures that its museums and sites are accessible to all. To reach this aim, Heritage Malta embarks on various initiatives, including open days, schemes, concessions and events which are open to a variety of audiences.

The agency offers a multisite ticket which enables admission to 23 sites and museums (Hypogeum not included), together with the National Aquarium and the Citadel Visitor Centre. This ticket offers a considerable bonus, whereby holders of the ticket benefit from a 10 per cent discount at any Heritage Malta museum shop. Heritage Malta also offers a multisite ticket for the family, which enables admission for two adults and two children for the price of €110.

Heritage Malta also offers tailor-made packages

for heritage sites in close proximity to one another or combines them through thematic interest. These include the Valletta Ticket; the Birgu Multisite Ticket; Mdina and Rabat Tour; Mġarr Multisite Ticket; Ta’ Bistra Catacombs, Skorba Temples and Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples Combo Ticket; and the Discover Gozo Ticket.

For more information about Heritage Malta visit www.heritagemalta.org

TAKE NOTE

The LeoVegas World Cup Village 2018 In Malta and a footie fan? Follow the World Cup in style! A World Cup Village is being organised

by LeoVegas at the vibrant Neptunes Water Polo Club in Balluta Bay, St Julian’s. The village will be showing all 64 matches on a large LED screen, from 14th June until the final match on 15th July. Whilst in Malta, make sure to take the opportunity to come watch your favourite team play while enjoying a refreshing beverage and great food on a relaxing, Maltese summer night.

The village is set to be a family friendly area with daily entertainment and fun competitions organised for all our guests. The World Cup Village is located on the stunning Sliema front and boasts spectacular sunset views, making it the perfect venue to watch the matches. The World Cup games are shown on a big LED screen that can also be viewed in direct sunlight, perfect for the early evening matches.

The water polo pitch, which is used for

training by Neptunes on a regular basis, will be a hub of activity during the month-long football tournament, as we are promising to bring a little bit of the World Cup atmosphere in Russia to Malta, to the delight of all football enthusiasts.

The lively atmosphere will surely not disappoint you as the venue offers all the fun and relaxing features necessary for the best World Cup experience! Entrance is free of charge.

INVESTMENT

Residency and Citizenship Opportunities by Investment in Malta Invest in your future

Stefan Micallef, a consultant at Erremme Business Advisors, explains the benefits of investing in residency and citizenship in Malta.

Malta is a popular tourist destination throughout the year; some visit for business purposes, some for leisure and others for educational purposes. Despite its small size, Malta leaves a positive mark on visitors who often become repeat travellers. Furthermore, it is a dream for many to build a life in Malta, and this can become a reality by acquiring citizenship or residency by investment. There are various reasons for these programmes’ popularity, due to 44

the benefits that Malta offers.

A safe and stable environment is a precious commodity for the peace of mind of each and every family. Throughout the years, Malta has proved to be a popular country of choice due to its low crime rate, stable political system, opportunities for work and reputable educational system, among others.

For the business person and the entrepreneur, Malta could serve as a strategic gateway to major EU and

MENA region countries, through visa-free travel to 160+ countries, including UAE, USA and Canada, among others, and freedom of movement and trade within the Schengen area. Moreover, Malta’s corporate tax system is considered to be highly efficient, also creating an advantageous opportunity to set up a business in Malta.

The Citizenship and Residency programmes differ from each other in terms of privileges offered to qualifying applicants. Citizenship by Investment is the more beneficial option. First and foremost, one is not just obtaining Maltese Citizenship, but is also becoming a citizen of the EU, granting unlimited freedom of movement and the right to work and reside in the area indefinitely.

Citizenship also grants applicants the Maltese passport, allowing visa-free travel in numerous countries around the world.

Residency, on the other hand, gives the right to applicants to reside in Malta for an indefinite period and offers a 90-day out of a consecutive 180-day

INVESTMENT

period freedom of movement within the Schengen area.

Both the Maltese Citizenship and the Residency application are subject to a stringent due diligence process, thus ensuring that accepted applicants are of the highest repute. Investing in a country’s passport or residence is not just a financial investment, but a choice that guarantees a stable future both for the main applicant

and all other family members.

Erremme Business Advisors is an accredited agent of the Maltese Citizenship and Residency programmes. Incorporated in 2002, Erremme offers financial and consultancy services to high-net-worth individuals and families including tax planning, company incorporations and advice on Residency and Citizenship schemes in Malta.

Interested individuals are encouraged to send an email for a free consultation and an eligibility check to Stefan Micallef on smicallef@easl.com.mt.

A consultation can be organised at your hotel (excluding Gozo) or at our premises.

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TAKE NOTE

Travel aboard this summer

The concept of yacht charter as a family holiday is fast becoming an alternative and cost-effective way of enjoying boating without the costs and headaches associated with having your own. Utilising a yacht from a yacht charter company offers the freedom to sail in many Mediterranean locations, while having your accommodation with you, making it a convenient way to travel both locally and even overseas to other places like Sicily, Pantelleria or Lampedusa.

For those who have no sailing experience or would like a skipper on board, this option can be provided by the charter company at minimal cost.

The skipper will be able to offer advice about cruising areas such as anchorages, bays and marinas, and the best places to eat and drink. Nautica offers a variety of modern sailing yachts as well as power boats for charter, accommodating up to 10 guests for overnight charters and up to 12 guests for day charters. All

the vessels are equipped with the required safety equipment, certified by Transport Malta for bareboat and skippered yacht charters, and both the yachts and guests are fully insured. Plan your summer vacation on a chartered sailing yacht from Nautica Ltd.

Get in touch on T: 2134 5138/9; E: charter@nautica.com.mt to plan your holiday onboard one of our vessels.

Visit www.yachtchartermalta.com or www.nautica.com.mt for more information.

BEACHES

Take a Tour:

Malta’s Secluded Beaches

Wied il-Għasri - Photo: Jürgen Scicluna - viewingmalta.com

There’s no denying Malta gets busy over the warmer months – but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a patch of sand to call your own. Jo Caruana hunts down Malta’s lesser-known beaches.

Just picture it: you, your towel and a stretch of sand all to yourself… It’s what Mediterranean island dreams are made of.

OK – now we have to admit that that’s not exactly the image associated with most Maltese beaches. After all, the

long, lazy days of summer are also very busy, with hundreds of thousands of visitors and locals pouring onto the island’s largest beaches to enjoy the sun, sea and facilities (most of these bays have cafés, restaurants, showers, toilets, water sports and more).

But if that doesn’t float your boat then don’t worry, because we’ve put together a list of some of the islands’ lesser-known beach spots. And we promise – that while they won’t quite be ‘deserted’ – they won’t be anywhere near as busy, and they will be absolutely stunning! ➜ 49

BEACHES

Fomm ir-Riħ - Photo: Jürgen Scicluna - viewingmalta.com Kalanka Bay - Photo: viewingmalta.com

Fomm ir-RiĦ From Rabat, follow the signs to Baħrija If you enjoy snorkelling, then this is the beach for you – although it will take quite a trek to get you here. Fomm ir-Riħ is considered one of the most isolated beaches on the island, but it’s also the one we think is most worth the effort (especially as most people are unlikely to have done so themselves!). Aside from the remoteness of this bay and its tranquillity, we love the fantastic views of the cliffs, valleys and the sea. To get here, allow at least 20 minutes for the walk down the steep pathway (and bear in mind you’ll have to climb it back up). Do also consider that 50

it can get very choppy when the winds blow from the north or northwest, so swimming in these conditions is not recommended.

Kalanka Bay From Marsaxlokk, head to Delimara Known as a natural swimming pool, this rocky beach is well off the traditional tourist track and likely to be quiet even at the height of summer. The bay sits within the curves of limestone rock that surround it and the sea is perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Just bear in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty and no facilities anywhere nearby, so go prepared with food and drink – and plenty of sun cream too, as there is little shade around here. ➜

BEACHES

Peter’s Pool - Photo: viewingmalta.com

Peter’s Pool From Delimara, take the road to the lighthouse and follow the signs This is another natural pool, and another great place to dive in and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. This spot is better known and can get a little busier, however it’s worth the trip as the deep waters and striking limestone rocks make for a fabulous combination. Plus, if the sea is calm, then the waters go an unusual blue-green colour, which makes them all-the-more spectacular.

Għasri Valley, Gozo Access Għasri Valley from Għasri village square or Marsalforn Again, this is more of a spot for swimmers or snorkellers than sunbathers, but it is absolutely beautiful. This narrow creek is

known for its underwater caves, including the stunning Cathedral Cave. Highlights include the views of the high cliffs on either side

and the clean waters, as well as the little pebbly beach (although you will probably need to get here early if you want a spot on it). ➜

Wied il-Għasri - Photo: Jürgen Scicluna - viewingmalta.com

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BEACHES

San Blas Bay, Gozo - Photo: viewingmalta.com

San Blas Bay, Gozo Drive to Nadur, then follow the signs to San Blas Gozo’s best-known beach is Ramla l-Ħamra, a long stretch of sand that’s famous for its reddish hue.

San Blas Bay may not be quite as grand – or have any of the handy facilities like the beach cafés and sunbed rentals – but it is just as pretty, and far more secluded. The downside? Well, you will have to trek down (and then up) a steep hill to get here, but we think it’s worth it – especially as the sand is gorgeous and the waters super clean. This is also a great spot for a picnic – just remember to pack any litter away before you go! ➜ 54

San Blas Bay, Gozo - Photo: viewingmalta.com

BEACHES Santa MariJa Bay, Comino Once on Comino, follow the road up from the Blue Lagoon If you’ve found yourself on beautiful Comino but you can’t find a spot to sit, then opt out of the Blue Lagoon and, instead, walk over to Santa Marija Bay. Located on the other side of this tiny island, this bay may not be quite as striking as its famous

Comino - Photo: viewingmalta.com

Comino - Photo: Gregory Iron - viewingmalta.com

relative, but it is definitely more tranquil. We love the shallow waters, which are ideal for paddling, while the sandy beach is a good space to relax.

TAKE NOTE

red Sunset Party 2018 CafÉ del Mar Malta

21st July

The reddest, hottest, most amazing and awaited summer event on the island is back! Launching its third edition, TM.TF. Events in collaboration with Privé Events presents the triumph of the season. With a thrilling line-up of performances, this event will take you on a journey like no other!

Our main act, Kelli-Leigh from South London will honour the stage. Kelli-Leigh performed vocals on tracks such as Duke Dumont featuring Jax Jones’s I Got U and Secondcity’s I Wanna Feel which both went straight to number one in the official UK charts. In

2017, she entered the official UK charts and remained in the Top 10 for over a month with More Than Friends with James Hype.

All the way from Latvia we proudly announce Sandis, a musician who sings and plays on piano, alongside sets of the best local DJs, as well as international model and DJ Amely.

Watch them live and live the moment on 21st July 2018 from the beachfront setting of Café del Mar from 7pm onwards. Indulge in a blazing red dress code – Be inspired.

Be part of it. Don’t miss it!

Get in touch on M: 9980 8343; E: info@redsunsetparty.com; and visit www.redsunsetparty.com for tickets and further information.

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WORLD CUP

Malta’s feverish World Cup celebrations While Malta does not have a stake in this year’s World Cup – and, unfortunately, has never had – the passion and enthusiasm for the beautiful game will take centre stage on the islands this June and July.

Rebecca Anastasi has the low-down on how to cheer for your chosen team from these Mediterranean islands.

This year’s FIFA World Cup, being held in Russia from 14th June to 15th July, has been highly anticipated on these small islands for some months now (you could even say years!). Malta is one of the 179 countries which did not qualify, though this was, unfortunately, no big surprise for the islanders. In fact, the Maltese national football team has never had the chance to play to the chanting and support of a World Cup stadium. Not that this has stopped the locals from cheering on their chosen team with wild, feverish abandon.

La bella Italia vs blighty This year has already made World Cup history: Italy did not qualify, much to the horror and chagrin of many a Maltese devotee. The Italian team has always been a sort of surrogate national squad for half of the Maltese population, with footballers possessing the Latin surnames of Del Piero, Buffon and Bonucci hailed as the

grand heroes of the beautiful game.

Italian flags have been flown atop the limestone rooftops of the islands, waved frantically from carcading vehicles and green, white and red stripes have been painted on sunkissed Mediterranean faces. For many a World Cup-year, Malta did indeed feel like an outpost of la bella Italia.

Except, for those supporting England. The passion Maltese fans of Italy displayed could only be matched by local fans of St George’s isle, who amounted to roughly the same amount. In pubs and bars, the gravelled sounds of ‘Engerland, Engerland, Engerland’ bounced off the walls – a rallying call for the team to do their supporters proud. This was only matched by the equally loud chants of ‘Viva Italia’ from nearby watering holes.

A showdown between England and Italy in the World Cup would divide the nation, with friends and families often decrying the opposing team.

It’s game on for… picking a team!

And, this year, with another 178 teams joining Malta on the side lines, and only 32 of FIFA’s members qualifying, it’s going to be tough to choose a team to support. But, there is no doubt that the Maltese will find a country to cheer – even after England gets unceremoniously kicked out (which is a historical probability).

Will the chosen team be Iceland, who emerged from underdog status just a few short years ago? This may be a natural choice for the local islanders. After all, Malta and Iceland share many similar qualities: their populations are both small (335,000 live in the Scandinavian country while 420,000 live on this Mediterranean island); they are both islands, and they both have a history of foreign interference and influence.

If Iceland wins, this could bring hope to the Maltese – after all, if they can do so well, why can’t we? ➜ 61

WORLD CUP Germany is another option. A team well-versed in the art of this sport, Germany has many a Maltese football fan (as can be seen by the flags displayed on homes around the islands). Maybe it’s the fact that they’ve already won the cup four times, or, perhaps, the dogged persistence of the players is admired on an island known for its lack of resources and the resulting necessity to keep going on, no matter what.

Or will Maltese fans support Brazil for the pure football spectacle the squad promises? Known to be the most successful team in the FIFA World Cup, having won the title five times, the national squad of this Latin American country can do no wrong. The current team includes, among others, Thiago Silva with 69 caps to his name.

Whoever supports this team has winning very high on their agenda.

In the run-up In anticipation of the biggest celebration of football, local supporters have been prepping their World Cup Panini sticker albums for weeks now, in a ritual imported from Italy but firmly embedded in the hearts of many a Maltese World Cup fan. Avid football-lovers congregate outside the local supplier of Panini in Merchants Street, Valletta, even during weekends, to

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Locals exchanging Panini FIFA album stickers - Photo: Luke Anastasi

swap and stick their player stickers.

And, for many others, the World Cup is an excuse to take some time off work. With some matches happening at 3pm local time, and others at 4pm or 7pm, local fans have been planning their days off, checking the schedule and pinning their hopes on their dream teams. Some have even been lucky enough to secure some tickets to watch one of the shows live.

Head to the field… …Or the screening venues, at any rate, if you haven’t managed to get tickets to Russia. While this year’s World Cup is being played in over 12 venues, with the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow and the Saint Petersburg Stadium hosting seven matches each – the former also hosting the final – there are dozens of restaurants, bars and open-air areas around the

island where crowds will gather to watch their favourite team play.

In St Julian’s, the large car-park area in Spinola Bay will become a centre point for many a World Cup fan. Historically, this site has welcomed hundreds of World Cup revellers, keen on letting their hair down and showing up in support of their chosen squad of the evening.

This year, it will be no different (except for the conspicuous absence of Italian supporters). The Neptunes Water Polo Club in Balluta Bay, St Julian’s will also be showing all 64 matches on a large LED screen.

Buġibba and Qawra further up north are also well-known for attracting scores of football fans – the majority of bars in the area will be screening matches from afternoon till night, with many fans staying on afterwards to either drink in celebration or to drown their football woes.

A World Cup Village, celebrating anything and everything football, is also set up at designated parts of the island, such as in Ta’ Qali, in the centre of Malta, Marsa, next to the Grand Harbour or Qawra in the north. Whatever the venue, they will all have one thing in common: shouting, singing and a guaranteed good time!

TAKE NOTE

Celebrating

90 Years of Brewing in malta It was in the late 1920s that L. Farrugia & Sons, commonly known as Farsons, first ventured into the brewing industry with the building of a brewery in Ħamrun.

Lewis Victor Farrugia, visionary entrepreneur, was diversifying the activities of an industrial gas business.

The first locally-brewed beer, Farsons Pale Ale, was launched in April 1928, only a few months after the brewery was completed, and a new chapter in the history of Maltese industry had begun.

In the same year, another brewery known as The Malta Export Brewery was gearing up to produce lager-type beers – their first lager, called ‘Cisk’ after the nickname of the Scicluna family which owned it, was advertised for the first time in August 1929.

A year later, L. Farrugia & Sons merged with H. G. Simonds, renowned brewers from Reading in the UK. Simonds had been shipping regular supplies of beer to the Maltese islands since 1880 to satisfy the strong demand of the British garrison stationed in Malta during the period. The new company was called Simonds Farsons Limited.

Simonds Farsons Limited and The Malta Export Brewery merged post-war, and the formation of Simonds Farsons Cisk Limited was announced on 30th June 1948. Two years previously, Lewis V. Farrugia, an architect by profession, had started working on a plan and project for a new brewery in Mrieħel, which was formally inaugurated in June 1950, and still stands today. These facilities enhanced Farsons’ brewing capabilities and paved the way for new opportunities.

Throughout its 90-year history, Simonds Farsons Cisk plc has always been at the forefront of product innovation. Its history and heritage is full of far-sighted entrepreneurs with visionary leadership and courage who continue to inspire a passion for the future.

Farsons Brewery brews the Classic Brews range of ales, which includes Farsons Blue Label Amber Ale, Farsons Double Red Strong Ale, Farsons India Pale Ale and the recent addition, Farsons Gold Label Pale Ale. Launched just last month to celebrate the company’s historic 90year milestone, Gold Label Pale Ale

is an all-malt pale ale brewed using two types of malt and hopped using a special blend of five hop varieties which together give this beer its characteristic and unique hoppy flavour profile.

The overall result is an innovative combination of the hoppy basic notes with exclusively fruity characteristics.

Farsons Brewery also brews the award-winning Cisk range of beers.

Visit www.farsons.com for more information about Farsons and its portfolio of beers.

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CUISINE

An age-old tradition: harvesting Malta’s ‘white gold’

Within an archipelago of islands surrounded by miles upon miles of beautiful water, it will perhaps come as no surprise that sea salt forms part of the local culture and cuisine, with historical value as a Mediterranean ingredient which has been harvested and used for preservation, curing and cooking for centuries. Sarah Micallef finds out all about salt production on the Maltese islands.

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CUISINE The tradition of harvesting sea salt in Malta has a long history going back to Roman times. With sea salt having always been considered a highly-prized ingredient, it was historically used as a form of currency, and has even made its way into our vocabulary – ever been told you’re ‘worth your salt’? Interestingly, the ingredient has also inspired the name of the northern village of Mellieħa. Derived from melħ, the Maltese word for salt, the village got its name from the salt that used to be produced at the ancient salt lake at Għadira bay in Arab times.

Josephine Xuereb forms part of Malta’s centuries-old salt harvesting tradition today, waking up each day to tend to the salt pans along the coast of Xwejni in Gozo, as her parents, grandparents and ancestors have done for generations. The family are among the last of an everdwindling number of salt harvesters on the islands, who have been Photo: Malcolm Debono - viewingmalta.com

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Rose Cini harvesting salt - Photo: Xwejni salt pans Leli tal-Melħ (Cini)

harvesting salt from the 150 rockcut salt pans in Xwejni since 1860.

“It is very intensive and laborious work, but it is very rewarding,” says Josephine, as she explains that the work is all done manually, without the aid of modern machinery. Having helped her parents at the salt pans since she was a little girl, her passion is undeniable, describing the salt they harvest as a “precious Gozitan raw material, produced with the natural ingredients of the sun, the wind and the sea… a purely authentic Maltese product, the gift of the Mediterranean Sea.” The main season for salt harvesting is during the warm months between May and September, when the sun is at its hottest. For Josephine and her husband, a typical day begins at the crack of dawn. “If salt collection is taking place in the morning, by sunrise I am down at the salt pans, pick up my brush and start sweeping the pans. I fill the buckets with salt and carry them on my shoulders to make a heap of white gold. Later on, sometimes in the

afternoon, we use hose pipes to refill the pans and prepare for another collection,” she explains.

The simple process has remained unchanged for centuries: sea water fills the pans, and the heat of the sun evaporates the water leaving behind the salt crystals.

These are then collected, dried further and bagged. The simplicity of this process is also heavily reliant on Mother Nature, which Josephine admits, does play up sometimes!

“The wind, the climate and the heat all play a very important part,” says Josephine. “Two years ago, there was a big storm during peak season in July, and the sea swept everything away. We had to stop collecting. Summer for us is short, so that year, by October, our stock was completely finished.”

This makes Josephine’s traditional family business completely indebted to nature, a fact that isn’t lost on the seasoned salt harvester. “I appreciate more how the simplest and most genuine things are the most extraordinary in life. Nowadays, everyone takes things for granted. ➜

CUISINE

Salt pans around the islands

Xwejni salt pans - Photo: Chen Weizhong - viewingmalta.com

We do not have time to appreciate how and where our food comes from. Nature turns the sea water into salt, and I see that happen in front of my very eyes. I also see it taken away in storms when the sea sweeps everything away.”

And while her family history is steeped in salt, it is uncertain whether the same will be the case for the next generation. “My children are grown up and they love the tradition too,” Josephine says, adding, “they seem interested, but right now I can’t say if they will follow or not. They help out, but at the moment they are busy finishing their higher education.”

Salt in local cuisine While salt is an essential ingredient in kitchens across the globe, the unique Gozitan sea salt, which is rich in minerals, is particularly prized for its purity and flavour.

Traditionally, it is used to make sun-dried tomatoes, preserve locally-grown capers, cure olives and make sheep’s milk cheeselets (ġbejniet). Finally, mixed with fennel seeds, sea salt makes for a fantastic addition to traditional roast potatoes, which are best thicklysliced and baked on a bed of onions.

“Salt is the most important ingredient in your kitchen, so when you try to source a sustainable

Wondering where to find salt pans on the Maltese islands? Apart from Xwejni, the northern coastline of Gozo past Qbajjar Bay features a chequerboard of salt pans stretching over 3km. Most are now unused but some, like the ones owned by Josephine’s family, are still very much in production.

In Malta, Salina just outside Buġibba is the main production area for sea salt, and following restoration works co-funded by the EU’s Rural Development Fund in 2015, has produced an impressive 20 tonnes of salt last year, with potential to generate more salt than all the other sites in Malta put together.

Other salt pans can be seen along the southern shores in Marsascala, Żonqor Point, Delimara, Xgħajra and Birżebbuġa, and make for delightful backdrops for a brisk evening walk on heady summer days.

salt, naturally evaporated sea salt is generally the way to go,” advises culinary scientist and co-founder of the Mediterranean Culinary Academy Michael Camilleri as he highlights the importance of using good-quality, sustainable salt. ➜

Josephine (centre) flanked by her parents, Rose and Leli Cini, at the Xwejni salt pans in 1976 and 2015 – Photo (L): Xwejni salt pans Leli tal-Melħ (Cini); (R) JJP Zammit

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CUISINE

“Other methods for harvesting salt such as mining or evaporating (by boiling) subterranean brine can be somewhat less environmentallyfriendly than simply relying on the sun to evaporate water and leave behind the salt,” he maintains.

Going on to differentiate between the two distinct types of salt used by local chefs, he identifies an all-purpose seasoning salt and a finishing salt which comprises larger, finer crystals.

“It doesn’t just add salinity but it’s also a textural element - larger crystals can be quite crunchy and thinner flakes can be nice and crispy. We opt to buy local sea salts for both purposes as they’re readily available, consistent and we are always happy to support local industries,” he says.

Leli Cini collecting salt - Photo: Xwejni salt pans Leli tal-Melħ (Cini)

And for Michael’s favourite local dish using sea salt? Somewhat unsurprisingly, it’s ħobż biż-żejt (literally translated as ‘bread with oil’). “Ħobż biż-żejt with some large, flaky and crunchy crystals of Xwejni salt is certainly a great way to try it out. Sea salt is also great for finishing off barbecued meats or fish. I love salty chocolate so I’ll usually

add some to finish a chocolate soufflé or mousse," he adds.

You can find Gozitan sea salt in supermarkets and souvenir shops during your visit, but if you happen to be in Gozo, we’d certainly recommend buying direct from the makers. Pop over to Xwejni to meet Josephine and her family on any weekday during summer, when you can watch them work at the pans.

EATING & DRINKING

The all-new menu at de Mondion Restaurant

Set atop Mdina’s centuries-old bastions, within the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, de Mondion offers a unique, fine-dining experience with spectacular panoramic views of the island from the terraces, especially during the summer months.

The award-winning kitchen brigade, ably led by talented Chef de Cuisine Kevin Bonello, has come up with an all-new menu of soulnourishing cuisine, refinement and excellence, creating the most tantalising dishes imaginable.

Throughout the warmer starry nights, dining al fresco on the Mdina bastions, surrounded by colourful firework displays, de Mondion Restaurant adds a whole new significance to eating out.

De Mondion Restaurant is open for dinner all week. Group lunches are available on request, and we also welcome enquiries for private functions and special celebrations.

T: 2145 0560; E: info@xaracollection.com; www.demondion.com

EATING & DRINKING

An Italian experience in the north of Malta

La Buona Trattoria del Nonno is now a wellestablished trattoria and bisteccheria, located in St Paul’s Bay in the north of Malta. It forms part of a palazzo, owned by il nonno, Mr Benny Muscat Snr. Established in 2012, Mr Muscat il nonno has thrown all his experience and love, with the assistance of his grandchildren, Jake and Kane, into the creation of this trattoria. The concept of the trattoria is that of wood-oven baking, and includes the ever-popular Lara’s wood-oven baked pork spare ribs, suckling pig and lamb shanks.

The trattoria is also known for its quality pizzas and pastas – the former also baked in our wood-oven, which makes all the difference in taste and quality.

The grill area (bisteccheria) serves a variety of top quality cuts of beef, pork, veal, chicken and duck, as well as fresh fish choices such as salmon fillet, tuna steaks, swordfish steaks, calamari and much more.

Apart from offering a vast choice of local and

foreign beverages and wines, we recently introduced a selection of cocktails which will start or end meals in the best way possible. Our desserts – you may choose from an extensive choice of over 40 different kinds! – also boast the highest Italian quality.

The restaurant welcomes all kinds of guests, including families with children, couples in search of a romantic evening, or larger groups looking for a great night out. Check out our new business menu which is ideal for a quick yet satisfying lunch.

Triq San Pawl, St Paul's Bay. For reservations call on T: 2157 3182

EATING & DRINKING

La Sorpresa La Sorpresa is a family-run restaurant and pizzeria where customers are welcomed like friends and family. Colin and Doreen pride themselves on making consistent, high-quality food and service a priority. La Sorpresa restaurant offers both a Mediterranean-based à la carte menu, as well as a variety of set menus designed to suit every guest’s preferences. Our à la carte menu includes pasta dishes, mouth-watering steaks and other carvery dishes, fresh local fish, homemade pizzas, traditional Maltese dishes and other special dishes which change frequently.

Our little guests have their own kids menu and gluten-free options are also available.

Open Monday to Saturday 6-11pm; Sunday 11.30am-3pm, 6-11pm.

La Sorpresa, Tourists Street, Buġibba.

Contact Nicholas Farrugia on T: 2157 7301; M: 7925 4324.

Luna – The Restaurant at Palazzo Parisio The Luna Restaurant combines a variety of culinary concepts set in one of Malta’s finest privately-owned stately homes. Every corner assures you luxury, grace, elegance and a taste of history by the mouthful, offering breakfast, snacks, lunch, traditional English afternoon tea or dinner. Choose from the sublime interiors or the beautifully shaded tables on the garden terrace basking beside fragrant orange blossom and flamboyant bougainvillea. Luna, in all its forms, offers relaxation and understated luxury in an incredible and refined ambience.

29, Victory Square, Naxxar. Book your table on T: 21412461 Ext 2; E: fb@palazzoparisio.com; www.palazzoparisio.com

Maltese Mama Maltese Mama serves authentic Maltese and Italian cuisines complemented by great service in a relaxing atmosphere. To start, patrons are offered a complimentary plate of traditional Maltese antipasti, served with fresh bread and galletti (water crackers).

Starters include home-made soups, octopus, scallops, clams, the speciality shellfish platter and pasta dishes. A variety of main courses is also available, with specialities including fish and traditional Maltese dishes such as rabbit and braġjoli (beef olives).

Maltese Mama, 19/2, Paceville Avenue, St Julian’s.

T: 2737 7024; M: 7780 5312; E: eltonspiteri@hotmail.co.uk

Rabokk Pizzeria and Snack Bar Located in Nadur’s village square, right opposite the parish church, Rabokk is renowned among locals for its food and friendly atmosphere. Particularly popular is Rabokk’s famous pizza – choose from a wide variety of toppings, or tuck into one of their many dishes, ranging from pasta and meat to sandwiches, wraps and English breakfast. Kick back with a cold beer or bottle of wine, and enjoy watching a live match or event being screened in this welcoming and laid-back hangout.

Open Monday to Sunday 6-12pm.

Pjazza San Pietru u San Pawl, Nadur, Gozo. T: 2155 8337.

79

EATING & DRINKING

Shakinah – Indian Cuisine Situated on the St Julian’s seafront in Balluta Bay, Shakinah presents Indian tastes, scents and flavours in an interesting selection of exquisitely prepared, Halal-Certified, colourful dishes. The fresh ingredients, oriental spices and interesting flavours are carefully handpicked by our native-born Indian chefs. Great emphasis has been placed on the décor, mood and general ambience to ensure a true Shakinah special experience. Allow yourself to be transported on a magic carpet ride to the exotic orient in the heart of St Julian’s.

Open Monday to Sunday 6-11pm.

Shakinah, 5, Ġorġ Borg Olivier Street, St Julian’s.

T: 2731 8000; M: 7731 8000; E: booking@shakinahmalta.com; www.shakinahmalta.com; FB: facebook.com/shakinahmalta

Ta’ Kris Restaurant and Maltese Bistro Right in the heart of Sliema lies Ta’ Kris Restaurant and Maltese Bistro, serving wholesome home cooking at unbeatable prices. Chef patron Chris uses the freshest ingredients to create tasty Maltese dishes like Dad’s Famous Braġjoli, thick beef stew, veal escalopes and rabbit, and for those with a sweet tooth, the deliciously crunchy imqaret – a musttry date-filled pastry. Patrons are also spoilt for choice with the daily specials ranging from fresh fish to beef fillet and various pasta dishes. Everything at this price-worthy restaurant is served in the unique setting of a former bakery. Ta’ Kris is one of the best-rated restaurants by the Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants. Booking is recommended. Set menus for special occasions can also be arranged upon request.

Open Monday to Sunday 12.30-11pm.

Ta’ Kris, 80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema; T: 2133 7367; M: 7933 7367; www.takrisrestaurant.com

Ta’ Marija Celebrating more than five decades of excellence, Ta’ Marija restaurant offers the ideal venue for colleagues, friends and family to celebrate any occasion with sumptuous food in welcoming surroundings, complemented by our exceptional service and merry-making. Enjoy our all-inclusive carvery buffets on Saturday evenings and Sunday lunches for just €27.50 per person, or indulge in a Maltese extravaganza every Wednesday and Friday evening with a spectacular traditional folk dancing show and our mandolin and guitar duo!

Ta’ Marija Restaurant, Constitution Street, Mosta.

T: 2143 4444; E: info@tamarija.com.mt; www.tamarija.com.mt

Terrone Terrone is a restaurant in the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk that combines rustic charm with contemporary regional cuisine. Focusing on southern Italian and local Maltese cuisines, and hand-picking the best local and organic produce, we aim to recreate a healthy and enjoyable way of dining.

We are open every day for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast on weekends (8-10.45am). The restaurant is situated on the Marsaxlokk seafront.

Open Monday to Friday noon-11pm, Saturday 8am-11pm, Sunday 8am-10pm.

Terrone, 1, Wilġa Street, Marsaxlokk. T: 2704 2656; E: info@terrone.com.mt; www.terrone.com.mt

80

FASHION

step into SUMMER with

Charles & Ron

Charles & Ron is a contemporary lifestyle brand of high-end clothing and bags with a distinct Mediterranean flair and a dedication to superior quality.

Maltese culture is an integral part of the Charles & Ron design ethic, and the brand’s vision is to inspire customers to be part of the ‘love affair’ with the brand’s instantlyrecognisable Mediterranean style.

Mediterranean identity “Malta has always been of enormous inspiration to our work, and throughout the years, we’ve enjoyed designing with inspiration from the Mediterranean and all it offers. For us, it’s important to incorporate certain aspects of culture, architecture and tradition, and show them in a different and

unexpected way. We’ve incorporated these references into our brand since the beginning – they define us as a brand, and it’s important to embrace and appreciate your heritage.”

Celebrities and feminine shapes “In the past year, we’ve had the pleasure of dressing many international celebrities, including singer Jessie J, Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones), singer Ashanti, Ally Brooke (Fifth Harmony) and Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child).

These moments have been very satisfying for us as designers, however, we take pride in designing for all kinds of women. The Charles & Ron woman does love statement pieces with a feminine silhouette and is never afraid to stand out in a crowd.”

The importance of accessories “Key items in our range are our Malta-inspired luxury scarves and our leather bags. Our handbags are made from the finest Italian leather and hand-crafted in Malta.

By taking home one of our bags and/or scarves, you will truly be taking home the spirit and beauty of the Maltese islands!”

Charles & Ron, 58D, Republic Street, Valletta. T: 2124 0184.

Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, Attard. www.charlesandron.com 83

WHERE TO SPEND IT

The Point

Malta’s favourite shopping destination

Since opening its doors in 2010, The Point Shopping Mall has become Malta’s favourite shopping destination, attracting 2.5 million local and overseas visitors annually. Exuding a stunning five-star ambience, it offers a wide variety of shops in the latest range of fashion, beauty, health, lifestyle, and food outlets for convenience and shopping pleasure.

The Point hosts family retailers such as flagship store Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, and Costa, alongside designer boutique stores like Armani, Lacoste, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Massimo Dutti and Tru Trussardi. More affordable, trendy and fast fashion brands like New Look, River Island and Bershka, are also available, together with sportswear retailers like Adidas and Nike.

The Point’s extensive array of food outlets has

also been hand-picked to appeal to a cross-section of tastes and budgets. Ample parking with 24-hour security completes a package that is the last word in comfort, service and convenience for The Point’s visitors.

The Point Shopping Mall, Tigné Point, Sliema. www.thepointmalta.com

FASHION

The Perfect Summer Style Guide Look your best this season in these stylish summer staples.

For Him ÔCanada flag t-shirt by DSquared2, available at SARTO, St Julian’s ÔSuede moccasins in dark blue, available at BOSS Store, St Julian’s

ÓStriped swim shorts in quickdrying technical fabric, available at BOSS Store, St Julian’s

ÓShort sleeved polo shirt by Park Lane, available at Mexx Concept Store, Bay Street, St Julian’s

For Her ÔWhite t-shirt by Dolce & Gabbana, available at SARTO, St Julian’s

ÓHorseferry check leather clutch by Burberry, available at SARTO, St Julian’s

ÓPortia wedges in dusk blue

by Jimmy Choo, available at SARTO, St Julian’s ÓLinosa crinkle off-the-shoulder maxi dress by French Connection, available at Mexx Concept Store, Bay Street, St Julian’s

ÓFalabella oversized sunglasses

by Stella McCartney, available at SARTO, St Julian’s

SARTO, Ross Street, St Julian’s, T: 2202 1601 BOSS Store, Ross Street, St Julian’s, T: 2201 1001; Departures Lounge Malta International Airport, T: 2202 1002 Mexx Concept Store, Level 1, Bay Street, St Julian’s, T: 2202 1111

87

WHERE TO SPEND IT

The Duke Shopping Mall

The Place to Be

Situated in the heart of Gozo, The Duke Shopping Mall offers a unique shopping experience with its variety of stores and inviting ambience. The Duke turns 10 this year, and in celebration of this milestone, a winner will be chosen at random every month and awarded either €100 worth of vouchers or a stay courtesy of The Duke Boutique Hotel. This initiative follows the introduction of the Customer Database Form, which allows the user to sign up and receive updates about any activities or offers at The Duke.

The end of April also marked the re-opening of Level -1, which had been under refurbishment since January. TKS and House of Beauty have re-opened and are now bigger and better, while two new stores were introduced – Glamorous Malta and The Model Shop. Moreover, a brand new and sophisticated food store, under the management of Green’s Supermarket, will be opening its doors in June.

We look forward to welcoming you at The Duke, the place to be!

The Duke, Office 2, Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo. T: 2155 8000; E: duke@islandevelopments.com; www. thedukegozo.com; FB: thedukeshoppingmall.

FASHION

sizzling

fashion trends to expect this summer

Crayola colours Designers’ colour choices for their spring/summer collections were at extreme ends of the colour spectrum – pastels on one hand and bright, bold colours on the other. While we do love pastels for spring, we’re all for bright hues during the Ralph & Russo

summer months. Think emerald green, canary yellow, violet and all other vibrant colours which are perfect for those who aren’t afraid to stand out.

www.dressmeblonde.com

Vibrant colours, sequins, and beach-inspired prints are but a few inspiring trends that dominated designers’ spring/summer runways. Martina Said picks her favourite fashion must-haves this season.

Statement sleeves Sleeves have been enjoying some attention the last few seasons, and this one is no different. Designers turned to the 80s for inspiration, incorporating puff sleeves into garments of all kinds, ranging from denim dresses and cold shoulder tops to evening wear and cardigans too. While not everybody’s cup of tea, fashion lovers are excited to see structure take the place of slouchy around the shoulders. ➜

Carolina Herrera

Sandro

91

FASHION Beachy prints Imagine the kind of clothes you’d wear if you were hitting the beach in St Tropez – dresses and palazzo pants made with fine and fancy fabrics like georgette, silk, and chiffon, featuring tropical and sundrenched prints reminiscent of an uptown seaside resort. Designers have gone to town with this trend in their spring/summer collections, and they didn’t disappoint.

Belt bags Expect to have a love-hate relationship with this trend, but we have to admit it’s a pretty neat and practical carrier.

Small and sleek, you’ll be able to pack the bare minimum into these belt bags, but there’s no fumbling

Marc Jacobs

Emilio Pucci

Zara

about with keys in one hand and a bulky handbag in the other.

Also, this yellow Zara number could be the highlight of an otherwise ordinary outfit.

Charles & Ron

92

Summer sequins The fashion rule of wearing sequins for evening wear has been ignored into oblivion this season as designers went heavy on sequins and sparkles for anything from day-time to beachside fashion.

Maltese designer label Charles & Ron was also in on the trend for its spring/summer collection, pairing bright and willowy fabrics with contrasting coloured sequins in symbolic Maltese motifs which simply screamed summer. ➜

FASHION

Earrings Not just any earrings though – we’re talking large, oversized earrings that force you to put away all other jewellery for the season. Statement Missguided

earrings are the accessory of the moment and can be worn during the day, at night, by the beach and pretty much any time you want to give your outfit a little wow factor. From large hoops and heavy chandeliers to long tassels and beaded designs, there’s a style for every fashionista.

Eve by Eva Remenyi

Front-tie swimwear Add a fun and flirty touch to your summer swimwear range with a front-tie swimsuit or bikini.

One-piece swimsuits have held their own as a top trend in swimwear for some time now, and a front-tie along with a peephole detail is at once cute and chic. If a two-piece is more your style, a bikini with a tie-front detail is equally bang on trend.

Christopher Kane

NIGHTLIFE

Oh, Those Summer Nights

With summer now in full swing, you may be in the mood for some fun after dark. The good news? The evenings are long and the entertainment is endless, as Jo Caruana discovers.

As you settle into your holiday in Malta, you may well be wondering how you’re going to be spending your evenings. Dinner by the water’s edge? A stroll along the promenade? Or indeed something a little more late and lively?

If your plans fall into that latter category, then you’re in luck – as June and July are some of the liveliest months on the Maltese calendar, and there are all sorts of evening events to choose from. So, grab a drink, pore over our guide, and discover the many ways you could entertain yourself after the sun sets over the next few weeks.

Festivals Earth Garden 31 May-3 June As Europe’s best-kept music festival secret, you might not have heard of Earth Garden, but it has been going for 10 years. A festival with a green conscience, it promotes creativity by combining non-mainstream music, art, and culture, and this year marks its official international launch. Expect a sizeable festival village with five diverse music stages, an active live jamming area, the inviting healing fields, a colourful ethnic market and tempting food stalls nestled among the trees. Weekend campers are transported to hippiedom, while day visitors wander in and out in

Earth Garden

a child-friendly and dog-friendly environment. Expect four days of fabulous music across four music areas in an amazing natural setting – the National Park in Ta’ Qali. www.earthgarden.com.mt

Valletta Film Festival 8-17 June Organised by the Film Grain Foundation, the Valletta Film Festival is Malta’s largest cinematic event, screening over 40 feature films and 25 short films at indoor and open-air cinemas around the capital city. The festival is made up of three competitive sections adjudicated by international juries

and a number of sidebars that focus on films from different islands around the world, comingof-age cinema and a retrospective dedicated to an established film director. Another section titled ‘Without Borders’ – that focuses on a different region of the world each year – will feature the cinema of East Asia. A biennial conference on the Cinema of Small Nations will also be held, together with a series of talks, debates, workshops and other activities that make it a contemporary and relevant event within Valletta’s turn as European Capital of Culture. www.vallettafilmfestival.com ➜ 97

NIGHTLIFE

Isle of MTV - Photo: Jonathan Brincat - viewingmalta.com

Għanafest 22-23 June Expect a local vibe, local artisanship and local food as this festival centres on Malta's traditional folk song. The two-day festival, however, showcases fusion music from around the Mediterranean, with foreign acts from Algeria to Israel, aiming to highlight the unity in diversity of this traditional genre.

The setting of Għanafest is the beautiful Argotti Gardens, perched high on the bastions in Floriana. www.facebook.com/Ghanafest Isle of MTV & Malta Music Week 27 June-1 July 2018 This is one of the most anticipated events of the year, especially among music lovers, with the Isle of MTV free music event, staged at The Granaries in Floriana, at its heart. So far, the line-up for that includes Jason Derulo, Hailee Steinfeld and Sigala.

The rest of the week presents a selection of music events at a variety of venues, ranging from club nights and pool parties to live street concerts. www.isleofmtv.com/mt

98

L-Imnarja Summer Folk Festival 29 June This festivity dates back to even before the arrival of the Knights of the Order of St John in Malta in 1530. Its name, L-Imnarja (or Festival of Light), has its origins in the many solstice fires that originally accompanied the festivities. On this day, the party is located in Buskett Gardens: families and friends head there for a picnic, wine flows and national delicacies, such as the traditional rabbit dish, are served. In the evenings, singing, guitar-playing and local folk music provide ample entertainment.

Malta Jazz Festival - Photo: viewingmalta.com

Għanafest - Photo: Ray Attard - viewingmalta.com

Malta Jazz Festival 16-21 July We love the open-air stage and impressive backdrop of the lit-up fortifications shimmering on the calm waters of Grand Harbour.

The Jazz Festival is perhaps the most prestigious music event in Malta, with critical acclaim worldwide, and has become a byword for high-calibre performances, which delight jazz aficionados and lay persons alike.

This year’s line-up boasts three of the biggest names in jazz today, namely Chick Corea, Christian McBride and Karim Ziad. http://maltajazzfestival.org ➜

NIGHTLIFE Farsons Beer Festival 26 July-4 August Celebrating beer and music, this open-air festival is the largest summer showcase of local talent.

Held in the Ta’ Qali National Park, it runs for 10 days and presents acts from across many genres, as well as free performances by top local talent. www.farsonsbeerfestival.com

Parties & Music Anastacia in concert 6 June Pop legend Anastacia – the mega voice behind massive hits including I’m Outta Love and Left Outside Alone – will perform at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali. Anastacia is celebrating her seventh album, Evolution, with this new tour, and this show is said to mark a return to the Anastacia of old – captivating rock numbers alternating with catchy pop songs and moving ballads, dominated by her immediately-recognisable soulful voice. Malta-grown sisterduo The New Victorians will open for the multi-platinum artist. www.showshappening.com/ nng/Anastacia-Malta-2018 Map of the Mediterranean - Photo: Adri van den Berg

Anastacia

Map of the Mediterranean 20-22 June The Map of the Mediterranean concert, which will be held at The Maori Bar in Valletta, will focus on the theme of the Mediterranean Sea, with poetry by Antoine Cassar and new music by Luc Houtkamp and the POW Ensemble. It will also feature Guy Harries on flute, electronics and vocals, and Tom Armitage on keyboards. This music-and-poetry event explores how migration and travel have shaped Mediterranean culture, and will premiere on UN World Refugee Day. Antoine will recite his own poem, intersected with songs and music.

House Legends 24 June, 15 July MedAsia Playa, on the Sliema seafront, is known to be one of the best summer party venues anywhere on the island. This summer, it’s launched its House Legends series, which opened on 27th May with a party by David Morales. Next up will be Claptone on 24th June and Pete Tong on 15th July, with more

high-profile DJs to be announced as the summer goes on. www.facebook.com/MedAsiaPlaya

SHOWERS 6-8 July Arguably one of the most anticipated events in the Maltese summer calendar, Showers has sold out for the last five years and is now back for its latest edition.

Upping the ante this year, there will be four events over three days, with the largest one at Café del Mar in Qawra on 7th July. Highlights include the Bon Voyage party, Ruby’s After Party, and the Showers Detox. www.facebook.com/Showersevent Joseph Calleja Concert 21 July Famed Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja will be performing at his annual summer concert on 21st July, and joining him on stage is Italian sensation Eros Ramazzotti.

The stars will be accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra in what promises to be an unforgettable concert under the stars at The Granaries in Floriana. www.showshappening.com ➜ 101

NIGHTLIFE

Theatre & Events Malta Fashion Week 26 May-2 June From shows to parties, Fashion Week showcases some of Malta’s best talent in the fashion industry, from designers and catwalk models to stylists and make-up artists. Now in its 20th edition, the 2018 edition of the Chamilia Malta Fashion Awards will be the most anticipated fashion party of the year. Apart from handing out the much-coveted awards to the top people in fashion this year, the event will include spectacular hair shows, a gathering of fashion shows held during the whole week, including by several international designers from various countries, and last but not

least the highly-awaited after-party. www.fashionweek.com.mt

Malta International Arts Festival 29 June-15 July Arts lovers can expect a varied twoweek programme of theatre, music, dance and visual arts from a broad range of genres at a variety of openair venues of historical significance.

The festival includes a wide range of performances targeting different audiences, as well as workshops with some of the international guests. www.maltaartsfestival.org As You Like It 13-22 July The Malta Amateur Dramatic Club, a long-running theatre company, will present its annual Shakespeare

Malta Fashion Week - Photo: Camille Salinas Photography

performance in English, at San Anton Gardens in Attard, right by the President’s Palace. This year, young director Philip Leone Ganado will present As You Like It. Forced into exile in the Forest of Arden, lovers Rosalind and Orlando become entangled in a beguiling game of love, lust and mistaken identity. www.madc.com.mt

0

1

,

Legend

2

3 km

1

51

52 56 181

Ir-Rabat

53 186 201 202

L-Imdina

182

1

202

9

109

X3

38

Ħaż-Żebbuġ

61

Ħ’Attard

74

7

Iż-Żurrieq 73

Il-Ħnejja (Blue Grotto)

11

71 73 74

7

11

Ħal Luqa

Ħal Safi

8

21

15

21

Il-Birgu (Vittoriosa)

X4

88 226

9 11

,

85

X4

Ħal Far

210 82

6 88, 22

135

Birżebbuġa

Il-Gudja

135

Ħal Għaxaq

226 3,

Santa Luċija

8 0 ,8

83

204

, 303

302

323

3

Ix-Xgħajra

124

124

80

92,

124

L-Imġarr

N

302 303 323 306

322 330

312 322 303 322 323 303 322

302 303 305 306 307 308 310 311 312 313 323 330

1 2 3 4 13 13A 14 15 16 21 22 24 25 31 32 35 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 56 58 58A 61 62 63 64 71 72 73 74 80 81 82 83 84 85 88 91 92 93 94 122 130 133 238 250 260 X4 Malta International Airport 117 119 135 201 X1 X2 X3 X4 2 3 4 124 213 Il-Birgu 80 81 119 210 X4 Birżebbuġa 71 201 Blue Grotto 31 45 48 186 203 212 221 223 Buġibba / Il-Qawra 280 X3 221 222 250 X1 X1A 41 42 101 201 Ċirkewwa Ferry 56 186 202 201 Ta’ Qali 52 56 181 201 Ħad-Dingli 223 225 44 101 201 Golden Bay 1 124 213 L-Isla 213 N3 3 201 Il-Kalkara 91 92 93 119 124 135 201 204 N91 Marsaskala 81 85 119 210 Marsaxlokk 22 31 32 109 110 117 120 121 Mater Dei Hospital 122 135 181 182 204 206 201 201 209 233 238 213 218 226 201 201 210 201 50 51 52 53 56 109 181 182 L-Imdina 186 201 202 250 X3 221 222 250 41 42 49 101 201 Il-Mellieħa X1 X1A 201 44 101 213 L-Imġarr 14 120 Paceville 50 51 52 53 56 109 181 182 Ir-Rabat 186 201 202 250 X3 13 14 15 16 21 201 202 204 Tas-Sliema 201 201 222 225 201 233 X3 212 81 82 201 206 Ħal Tarxien 71 73 74 117 201 218 Iż-Żurrieq

Valletta

MALTA - Index of places served

L-Għarb Marsalforn L-Imġarr In-Nadur Il-Qala Ir-Ramla Ta’ Sannat Santa Luċija / Ta’ Kerċem Ta’ Pinu Church / L-Għasri Ix-Xagħra Ix-Xlendi Iż-Żebbuġ Ix-Xewkija Il-Munxar

Kemmunett Id-Dwejra (Cominotto)

301 309 311 308 310 301 302 303 302 305 313 308 307 306 309 301 305

KEMMUNA GOZO - Index of places served (COMINO)

Il-Qala

Ir-Rabat (Victoria)

322 323 301 303

303

303

www.freytagberndt.com

St Thomas Bay

91 92 93 119 124 135 204 93

2 32

In-Nadur

302

GĦAWDEX (GOZO)

Date: 19th April 2017 © FREYTAG-BERNDT & ARTARIA KG, VIENNA

Delimara

Marsaxlokk Market

Marsaxlokk

Pretty Bay

85

81 85

21 0

13 9, 11

5

20 4

91, ,93

92

Ħaż-Żabbar

94 120 121

94

Fort Rinella

81,119

6 84, 20

301

323

Għajnsielem

Ix-Xewkija

206 Marsaskala 84 Iż-Żejtun (Wied il-Għajn)

Tarxien Temples Ħal Tarxien

120,121

307

2

32

2,

30

302

Ramla Bay

Ta’ Kola Windmill Il-Ġgantija (Ġgantija Temples)

307

IL-BAĦAR MEDITERRAN (MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

3 Il-Kalkara

213

213 1 Il-Fgura 90,91 92,93,94

Raħal Ġdid (Paola)

2,3,4

(Cospicua)

X1A Bormla

1 124 213

(Senglea)

4

Il-Belt VALLETTA

L-Isla 2

Ta´Xbiex

3 13

305

03

1,3

30

Ir-Rabat (Victoria) 30 2 32 3

307

310 322

Marsalforn Bay

Ix-Xagħra

309 Marsalforn

Il-Munxar Ta’ Sannat

330

306,

15 21 202 203 212 222 225

0

, 11

21

1

Ta’ Kerċem

313

Tas-Sliema

6

4,1

Il-Gżira

Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

0

12

Il-Marsa

,73

74

Ħaġar Qim

72

Il-Qrendi

74

64

58

56 5 Tal-Pietà 8A

L-Imsida

32

A,1

13

St George’s Bay San Ġiljan (St Julian’s)

San Ġwann

X1 X2 X3 119 201 117 Malta Int. Airport 218 72 L-Imqabba

Is-Siġġiewi

62 209

63

64

11

120

X2

22 Il-Balluta 21 0,1

University

50,54,

X1 X2 X3 X4 61 62 63 64 74 110 120 121 135 204 206 209 210 218 226

9

63

61,62 20

4

Mater Dei Hospital

2,53

Ħal Qormi

58 51,5

22

106

14

Is-Swieqi

16

Pembroke

14

233 16 25 35 2 2

Ħal Balzan Birkirkara

L-Iklin

43

202, 203

3

,10

X1

13A 14 103 110 120 121

71

Ħaġar Qim L-Imnajdra Temples (Mnajdra Temples)

109

Ras Bajjada

41-49 203, 25 0,260 280 54

,182 181

9 10

1 20

61

6

49

46 260

13

306 330

313

2

31

8,

30 31

308

L-Għasri

8

30

Santa Luċija

Ix-Xlendi Xlendi Bay

San Lawrenz

Id-Dwejra

311

312

Iż-Żebbuġ

80,82 , 85

Għar Lapsi

10

186

106 54

13

Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq

Ħal Għargħur

In-Naxxar Mosta Dome Il-Mosta

47

,5 50,52,5 3

Ta’ Qali

56

186

0

25

49

10 3

21 2 , 22 2, 2 25 X 1, X1A

Is-Salina

Tarġa Gap

Ta' Qali National Stadium

Buskett Gardens

8

Il-Bidnija

Il-Buskett 20

1B

Burmarrad

X1,X

Il-Qawra

X1 X1A X2 22 25 31 32 106 110 117 120 122 135 181 182 204 206 209 210 213 218 226 233 238 260 280

Azure Window

Ta’ Pinu L-Għarb

310

wa

This map is to be used for personal/non-commercial purposes. Unauthorised reproduction is forbidden.

For more information please contact us on publictransport.com.mt or 21222000

MALTA

51

L-Imtarfa

44, 2 3

103

Il-Wardija

50

Ħad-Dingli

56

Dingli Cliffs

109

Ta’ Ħaġrat

101 238

Skorba Temples

A

X1

San Pawl il-Baħar (St Paul’s Bay)

Buġibba

X3 31 45 48 186 203 212 221 223 280

Selmunett (St Paul’s Islands)

IL-BAĦAR MEDITERRAN (MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

5 17,13

Bus routes Bus routes only summer Number of bus route Place of departure/arrival Key bus stop Sales and information office Bus interchange Tourist information Heritage site Place of interest Airport Hospital Ferry Beach

1

Il-Baħrija

109

Il-Ġnejna

01

L-Imġarr

Ġnejna Bay

1

25

223, 2

Il-Mellieħa

Mellieħa Bay

44, 10

101

49

49

Għajn Tuffieħa

Golden Bay

101

L-Għadira

44 223 225

Popeye Village Il-Prajjet (Anchor Bay)

22 1

X1B

101

309

49

47

Paradise Bay

202

0

Iċ-Ċirkewwa

181, 56

54,106

31

Ċirkewwa Ferry

2 20 1, 6,18 52,5

109

25, 35

305,30 6

L-Armier (Armier Bay)

62,109

13

305

X1 X1A 41 42 101 221 222 250

,82

2

218 4

8

218

80

,8 ,85

01

73, 1

26

117

0,2

201

311 71

3

72

2, 5

3

51

,X

18

X1,X

X2

1

X3

,12

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