NOV/DEC 2012
ISSUE 8
FINDING PEACE
at the Capuchin Friary Visit the Village That Loves Christmas
PAGE 34
THE ART
of Great Cribbage
Character / Spirit / Foundations / Flavours / Calendar / Through the Keyhole
EDITOR'S NOTE
ISSUE 8
embracing festivities Editor Coryse Borg Editorial Consultant Jo Caruana Publisher Gozo Tourism Association info@islandofgozo.org www.islandofgozo.org Advertising Gozo Tourism Association sales@letsgozo.com.mt Art Director John Falzon Design Keen Limited www.keen.com.mt Contributors Pia Zammit Iggy Fenech Photography George Saguna Pre-Press & Printing Progress Press
ON THE COVER
"Monks at the Capuchin Friary". Photo by George Saguna
We’ve really gotten into the festive spirit at Let’s Gozo this issue! In the run up to Christmas, we’ve excitedly rounded up some of the most impressive sights that you will be able to enjoy in the weeks to come. One of our favourites will always be the chance to experience the great effort that some dedicate people inject into their crib building – such as Frank Mizzi in Victoria, who speaks to Pia Zammit on page 34. And then there’s the village of Xaghra, whose residents collectively come together every year to promote all sorts of festive activities, including Neapolitan-style cribs, a live crib and ‘Cribs by Night’, as well as a Christmas crafts exhibition and the ‘Triumphant Arrival of the Three Magi’. It’s all pretty magical! Meanwhile, we’re also celebrating one of Gozo’s best-known brands, Savina, and this issue saw me explore their creativity centre to learn more about their scrumptious delicacies and great gifts. And speaking of gifts, this issue we also learnt a little more about some of Gozo’s most popular shopping hotspots… you can read more on page 16. Of course, there’s so much more to keep you entertained and enthralled. So, in the run up to the festive season, we invite you to take a load off and enjoy pouring over these pages. On behalf of all of us here at Let’s Gozo, I wish you a very healthy and happy Christmas and New Year. Make the most of it and Let's Gozo!
Let’s Gozo is published by the Gozo Tourism Association every two months on Sunday with an audited circulation of 39,500 copies distributed with the Sunday Times of Malta. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the Publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omission. Neither the editor nor publisher accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. While we endeavour to ensure that firms and organisations mentioned are reputable, the editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfil their obligations under all circumstances. This publication is supported by the Ministry for Gozo.
www.letsgozo.com.mt 3
contents
November/December ‘12
46
THROUGH THE KEYHOLE A look at the latest events that have taken Gozo by storm.
06
CHARACTER:
Fiddler on the Move Pia Zammit meets talented violinist Jean Noel Attard
10
06
SPIRIT:
It Takes a Village Pia Zammit discovers why Xaghra is the village that just loves Christmas
16
SPIRIT:
Shop, Shop, Shop Till you Drop!
10
The secret of retail success on Gozo
20
FOUNDATIONS:
The Spirit of Giving Back Jo Caruana visits the Capuchin Friary
24
SPIRIT:
Singing from the Heart
20
Coryse Borg sings the praises of two very different choirs
30
FLAVOURS:
Divine Delicacies and So Much More The Savina Creativity Centre is a feast for the senses and so much more
34
30
SPIRIT:
The Art of Great 'Cribbage' Pia Zammit chats to a very clever crib-maker
40
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Just round the corner Get your diaries out as we chart the must-attend events of Gozo’s upcoming calendar.
34
www.letsgozo.com.mt 5
CHARACTER
Fiddler on the
move
Pia Zammit meets Jean Noel Attard, a young talented violinist, and together they embark on a journey through his childhood, travel to Edinburgh and end up on the streets of London, having had time to catch a game of football on the way.
6 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
CHARACTER Jean Noel first developed a love of music as a child – his mum is very musical, while his dad is renowned maestro Colin Attard
L
iving on a small island where you know practically everybody, by reputation if not by name, can drive some people to distraction. Others, however, feel that it’s a little slice of heaven. Even if they are destined to live overseas for a number of years, little Gozo is always on their mind and in their heart, and they long for the day when they can be back on the island. Jean Noel Attard definitely slots himself in the latter category. The 22-year-old violinist is studying and living in London at the moment. “I miss home so much. I miss going out onto the street and knowing everyone. And I miss feeling safe every moment of every day no matter where I go,” he says with a sigh. Jean Noel’s musical journey probably started from before he was even born. For starters, his father is the acclaimed Maestro Colin Attard. “Both my parents are musical; well, for my mum it’s more of a hobby – but it’s my dad’s profession,” he says. “As a child I was never pushed to pursue music, however I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t always drawn to it. Maybe it is in my genes! It’s not many four year olds who go to concerts and remember being struck by the music. I guess I was at an advantage because I was continually exposed to it.”
Jean remembers accompanying his father to band and choir rehearsals from the age of four or five. “I would attend all the rehearsals of the opera’s youth choir but wasn’t allowed to perform as I was too young. I wasn’t even allowed to attend the actual performances!” he says indignantly. “On opera night I would be left at home with my grandfather while my father was conducting the orchestra. I remember feeling gutted. However my mother was scared that I may cry half way through the evening and disrupt the performance! “At the same age I started learning to play the piano and I enjoyed it, however I recall vividly being at a café one Sunday morning and leafing through a magazine when I saw a photo of a violinist. I remember thinking ‘I want to be like him’. So I started violin lessons at age five. I have no idea what struck me about the photo – however I just knew that I wanted to do that.” As a child, Jean’s musical likes were: “eclectic and varied. I would listen to absolutely anything –from amateur recordings of band marches and opera symphonies to pop music. It’s only now that I’ve started, maybe ‘maturing’, that I’ve become more discerning. When I was a www.letsgozo.com.mt 7
CHARACTER
kid I thought everything was good,” he tells me with an older-but-wiser chuckle. I ask him when he knew that, without a doubt, music was his chosen path in life. “I think I said ‘this is what I want to do’ when I first auditioned for the European Union Youth Orchestra. I got very good feedback and thought that, maybe, I should give my violin playing further consideration. I didn’t know what the next stage was though. Then I got very lucky and was awarded the Ian Tomlin scholarship to study at Napier College in Edinburgh. Even though I was only 17, I had no doubts that this was the right choice – not least because Edinburgh is quite compact and insular and it wouldn’t be that scary. The first few months were tough but I had a great time.” As well as learning to become more independent, Jean Noel had to knuckle down and begin to take his playing more seriously. “Once I decided to take this further, I started to worry more about my playing. I became more critical of myself; I began to want more, so I had to practice more and more.” It all paid off as he was awarded the university's Alan Tait Memorial Prize for the most promising first-year music student. “Napier was brilliant,” he tells me fondly. “I had a really good teacher who turned me inside-out and my playing technique upside-down. My mind was opened. When I compare how I was then to how I am now, I can hand-on-heart say that it was certainly worth it.” He’s now a Napier College graduate and reading for a Music Master’s degree in violin at the Royal Academy of Music in London. “At RAM it’s very competitive. It’s a big deal. Some of the best people in the world are either teaching you or have studied here. The experience is amazing. But in two years’ time I’ll probably look back at myself now and think that I was so young and silly,” he laughs. “But I’m sure this is going to be life-changing. Once you get through an MA at the Royal Academy you know that you have a better chance out there. The fees here are ridiculously high – but you pay for the name and the level of expertise. I’m very humbled that I was offered a place and very grateful that I have been granted a scholarship from the Maltese Government and sponsorship from Janatha Stubbs. My expenses for these two years are almost completely covered and that’s so unbelievably helpful. I wouldn’t have made it financially if it weren’t for their generosity. At the end of the day, I’ll prove to them that it was worth it.” 8 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
So what’s next for him I wonder? “I guess it’s not too soon to think about the next step – however I prefer not to think about it too much otherwise I won’t sleep at night. Maybe I can postpone the thinking for a short while. I suppose I could continue studying; however I’d have to go into theory and research, which doesn’t appeal to me right now. The truth is, though, that you only finish learning once you die!” he says with a cheeky grin. When he isn’t studying and practicing, Jean is quite partial to a game of football or two. “Oh I love it,” he gushes enthusiastically. “I used to play before I left Gozo – I was quite serious about it. We’d train at least five times a week. I had a fairly busy footballer’s life. I tried playing in Edinburgh but it’s too cold there – it takes all the fun out of it. I do miss it – but I never neglect to watch a Juventus game. I’m a big fan; however I have to watch their matches in private as I swear at the screen too much. “In an ideal world”, he muses, “I’d eventually like to go back to Gozo and have my own symphony orchestra there. We tend to moan about the arts in Malta, but I don’t think we’re too badly off in some aspects. Last month, I received the latest edition of a gramophone music magazine and on the back page was an advert for the Malta Baroque Festival – it made my heart swell with pride. Now there’s Valletta Capital of Culture 2018 to look forward to too, and that’s a big deal. I hope that it will be a trampoline for culture; and that we can jump off it and reach heights we hadn’t dreamed of achieving. But then, ideally, we should try to avoid coming back down again until maybe Valletta Capital of Culture 2035,” he laughs heartily. What about the stark reality of finding a job once his course is over and funding is finished? “It can be a scary place out there. All over the world, art budgets are being slashed. You can’t go into this profession for the money – you have to do this because you love it. The income you get is more emotional than financial. You have to be pretty darned amazing to get a very good job in this field. You’re not likely to be living any sort of high life. You give your heart to people and hopefully they give you joy back. That’s the plan, and I’m sticking to it!”
Welcome to Victor J. Borg Enterprises
SAINT
PATRICK’S H O T E L
Just 3 metres from the clear blue sea right in the middle of charming little Xlendi bay
Be surrounded by tranquillity, immersed in nature and embraced by relaxation
A 300 year old farmhouse converted into a hotel, with today’s modern comforts
Xlendi, Island of Gozo, Malta
Sannat, Island of Gozo, Malta
Xaghra, Island of Gozo, Malta
T 21562951
T 22191000
E stpatricks@vjborg.com W www.vjborg.com
E tacenc@vjborg.com W www.tacenc.com
T 21556486
E cornucopia@vjborg.com
W www.cornucopiahotel.com
www.letsgozo.com.mt 9
SPIRIT
It takes
A Village Pia Zammit is decking the halls with boughs of holly, raising a glass of egg-nog and finding out more about the Gozitan village that just loves Christmas
10 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
SPIRIT
PHOTOS: CHARLES E. ATTARD / MARIO G. VELLA / LAWRENCE CAMILLERI / JOHN ATTARD / JASON JOE FARRUGIA / PAUL MIZZI
Biblical crib in expanded polystyrene
A
s a child the thought of Christmas always filled me with excitement. The countdowns on both my school calendar and advent calendar were accompanied by little dances of joy every time another day was markedoff with an ‘x’. Christmas time always spelt parties, family-time, the pantomime, board games and an extended
holiday in Gozo. As I grew older, I became more blasé about the feast but can still vividly remember the surge of delight and anticipation that I once felt. And it’s this emotion exactly that I felt while sitting around a table with the Ghaqda ‘Il-Milied fix-Xaghra’ (GMFX or the Christmas in Xaghra Society). The group was founded in www.letsgozo.com.mt 11
SPIRIT
Spirituality and education are vital parts of what the Christmas in Xaghra Society believe in
2004 by Victor Agius, who is, I later found out, also a bit of an expert on the history and iconography of the nativity scene. He explains that it is the Society of Christian Doctrine (M.U.S.E.U.M) that inspired him and the many other crib enthusiasts here over the years. It is also the location where you’ll find Gozo largest crib, and it is open annually at Christmas time. Meanwhile, the aim of the GMFX is to coordinate and promote all the season’s activities in the village of Xaghra, to ensure that locals and visitors alike make the most of the Christmas celebrations. The tenets they most fervently adhere to are ‘spirituality’ and ‘education’.
12 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
Their spirit is contagious and their love of all things Christmassy is palpable. As they all chattered excitedly and gave me the details about the on-going preparations, I found myself scrambling to take notes whilst getting so caught up in the swing of things, that it was all I could do not to suddenly burst into an a cappella rendition of Deck The Halls. They are understandably extremely proud of their crib-making skills. “We haven’t re-invented the wheel,” the group’s PRO (and the editor of the xaghraparish.org website) Lawrence Camilleri tells me. “We have a great tradition of cribmaking here in Xaghra. We tend to
make our cribs out of natural stone which we used to get from caves. We would also decorate the cribs with thyme (saghtar) and the smell would permeate the building. It’s illegal to cut thyme now but it will always be a scent I associate with cribs.” Xaghra not only boasts a fair quantity of cribs but also a vast variety of different types of cribs – live, mechanised, modern-media and even, lately, Neapolitan-style cribs. The latter sees its makers going to Naples to buy the right supplies to craft it. The GMFX Society also set up an activity called ‘Cribs by Night’ – whereby they organise guided tours around the village, taking participants to the different cribs on show. They are accompanied by a guide and stop for a break where everyone can sample different types of traditional food. 2012 will be the fifth time this activity is being offered. Jason Joe Farrugia represents The Guiding Light Group (a Youth Group from the Jesus of Nazareth community) and heads the organisation of the Live Crib. “The Guiding Light Group is made up of a number of young people aged between 12 and 30,” Jason tells me earnestly. “Each year we build a crib from scratch. Ours is the firstever living crib to have been staged and set up in Gozo. We set it up in a razzett (farmhouse) and decorate the rooms differently each year. We try to use traditional material and biblically-accurate clothes too.
SPIRIT
Schola Cantorum Jubilate during the Christmas concert in December 2011
Around 15 people take part and they work on a shift basis so we have a total of around 45 people forming part of the living crib team – and that’s not counting the animals.
They don’t work on a shift basis!” he chuckles. “Every year we have a new spiritual theme and message. Last year it was ‘For we have seen his star in the East’. We always open
on Christmas Eve and stay open for a week.” He sighs, “It’s four months’ work and only one week of shows. We do it because we love it and it brings everyone together.”
sp ec ia l
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SPIRIT
“Their spirit is contagious and their love of all things Christmassy is palpable.” Victoria Camilleri (the PRO’s sister and GMFX assistant secretary) and Frances Busuttil (GMFX treasurer) are eager to tell me all about the events that they take care of – The Christmas Crafts Exhibition and the traditional Christmas treats and sweets bazaar ‘Hlewwiet tal-Milied’. “We’ve done a lot of research about old Christmas recipes and traditional methods of baking and cooking,” Frances informs me. “We have around 20 cooks working hard on home-made traditional fare that you won’t find in the shops. People come over from Malta specifically for this bazaar,” she says with pride. “We bake sweets that are particular to Xaghra of course – for example the Biskuttini Tar-Rahal are baked according to an old recipe and design.
Every year we produce a booklet with some recipes for people to take home too. This year we’ll be featuring recipes that children can help out with.” Victoria tells me that the “craft exhibition runs for around a fortnight and displays hand-worked items with a Christmas theme using different media such as lace, ganutell (embroidery with silver, gold or multi-coloured wire), wool and parchment.” The society’s secretary, Carmen Bajada, talks me through some activities that the GMFX itself organises. “We try to involve kids in everything that we do and we host seminars
People come from all of the Maltese Islands, and beyond, to experience the special ambience
14 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
on how to build cribs using papiermâché and expanded polystyrene. An exhibition of small cribs made by schoolchildren is held on the school premises each year, too. The kids from the Saint Anthony the Abbot community, in conjunction with EcoGozo, also display a Christmas tree made entirely of discarded plastic water bottles. On Radju Bambina (our local radio station) the Year Six students recite poems, perform plays and play music. It’s entertaining for the young ones and also educational. “Meanwhile, in a tradition dating back to the 1960s, competitions are organised for the best three types of cribs and decorated windows in private homes. Prizes are awarded to the first three placed in each category and certificates are presented to all. It takes a lot of commitment from the participants”, Carmen explains. “They’re stuck at home during the Christmas celebrations as people are constantly going over to view their cribs.” Lawrence has another couple of activities he wishes to tell me about: “On the Sunday closest to the Epiphany we host the Triumphal Arrival of the Three Magi. The ‘Cavalcata dei Re Magi’ is a tradition that comes from Spain and Italy and sees three men, dressed in traditional costumes as the three kings, riding up to the village square on horseback following a star. They then offer gifts to the Sa-
SPIRIT
Christmas Festivities in Xaghra: Seminar about The Traditional Crib Sunday 11 November 9.30am till noon. Xaghra Youth Centre near Victory Square. Seminar by Victor Darmanin about the tradition of crib making
***
Illumination of Decorative Christmas Lights From 8 December 2012 to 6 January 2013. 8th September Avenue will be beautifully lit up with decorative Christmas lights (a collaboration of Xaghra Local Council and Ghaqda Armar 1973)
***
Contemporary nativity sculpture in ceramic
cred Family and all the while there’s a commentary telling the story. “Another fun activity is one for the kids and has been held for at least 25 years now. This was my initiative and raises money for charity. Parents can book Father Christmas to go to their house and give their children their Christmas presents! We have a few volunteers who dress up and do this, including a British couple who go as Father and Mother Christmas,” he says with a laugh. “As you can see, the whole village is very involved in all our Christmas activities. As a community we feel very close to the church. After 8 of September it’s literally all systems go and we start all the preparations necessary. We produce booklets advising visitors of all the activities they can attend, as well as a map outlining all the cribs in the village. These serve as a cultural calendar and are available online. They are also given out in hotels, on the ferry and in public areas in Malta and Gozo”. At this point Victoria interjects once again with a broad smile: “We offer something for everyone,” she says. “We involve kids very much and this rubs off on their parents. Everyone becomes a child again here in Xaghra at Christmas time.” For more information call 7959 4508, email miliedxaghra@gmail.com or visit www.xaghraparish.org.
Opening of 20 Exhibitions From 15 December 2012 till 6 January 2013 20 artistic large cribs and various Christmas exhibitions will be open for public viewing in various centers and homes in the village of Xaghra. These will be open from 5.30-8pm on weekdays while, on public holidays and Sundays, from10am-12pm and 4-8pm. Detailed brochures with a map showing the location of these cribs can be found at the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin, the Xaghra Local Council, the Banca Giuratale in Victoria, the Malta Tourism Authority – Auberge d’Italie in Valletta or at www.xaghraparish.org
***
Father Christmas On Christmas Eve, from 6.3011.30pm Father and Mother Christmas will call at homes delivering presents (booking is essential on 2156 6089 or 7955 1009).
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Live Crib – The Nativity Scene The 12th Edition of the unique and artistic representation of the Nativity by the Guiding Light Group – with live actors in an old farmhouse set up in biblical style in Gnien Xibla Str, near Nazzarenu Church.
Christmas Eve and Midnight Mass Carol-singing in the Basilica at 11pm, followed by midnight mass starting at 11.30pm. This is the climax of the festive season. Attendance is highly recommended. The decorated interior of the Basilica, the angelic music and the service guarantee a memorable Christmas experience. Agape follows mass on the Church parvis. The community exchanges Christmas greetings over a warm drink and cake to the tune of traditional Christmas carols.
***
Grand Christmas Concert. Friday 28 December at 7pm A Grand Christmas Concert by the Voci Angeliche Choir of Xaghra under the direction of Mro Dr John Galea at the Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady. (An annual event in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund organised by the Xaghra Local Council.)
***
Guided Cultural Tour – Xaghra Cribs By Night This is being organised on Saturday 29 December 2012 A guided tour which tours the numerous Christmas Exhibitions including the Live Nativity Scene, artistic cribs and the decorated baroque interior of Xaghra Basilica. Minibuses will leave at 4.30pm from in front of the entrance to Ggantija Temples in 8th September Avenue. For booking and info call 79594508 or email miliedxaghra@gmail.com.
***
Triumphal Arrival of the Three Kings – Magi 6 January 2013 at 10:30 am Triumphal entry into Victory Square of the Magi on horseback clad in oriental royal outfits.
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SPIRIT
Shop, Shop, Shop
Till you Drop! Over the past few years – and especially with the opening of various new outlets and shopping centres – Gozo has become a veritable shopping mecca. From clothes and household items to designer shoes, jewellery and unique souvenirs, the island has become the go-to place for purchasing pretty much anything you can think of. Here our intrepid and experienced shoppers, Coryse Borg and Pia Zammit, are let loose to visit three renowned establishments in Rabat so as to discover the secret of their success.
16 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
SPIRIT
Arkadia CORYSE BORG
When I think of the word ‘Arkadia’, I automatically think of the popular shopping mall found in Victoria. However, Arkadia Marketing Ltd is so much more than that. Set up by the Mizzi Organisation in 1996, the company went on to create the 4,500 square metre commercial centre in Gozo (which opened its doors in 1999), two foodstores (one found in the complex and the other in Portomaso in St Julian’s) and any Peacocks, Piazza Italia, Orsay, Tape à l’Oeil, Parfois, Pimkie and Suiteblanco shop you know of on the Maltese Islands. In all, the company operates a total of 19 outlets around Malta and Gozo, as well its own concept stores within the commercial centre itself. Antoine Portelli, the general manager, is justifiably proud of the strides the company has made, especially the operation of the commercial centre on Gozo: “Basically, the secret to our success is convenience – we can offer anything you need at practically any hour of the day and early evening,” he says. “The main unique selling point of the Commercial Centre is that we can offer a ‘mix’ which is continually changing, made up of a number of well-established brands, plus of course the foodstore, a book shop, a
health and beauty shop, eateries and so on. Basically, our only constant is change,” he laughs. And with around 1.3 million customers a year, the management must be doing something right! “Success like ours doesn’t just happen. We have a great team, fantastic sales people and a lot of dedication. The centre is continuously heaving with all sorts of people coming from Malta, Gozo and abroad. In the past, we mainly saw Maltese shoppers on long weekends but now they visit every weekend. As for the Gozitans, we are invaluable for those who work in Malta and get
back at around 7pm. If they realise they need to buy something to cook for dinner, for example, they know that we are still open,” he says. In fact, the foodstore opens at 8am everyday including Sundays, and the other outlets open at 9am. The commercial centre is open throughout the day, every day, until 8pm. As from this year, apart from the car park next door (where you can only park for a limited amount of time), there is also parking in the school grounds situated a few metres away. www.arkadia.com.mt
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SPIRIT
The Duke Shopping Mall
PIA ZAMMIT
When I was but a young girl and would spend summers living in Marsalforn, I can’t ever remember shopping being high on anyone’s list of ‘Things That Are Easy To Do On Gozo’. Most shops opened for a minimal number of hours and sold only the bare essentials. I remember my mum sending me to the grocerlady’s house – because her little store was closed by 2pm – to ask if her chickens had laid any eggs so we could buy some and have an omelette for dinner. Fast forward a couple of decades and I’m blown away by the changes in both choice and convenience.
Bang in the middle of the main street (Republic Street) in Rabat, right next door to the newly revamped Villa Rundle Gardens, sits The Duke Shopping Mall. When I was the aforementioned wee lass, this site was host to The Duke of Edinburgh – a 24- roomed hotel which dated back to the 19th century. Today, though, I meet Mark Grech at the Connection Café right at the entrance to the complex to talk about all that the modern-day Duke had to offer. “We opened in November 2008 and business has been very good,” Mark tells me. “We are situated right in the middle of Republic Street’s
three complexes, as well as Villa Rundle Gardens – this all adds to walk-in trade. Gozo is very seasonal – shopping is very much a weekend business and, obviously, summer is our busiest period. However we are open on Sundays till 1pm – this is a right that we had to fight for, but we didn’t really have a choice. If our busy period is the weekend – how can it make any sense to be closed for half of it? In fact now we are open every day of the year except for Good Friday,” he says. Food stalls open from 8am to 8pm Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays from 8am to 1pm. All shops open from 9 am to 7pm Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays from 9am to 1pm. “Our concept here at the Duke is to have a variety of different shops but all must be branded. We have a good mix and offer clothes, sportswear, accessories, electronics, hair and beauty, banks, mobile phone providers, jewellery, home-ware, perfumes, underwear and the biggest food store on the island. Oh and we also offer free parking whether you purchase anything or not,” Mark adds, offering me this cherry-on-the-cake titbit with a proud smile. www.thedukegozo.com
18 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
SPIRIT
Tigrija Palace
CORYSE BORG
“When the Maltese come over, they are more relaxed, so they are in a ‘shopping mood’. You don’t really come to Gozo to shop... but once you are here, you do!” These are the first words Magro Brothers managing director John Magro utters as we sit down to discuss one of his company’s many ventures – that of the Tigrija Palazz shopping complex. Mr Magro says that the concept of the complex was always to combine leisure with shopping... an innovative idea when it was initially set up. To this end, the various outlets found inside the complex – which include clothes shops, jewellers, shoe shops, a bank, an opticians and many more – are complemented by a cafeteria where you can can unwind after shopping. There is also a small
delicatessen should you want to take some food home and a fitness centre should you want to burn off those calories later! These are exciting times for Tigrija Palazz, which is only a few minutes walk away from Victoria’s main parking lot and the bus terminus. “We are currently in the process of rebranding and modernising, in preparation for bringing in some new brands,” Mr Magro tells me. “People are more and more attracted to brands and we want to move with the times. Our main objective is to give our customers what they expect.” Aesthetically, most of the original features of the complex were kept, while updating the colours and finishings to make the centre look brighter, fresher and more modern. The
“You don’t really come to Gozo to shop... but once you are here, you do!” renovation process should be completed next year. “Tigrija Palazz is situated at the crossroads of Gozo. Over the years, we have been gaining popularity, not only with the Maltese and foreigners who venture over, but also with the Gozitans. What differentiates us from other shopping centres is that we have retained the ‘Gozitan feeling’ – when you are here, you know that you are in Gozo, not England, not Malta. It is a total Gozitan experience,” Mr Magro adds. www.magro.com.mt
www.letsgozo.com.mt 19
FOUNDATIONS
The Spirit of
Giving Back Jo Caruana visits the Capuchin Friary, located just outside Victoria, to discover the exciting history and dedicated message that has lived on here for centuries.
20 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
FOUNDATIONS Fr Remig, and the other brothers at the friary, live simply. Their aim in life is to help as many people as possible
I
t’s funny what you miss when you’re not really looking. I’ve driven past the Capuchin Friary so many times on my way to Marsalforn but never really took the time to notice it was there. But this time, keeping my eyes peeled in search of it, suddenly there it is as clear as day – a beautiful old building dating back to the 18th century with an adjacent chapel to match. Father Remig, one of the friary’s four residents, is waiting for me, eager to welcome me and show me
around. He recalls a time when there were far more priests living within the friary walls (“around 10 or 11 at points during my time here,” he says), and I can imagine that it was once far busier than it is now. But, nevertheless, there is a charming aura to the space and I’m thrilled to be given the chance to explore it. It is an absolutely beautiful building, constructed around a bright central courtyard; I’m inspired by just how peaceful it is. www.letsgozo.com.mt 21
FOUNDATIONS
ta religjuza’, which encourages us to always give our all to the people who need us,” he says happily. As I continue my tour, Fr Remig also shows me round the adjacent church, which was consecrated in 1755 and is still a very popular place for locals to come to pray “This friary was originally formed back when it was and hear mass. It’s here that I spot the titular painting, decided that Maltese Capuchin friars should seek inde- which was recently restored thanks to funds given by pendence from Sicily, in 1736,” explains Fr Remig, who BOV and works carried out by PrevArti Co Ltd. has lived at the convent for most of his life – watching The ‘Our Lady of Graces’ image was painted by Steother fathers come and go, and seeing the friars’ work fano Erardi back in the late 16th century to commemodevelop and change over time. “It was one of three that rate the annual procession that took place from the was built back then – two were in Malta, and one here.” Gozo Matrice to the chapel in question. Back then, the Thanks to the history books and the work of numer- Gozo Senate and Collegiate pledged to hold this votive ous historians over time, we know quite a lot about the procession as a sign of gratitude to the Virgin Mary to story of the Capuchin’s arrival on thank her for keeping the population Gozo. It seems that, back then, safe during the terrible earthquake two other orders existed on the that rocked Gozo in 1963. After all, island – that of the Augustinians despite the heavy damage to houses and Franciscans – both of whom and churches, no one lost their life. respectfully welcomed the new “The painting depicts the Virgin order. Mary holding the Child Jesus by her Forn il-Gir, the site on which the side on a whirling cloud, gazing down friary is set, was selected as the at the solemn procession,” relates perfect place to build it. Legend Fr Remig, clearly thrilled with the has it that, when the friars were results of the restoration, which indeciding on a location, elderly lovolved giving the painting a thorough cal residents of the area rushed cleaning. “The process uncovered out to greet them and one lady told the original painted crown and rethem she had had a premonition moved previous over-painting and of their arrival, with Our Lady retouching exercises. It’s definitely leading the way. “This provided one of the most striking treasures to them with some sort of confirmabe found within the church today.” tion,” Fr Remig continues, “so they One of the final highlights of my decided this spot would be ideal. tour is the chance to meet the other They took it as the validation that fathers in the refectory over lunch. Our Lady wanted them to be here.” The atmosphere is friendly and The titular painting of ‘Our Lady of Graces’ The plans for the building were welcoming, and they are all eager is one of the treasures of the friary’s then drawn up by Fra Guzepp, an to hear my stories and share theirs. adjacent church architect who had recently built It’s at this point that I can really feel a convent in Kalkara, Malta. that spirit of community that the fa“Residents were so happy to have the priests living thers live by, as well as the love and dedication that they here, and they were welcomed into the community. bring to their work. “As Capuchin Friars, our role has always been to do Later, as I head back out into the daylight and headfirst our best to help the community in any way we can, and into my busy life, I am convinced that those 18th century we always strive to fulfil it,” Fr Remig adds, detailing friars would be very proud of the legacy they have left and that he often spends whole weeks in Malta, spending which still lives on resolutely today. Knowing now what I time with the elderly at St Vincent de Paul Hospital. do, I will always give a smile and a nod towards the friary ‘Wiehed jara l-hlewwa u l-eleganza xierqa ghall-pover- as I drive past – and I hope you will too! 22 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
FLAVOURS FOUNDATIONS
From the stunning religious artefacts, to the beautiful open courtyard and peaceful refectory, the Capuchin Friary enjoys a truly special ambience
www.letsgozo.com.mt 23
SPIRIT
Singing
Heart from the
24 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
SPIRIT
PHOTOS: CLINT SCERRI HARKINS / JOHANN DEBONO
Over the Christmas period, two very different choirs will be giving performances in Gozo, with proceeds from their endeavours going to charity. Coryse Borg speaks to Gozitans Marouska Attard from the Schola Cantorum Jubilate and Pamela Bezzina from the Animae Gospel Choir to find out more about what makes these choristers tick.
www.letsgozo.com.mt 25
SPIRIT
Marouska
Attard
Marouska Attard’s first steps into the music world were at the age of five, when she started studying the violin. Later on, she followed music studies at the University of Malta, which she graduated from in 2006. Currently, she is a teacher at the Gozo School of Music, teaching violin and music theory to young aspirants. Marouska says that she was always fascinat26 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
ed by the human voice. In the year 2000, when she was only 16 years old, her brother Stefan gathered a group of friends who all shared her love for singing and asked her to conduct the group which would ultimately become the Schola Cantorum Jubilate. “The answer was an immediate yes!” she recalls. “From the start, our aim was always the same – that of achieving a high standard of choral singing in teaching music to the group and to contribute to the local musical and cultural scene.” Marouska remembers the choir’s first appearance vividly: “We were all so excited to sing during the 11am Sunday Mass at the Basilica of Xaghra – an appointment we have kept for the past 12 years!” Today the choir mainly specialises in sacred and classical music, with a repertoire that spans from the Renaissance right through to Baroque and contemporary eras. It includes polyphonic works by Palestrina, Victoria, Byrd, and Tallis, pieces from Bach, Mozart, Handel, Kodály, Perosi and Bartolucci, as well as from Maltese composers Charles Camilleri, Paul Portelli and Mauro Farrugia, among others. The choristers’ inspiration is taken from St Augustine’s phrase: ‘Cantare amantis est’ (singing belongs to the lover). Wherever they perform, Marouska says the choir receives positive and encouraging comments from their audiences. Currently there are 30 choristers involved. The majority of them hail from Xagħra and are university or secondary school students, while others come from different sectors in society. Ages vary between 12 and 35. “It is very rewarding seeing the choristers
SPIRIT
helping each other out, not only during rehearsals but also with studies and other everyday problems,” Marouska tells me. “As with every group we have the perfectionist and the one wandering among the stars, as well as the chatterer, the mobile-addict, the spontaneous one and the clown… it’s a well-balanced group with a strong will and sense of commitment! However, above all, it’s the unity that exists in the group that is always transmitted through our performances.” Next in line for the Schola Cantorum Jubilate is ‘Carols by Candlelight’. This is the 10th edition of this event that has cemented itself as one of the must-attend and muchloved Christmas happenings every season. It was even listed as one of the ‘Top Ten Christmas Events in Europe’ on The Guardian in 2010. This year, the event will be held on 14 and 15 December at St Augustine’s Friary in Victoria. A dinner will follow in the cloister. The choir will perform a number of Christmas classics, including some Maltese carols. All proceeds from this year’s event will go to the Guzeppa Debono Home, which caters for prolife activities and supports single mothers and fathers. “It is not easy to hold such a high-level event,” says Marouska, “but with the input of each member and with the support of the
The choir regularly wow at their performances , and are looking forward to their next one on 14 and 15 December
government and private entities, we continue our yearly venture with gusto. I believe that it’s the members that make this choir so special; with their dedication, talent and will to learn and improve on past experiences this choir is kept alive and ever-improving.” More information about tickets for the concert may be obtained from www.scjchoir.com.
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SPIRIT
Pamela
Bezzina Pamela Bezzina started singing in choirs when she was only six years old. She formed part of the Kor Fraternitas and, later, the Chorus Urbanus, both based in Victoria, Gozo. She went on to participate in a song festival in San Lawrenz when she was 12 and never looked back. In fact, she was a finalist in the Malta Song for Europe six years in a row, and was chosen to be a backing vocalist for Thea Garret in 2010 and Glen Vella in 2011 at the actual European contest. 28 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
According to Pamela, Animae Gospel Choir started off as a dream... “Singer Glen Vella returned from a trip to Amsterdam with a lot of enthusiasm to start a gospel choir in Malta having just watched a concert of the popular Soweto Gospel choir over there,” she recalls. “He spoke to singer Leontine and myself about his aspirations, asked if we would be interested and requested our help.” Pamela explains that she was overjoyed with Glen’s proposal. Nine singers signed up, as well as pianist Christian Borg, who has gone on to become their manager. Animae’s first performance was in August 2008, during Sunday mass at our Lady of Mount Carmel church in Fleur de Lys. The church was jam-packed and they received a standing ovation at the end. After that, the choir was on a roll… they began to build their repertoire of modern Christian music and popular gospel songs. Their first national concert, held in 2009 at the Manoel Theatre, included several popular songs interpreted in a more gospel or soulful style. Today, Animae is made up of 20 members, most of whom are successful solo singers in their own right – these include Pamela, of course, as well as Dorothy Bezzina, Debbie Scerri, Josef Tabone, Janice Mangion, Angela Spiteri, Sean Borg, Jackie Pace Delicata, Nadine Axisa, Glen Vella, Leontine Spiteri, Anna Azzopardi, Josef Micallef, Annabelle Debono, Diane Portelli, Mark Bartolo, Louisa Wirth, Ian Tirchett, Christine Camilleri and Fabian Galea (the latter two are also Gozitans). The choir definitely takes up a lot of Pamela’s time and energy, since she is the choir’s director and writes the vocal arrangements of every song, together with Angela Spiteri. However, she says that it is all worth it.
SPIRIT
“The audience claps throughout the songs, sings with us and shows true appreciation after every performance, and this makes all the effort worthwhile. One of the most popular comments that we continuously get is that our music has a very positive message and a feel-good factor to it, and people tell us that we manage to deliver that good vibe to our audience every time we perform. This thrills me as that was always our motto: to sing with an open heart and deliver our love for music to the people who are listening,” she says. Audience response inspires Pamela so much that, just a day after the choir’s last performance in March (held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, with an eight-piece band under the direction of Kris Spiteri) she woke up already planning their next one! “The other members called me insane and goodness knows what else, but they all agreed in the end!” she laughs. As a result, the choir members are now busy rehearsing for their upcoming concert ‘A Holy Night with Animae’, which is to be held on 22 December at St Theresa Church, Birkirkara and 23 December in the Good Shepherd Chapel in Taċ-Ċawla, Victoria, Gozo, this same church where Pamela started singing when she was so little. This concert hopes to raise funds for Dar San Guzepp in Sta Venera. “Animae isn’t just any choir; it’s a family… we laugh together, cry together and perform
The Animae Gospel Choir is popular for rousing their audiences and singing from the heart. As a result, they are known for adding that ‘feel good’ factor to their performance
together,” Pamela says. “We are all committed and we love what we do. We don’t get paid financially but we get much more than the value of money could ever give us. We learn from each other’s talent and, most of all, we support each other. All this is Animae!” More information about tickets for the concert may be obtained from www. entertainment.com.mt or by following Animae Gospel Choir on Facebook.
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€ 315,000
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Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria Gozo | Tel: +356 (21) 565801 Email: contact@gozoprime.com | www.gozoprime.com
www.letsgozo.com.mt 29
FLAVOURS
Divine
delicacies... and so much more
The Savina Creativity Centre is definitely a feast for all the senses. Coryse Borg makes a visit to the centre and has to stop herself from purchasing the entire place – lock, stock and barrel!
30 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
FLAVOURS
As I walked into the Savina Creativity Centre, the first thing I noticed was the wonderful aroma – a smell that reawakened some distant memory in me. Then it hit me: quite a few years ago I had received a ‘Summer’ Savina candle – the candles are named after the four seasons – as a gift. I had fallen in love with its scent, which immediately made me think of long walks on the beach, ice cream and balmy summery nights. And there it was again... heavenly!' The candle’s delicious aroma continued to pervade the area as I watched an excellent audio-visual presentation portraying the beauty of Gozo and the ties it has with the Magro Brothers, whose well-known firm runs the centre. The video incorporates stunning shots of the island – both
www.letsgozo.com.mt 31
FLAVOURS
“You can enjoy the chance to throw tomatoes at your boss!” past and present – and gives a short history of the company from its inception to the present day, four generations later. After the presentation, I get to browse round the centre itself, most of which is taken up by the retail space. It’s here that all of Savina’s goods are on display, and they look delicious. In fact, most of their delicacies are made from recipes passed down from generation to generation in the Magro family. From qaghaq ta’ l-ghasel (honey rings) to sun-dried figs, from carob syrup to paté, from infused vinegar to various kinds of chutney, and from hand-made pasta sauces to honey infused with orange or lemon, they all look divine. You can even buy local coffee (mixed with chicory and cloves), as well as tea, lumincetta and Hanini (an after-dinner digestiv), as well as other liqueurs. There is also a large variety of jams in flavours ranging from apple to prickly pear. Not to mention some more recent additions – mouth-watering cheeses and meats to satisfy the most discerning gourmand.
A variety of first-class products are produced at the centre, including local capers. They are then sold in the retail section, or in other stores
32 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
These are all truly first-class quality local specialities, most of which are produced in the onsite kitchen. I can’t help thinking that it’s no wonder Savina has been the recipient of numerous international awards. And then, of course, there are the candles, which smell and look good enough to eat. And the ‘looks good’ trend seems to run through the company, as Savina is all about gifting. Their products are all packed by hand, giving them a special, human touch. This is why they make excellent presents for occasions and their gift hampers would make anyone ecstatic (yes, that’s a hint... my birthday is in a few days’ time!) And Savina’s excellent range hasn’t gone unnoticed. Perhaps one of their most famous fans is Prince Philip, who visited the premises on 25 November 2005, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). According to a letter sent from Buckingham Palace, he – and the rest of the family presumably – very much enjoyed the ‘Fruit Festa’ jam, specially created for the occasion and presented to him while he was there. According to the letter, it is apparently ‘marvelous’ served with custard cream! Back to the moment and I am told that the Savina Creativity Centre is actually only one part of the Magro Food Village, which is situated – very aptly – on Tomatoes Street in Xewkija. In fact, you can choose to experience the whole shebang, which includes a tour of the tomato processing plant, the dairy and cheese-making centre and the artisan workshops, as well as watch traditional crafts being made, listen to lectures being given on the nutritional values of Maltese cooking, attend hands-on cooking lessons with professional chefs and sample examples of locally-produced wines. The food village caters for school visits, birthday parties and staff get-togethers and some of the activities are nothing short of brilliant: you can actually enjoy the chance to throw tomatoes at your boss (should he or she be so amenable) during the ‘Bull’s-Eye Competition’, where people are sorted out into groups and given a specified number of tomatoes. You can guess the rest! Yet another entertaining activity on the food village tour includes a cow-milking competition – that’s using
FLAVOURS
From tastes to smells, Savina products all infused the true essence of Gozo
animated cows, not real ones. Young children get to have some fun too, during craft-making sessions, and can even take their creations home with them. So with all that in mind, Savina really does promise a brilliant day out for the whole family. I leave there with a spring in my step – and a really scrumptious scent up my nose!
For more information on the Magro Food Village tours, you can call 8007 5533 or 21 556663, send an email to visits@ magro.com.mt or visit their website: www.magro.com.mt. For more information on Savina’s goods, visit their website: www.savina.com.mt. Savina products are also available for worldwide shipping on www.maltaproducts.com.
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SPIRIT
The Art of Great
‘Cribbage’ For some people, a crib is an ornament that gets dusted off every Christmas and displayed in the family room. For others, it’s a lifelong passion and a sheer labour of love. In this feature, Pia Zammit meets a very clever crib-maker and gets to visit Jerusalem too.
34 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
SPIRIT
The incredible crib sets the scene, with tiny figurines and clever lighting. There’s commentary too
Aside from the standard nativity setting, Frank’s crib takes you on a journey through Ancient Rome, Egypt and Jerusalem
I
t seems you can't turn a corner in Gozo over the Christmas period and not find yourself face to face with a crib – it’s a huge part of the island’s festive celebrations. Some cribs, though, stand out and have weathered the test of time. With this in mind, I met Frank
Mizzi outside his house in Victoria and, by way of introduction, he led me to his basement, told me to stand “right there” (pointing to a little viewing gallery) and turned off the lights. My initial trepidation, however, quickly gave way to amazement.
You see, Frank’s Nativity Crib is a wondrous world in miniature. He presents a 20-minute biblical experience – complete with sound, light and informative commentary. The structure itself is deceptively large, however with the use of imaginative lighting he manages to create an www.letsgozo.com.mt 35
SPIRIT
The crib is deceptively large and the detail is incredible. You can spot plenty of ‘local’ characters too
intimate setting for each scene and edit the story seamlessly – so it’s hard to believe that the little figures aren’t actually moving around and talking. If I’d owned this as a child, I’d have never left the basement – the opportunities for creativity and fun are infinite! In Malta and Gozo, il-presepju or il-grotta (crib or cave) are displayed 36 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
in rather a unique way. Whilst they do have the traditional biblical figures we expect to see – the new born baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary, St Joseph, the Three Magi, Angels, a donkey and a cow; they also feature a few extra characters representative of traditional scenes and settings we associate with Malta and Gozo in historical times. Some cribs
include musicians like taz-zaqq (bagpipe player), tan-tanbur (hand drummer) and even l-ghannejja (singers). Few omit shepherds, bakers, hunters, farmers, fishermen and weavers. What makes Frank’s crib special is that aside from the standard nativity scene featuring all the personalities mentioned above, his takes you on a journey. Starting with the appearance of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, stopping by in Ancient Rome – resplendent with Roman Soldiers in full regalia and then travelling from Galilee to Bethlehem. We also flee along with the Holy Family to Egypt, get to be spectators when the child Jesus is presented at the temple of Jerusalem, and have pride of viewinggallery place at his baptism in the river Jordan. All these scenes are crafted accurately and pretty much to scale. The Nativity Crib is a work of beauty, and evidently a work of great love. Frank’s passion started when he was around seven-years-old and
SPIRIT
“There are some wonderful high quality cribs in Gozo – there’s a lot of creativity and imagination out there”
would help his uncle create cribs. Eventually he started making his own, and once he got married, he appropriated a room in his house just to store, display and craft elaborate cribs. Around 25 years ago, he realised that he had run out of space and, much to his wife’s relief, he converted his aforementioned basement into a workshop. A friend suggested that he should, perhaps, start exhibiting his cribs and that’s how the Nativity Crib was born. I asked him about his method and materials. “I tend to sculpt from memory,” he says. “I use my imagination too. I don’t look at an illustration while I work – the picture is in my mind. All the structures are made from rocks I found in caves. I buy many of the pasturi (figurines) and alter or create the characters that I don’t find ready-made. Constructing the buildings takes a lot of time and patience – and that’s where my true love lies. I find it fascinating.” Around 20 years ago Frank added a commentary by Chev Joe
M Attard and this led to the idea of staging the crib in ‘episodes’ – little scenes in the life of Jesus. To this aim, he set up a complicated timeractivated system of water and lighting. Each scene is lit up as the
commentary takes us on each little particular journey, and water flows freely and picturesquely through rivers and down water-falls. “I set up the water and electricity myself,” Frank tells me, “even though I’m not
Frank alters or makes many of the characters that he doesn’t find ready-made
www.letsgozo.com.mt 37
SPIRIT
really qualified to do so. I learned on the job as I went along. “Although the crib has been exhibited for 25 years, it was only fully completed around four years ago; however I’m always updating it and adding little things,” he says with a smile. “Every year, around October, I clean it out, fix things, update some features and make sure everything is spick and span before the Christmas holidays start.” Another unique feature of the Nativity Crib is that it’s on display all year round – although most people tend to visit during the Christmas period. He gets around 200 visitors a year – Gozitans, Maltese and tourists – who can chose whether to listen to the commentary in English, Italian or Maltese. Frank is now 74 years old and retired, so he has lots of time to dedicate to his model-making passion. “At the moment I’m working on a model of Jerusalem made from resin and fibre. I’ve visited Jerusalem four times already,” he tells me with pride. “I love visiting other people’s cribs too; however I
38 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
Frank first exhibited 25 years ago, but constantly makes changes and adds ‘little touches’ every year
don’t have much time to do that as over the Christmas period as I have to stay home to welcome visitors to my own crib. There really are some wonderful high quality cribs in Gozo – there’s a lot of creativity and imagination out there.” After enjoying my time with Frank and his creations, I leave the
Mizzi household clutching a copy of The Nativity Crib DVD, happy in the knowledge that I don’t have to wait till December if I ever get a hankering to see it all again. If you wish to view Frank’s crib in Victoria, call on 21556278 and set up an appointment.
ADVERTORIALS
Gozo’s farmhouses
and their everlasting appeal
Such residences would have originally been built to house extended families larger than is the norm today, and as such often offer ample sleeping quarters and living spaces, with 3 or 4 bedrooms being the norm.
A
simple, yet accurate way of character, the entrance to these defining a country or region residences is through a well-sized is often through its architec- hall overlooking an internal, central ture and skylines. And what courtyard. This would then lead to better way to describe Gozo if not the heart of the house – the living through its charming farmhouses, so quarters and kitchen, which in turn pleasing to the eye, yet so functional overlook the garden, pool or/and outand practical in their structure. door space at the back of the propTranquillity, which is long lost in erty. The garden or pool area is most today’s hectic lifestyle, seems to have likely to be the hub for relaxation somehow escaped unscathed in Gozo – compromising a pool, sun deck and and is the envy of Maltese and for- a BBQ area, surrounded by a garden eigners alike, many of whom return wall, which improves privacy withtime and again to spend a weekend out obstructing views. The sleeping So much more than helping you findare yourspread dream home... or short break savouring the atmoquarters on the same level sphere. Farmhouses offer the ideal or on the upper floors depending on retreat, often situated in private cul- the layout of the property. Multiple de-sacs or quaint roads, spread across bathrooms are normally found, with the old villages. Gozo offers a varied smaller-type storage rooms making mix of such properties, ranging from room for en-suite showers and walktraditional ones dating to the 17th and in wardrobes. 18th century, to new ones being built Supply of these traditional, somereflecting today’s trends. what rustic abodes, is limited and The traditional type residences with the ever growing demand for tend to be the favourite, possibly due such properties, many have taken to If you are after that special holiday home in Gozo, or maybe a solid rental investment, to their added character and sense that reflect we provide you with abuilding one-stop-shop new solution,residences boasting of the largest selection of properties for sale and to let, including all the latest developments, an extensive of authenticity. Expertly converted, thefarmhouses, sameseaview characteristics, but with a selection of luxury homes, properties and budget apartments. to us today to obtain a free list of great valuetwist. propertiesThese available exclusively these have nowadays beenTalk expertly more modern ‘modern through us. converted and upgraded to13,include farmhouses’ are really and truly bunFortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria | t. 2210 2000 | m. 9943 7257 | e. gozo@franksalt.com.mt all comforts and amenities sought galows or villas, offering the ultimate after today, such as solar heating, air- in accommodation. Built with the conditioning electrical commodities best Gozitan craftsmanship and style, and the likes. Such residences would they incorporate the same characterhave originally been built to house istics of the older type houses, such as extended families larger than is the norm today, and as such often offer ample sleeping quarters and living spaces, with 3 or 4 bedrooms being the norm. Outdoor space surrounding the properties tends to be plentiful, in the form of gardens and yards, with the latter making room for luxury pools and entertaining area. What’s more, farmhouses often offer magnificent unobstructed views of the surrounding countryside or the Mediterranean seas, making them a heaven on earth at sunrise or sunset, providing an ever changing canvas of nature’s grandeur. Typically, like Maltese house of
use of Maltese limestone for building, patterned tiles for flooring, use of internal courtyards and cellars, functional fire places and the likes. These are blended with modern finishes and architecture styles, often making use of modern materials such as stainless steel and glass. Whether situated around the village core or else on the outskirts of the villages, in the heart of the untouched Gozitan countryside, farmhouses offer a tranquil, ideal base for holiday makers who need a few days of peace and quiet. They are ideal for all seasons of the year, be it summer with their fresh and outdoor pools, to winter and the colder months, where one can cuddle up in the cosy living rooms, in front of a traditional fireplace whilst enjoying the warmth and the crackling of burning wood. Their innate beauty, and most importantly uniqueness makes farmhouses a very sought after property option, particularly as an investment. The limited supply and growing demand ensures that the price of the property not only holds, but offers steady capital appreciation. What’s more, farmhouses make an ideal rental investment, popular for holiday letting throughout the whole year. Prices start at around €190,000 and average at €250,000, however farmhouses exceeding the one million euro figure are not unheard of. Contributed by: Nick Bilocca, marketing manager, Frank Salt (Real Estate) Ltd. For the largest selection of farmhouses, one may contact Frank Salt Real Estate’s Gozo branch in Victoria or visit www.franksalt.com.mt
www.letsgozo.com.mt 39
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Just Round The Corner The Death of Snow White: A Tragedy in 7 Days Aurora Opera House, 1 December
N
aupaca Dance Factory presents ‘The Death of Snow White: A Tragedy in 7 Days’, a contemporary dance interpretation based on the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
as told by the Brothers Grimm. This show is set to take place on 1 December 2012 at the Aurora Opera House, Victoria, and on 7 & 8 December 2012 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC) in Valletta. More information www.naupacadancefactory.com
C Commemoration | E Event | M Music/Concert | F Folklore Event | P Procession | R Religious Event | S Showcase/Exhibition | T Theatre/Film
NOVEMBER 2012:
1-18 S
Festa
Ministry for Gozo Exhibition Hall, St Francis Square A Solo Exhibition of oil, watercolour and batik artworks by Anastasia Ponyatovskaya Pace. More info: Gozo Culture, Tel. 2210 0223, info@ gozoculture.com. W: www.gozoculture.com
DECEMBER 2012:
1&2
R Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady
Co-titular feast including religious and social activities. More info: Fontana Parish Office, Tel. 2155 6097 W: www.qalbtagesu.com
Hamlet feast including religious and social activities. More info: Fransiscan Conventuals Friary, Victoria, Tel. 2155 6089
R
Fountain street & main streets, Fontana
28Oct-25Nov 4-8 S
Frammenti
St Michael Hall, Cittadella Centre for Culture & Arts An exhibition of photos by local photographers. More info: Gozo Culture, Tel. 2215 6714, info@gozoculture. com, www.gozoculture.com
24 C
Gieh ix-Xewkija
Rosa Magro Primary School Hall, Xewkija Honouring distinguished citizens from the village of Xewkija. More info: Xewkija Local Council, Tel. 2155 8822 W: www.xewkija.gov.mt
26
E Oasi Foundation Day
Ta’ Cenc Hotel, Sannat Annual Awarding Ceremony of the Youth of the Year. More info: Oasi Foundation, Tel. 2156 3333, W: www. oasi.org.mt
7&8
Exhibition Hall, Ministry for Gozo, St. Francis Sqr, Victoria
More info: Ministry for Gozo, Tel. 2215 6400, www.gozo.gov.mt
7 -7
Jan
S Il-Presepju tal-Banca
Banca Giuratale, Independence Sqr, Victoria Inauguration of the Annual Christmas Crib. More info: Gozo Culture Office, Tel. 2215 6700 W: www.gozoculture.com
7-9 E
Christmas Market
Main Square, Nadur
Fair - selling of Christmas decorations, entertainment, and food stalls. More info: Nadur Local Council, Tel. 2155 8080, www.nadur.gov.mt
40 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady R
S Flower Arrangements & Christmas Decorations
Dec
St Francis Square and adjacent streets, Victoria
Immaculate Conception Church and adjacent streets, Qala Hamlet feast including religious and social activities. More info: Qala Parish Office, Tel. 2155 6684 W: www.qala.gov.mt
13 C
Jum ir-Republika
Ministry for Gozo Hall, St Francis Square, Victoria Republic Day Commemoration – A musical concert presided by the President of the Republic, H.E. Dr George Abela, www.gozoculture.com
14&15
M Carols by Candlelight 10th Edition
St Augustine Friary
Christmas Carols Concert. More info: Schola Cantorum Jubilate, Tel. 21551298. W: www.scjchoir.com
15 F
The Light Festival
9
Santa Lucija Main Square,
Qala Parish Church
Leone Grand Christmas Concert
M Gozo International Celebration (Christmas Edition) Concert. More info: Qala Parish Office, Tel. 2155 6684. W: www.qala.gov.mt
8&9 R
Feast of Saint Lucy
Santa Lucija Square and adjacent streets, Santa Lucija Hamlet feast including religious and social activities. More info: Santa Lucija Church, Ta’ Kercem, Tel. 9984 1080. www.santalucija.com
Traditional Light Festival. More info: Fondazzjoni ta’ Klula Santa Lucija Gozo, info@santalucija.com, www. santalucija.com
M
Aurora Opera House
Concert - with the participation of various talents and the Leone Band. More info: Leone Philharmonic Society, Tel.2156 2974 W: www.leone.org.mt
16
F Gozo’s Yesteryear Christmas
Cittadella Centre for Culture and the Arts
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Folklore – celebrating past Christmas Traditions from the Island of Gozo W: www.gozoculture.com
16 -2 Dec
Jan
Annual Christmas Crib Exhibition S
Exhibition Hall, Ministry for Gozo, St.Francis Square, Victoria More info: Ghaqda Hbieb Presepju, Tel. 7955 1305
tal-
21 -1 Dec
Jan
Permanent Crib Exhibition S
Ghaqda Hbieb tal-Presepju, Bishop’s Curia, Republic Street, Victoria Exhibition. More info: Ghaqda Hbieb tal-Presepju, Tel. 7955 1305
22
M Staghnew Meta Qassmu Gidhom
MBC Theatre, Nadur
Musical play produced by the Males Section of the MUSEUM Nadur.
23
R Purcissjoni tal-Bambin
Main Streets, Zebbug Procession with the statue of Baby Jesus. More info: Zebbug Parish Office, Tel. 2155 4882 W: www.zebbuggozo.com
M A Holy Night with Animae
Good Shepherd Chapel, TacCawla, Victoria Concert by Animae Gospel Choir. W: www.entertainment.com.mt
24 R
Twieled fid-Djar
San Lawrenz Square and main streets, San Lawrenz 43rd Edition of ‘Il-Pageant talMilied’. A revamped edition of the Christmas Pageant in San Lawrenz. More info: San Lawrenz Parish Of-
fice, Tel. 2155 6073 W: www.sanlawrenz.gov.mt
Purcissjoni tal-Bambin R
Main Streets, Qala Procession with the statue of Baby Jesus, www.qala.gov.mt
25
Alfred Grech (literary co-ordinator). An evening which will imbue you with Christmas Spirit. W: www.sanlawrenz.gov.mt
30
Staghnew Meta Qassmu Gidhom M
Don Bosco Oratory, Victoria
Purċissjoni tal-Bambin
Musical play produced by the Males Section of the MUSEUM Nadur at Don Bosco Oratory
Procession with the statue of Baby Jesus. More info: MUSEUM Xaghra, Tel. 2155 6789
M New Year’s Eve Street Party
R
Dun Gorg Preca Street to Xaghra Basilica
28 M
Christmas Joys
Saint Lawrence Parish Chuch, San Lawrenz
31
Indpendence Sqr, Victoria Concert & Entertainment. More info: Victoria Local Council, Tel. 21563556, www.victoria.org.mt
A musical concert together with Christmas literary excerpts. With the participation of Claudia Tabone (Soprano), Jacob Portelli (Harpist), Robert Louis Grech (Organist), and Dr
www.letsgozo.com.mt 41
ADVERTORIALS
Gozo Gossiping Joe Xuereb | Villa Rundle, Victoria Limestone
Merhba bil-fjuri, Welcome to Gozo Mary Portelli | Mgarr Harbour Mosiac mural
Transforming Gozo into an open-air art museum
I
n 2010, the Ministry for Gozo launched the Public Art Scheme whereby a call was made for artists to submit proposals for the creation of artistic sculptures for public spaces in Gozo. 43 works were selected out of 120 submissions. The first batch of thirteen works were commissioned and some of them have already been installed in a number of public areas including Villa Rundle, Three-Hills Garden, Mgarr Terminal and roundabouts. The materials used
Il-Menhir Kathleen Formosa | 3 Hills Garden, Marsalforn Terracotta
42 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
for the creation of these public works of art vary and include bronze, wood, terracotta, Gozitan hardstone, mosiac, Gozitan limestone and stainless steel. The main aim of this initiative is to embellish Gozo with good works of art and giving the public the opportunity to enjoy such works in open and recreational spaces. The Ministry for Gozo is also embellishing other public spaces and transforming them in a more family-friendly environment. Three
Senerita Angelo Agius | Villa Rundle, Victoria Bronze
Hills Garden in Marsalforn and Villa Rundle in Victoria were refurbished with a total investment of around â‚Ź3.5 million. www.ecogozo.com
Ambjent Naturali Paolo Giordanella | Ghajnsielem Stainless Steel
MGARR - GOZO: 2210 9000 / 2156 1622 / 2155 6016 www.gozochannel.com
ADVERTORIALS
COUNTRY TERRACE Dine indoors or out on the terrace and enjoy the magnificent views of Mgarr Harbour and Malta. We specialise in local and Italian cuisine, offering you the chance to indulge in a large variety of fresh fish, lamb, rabbit, game and more. We guarantee that our menu is substantial enough to tickle everyone’s taste buds. We can also cater for large parties, weddings and outside catering. Country Terrace, Zewwieqa Street, Mgarr, Gozo. t: 2155 0248 | m: 9944 6833 e: info@country-terrace.com | w: www.country-terrace.com
DOLPHIN POOLS LTD Now is the time to plan on investing in a better and more enjoyable lifestyle for all the family, whilst enhancing and adding value to your property. Dolphin Pools, our Island's leading swimming pool company, can offer professional guidance, advice and assistance in making your dream come true. Whether you want to install a garden pool, indoor or rooftop pool, which are increasing in popularity, we are there to help you make the right choice at a surprisingly affordable price. Dolphin Pools – for all your pool, spas and sauna requirements, Dolphin Pools Gozo. t: 2156 6990, Malta: 2123 0855 | w: www.dolphinpools.com.mt
FRANK FORMOSA POOLS Frank Formosa has built a reputation on integrity, safety, quality and customer service. Our team has years of experience in turnkey projects, farmhouse and apartment conversions, swimming pool construction, tiling and heating, and we work with you at every stage of the project. With a focus on attention to detail, value engineering, streamlined design and a commitment to excellence, we strive to deliver on time and on budget. Frank Formosa Contractor offers his services in both Malta and Gozo. “F.M. House”, Point Street, Zebbug, Gozo. t: 2155 5099 | m: 7955 5099, 7988 8818 | e: frank.formosa@yahoo.com
IL-KARTELL RESTAURANT Since 1973, Il-Kartell Restaurant has become the venue where friends meet to enjoy fine food and wine. We offer an extensive Mediterranean and Gozitan menu at a reasonable price. Il-Kartell Restaurant, Marina Street, Marsalforn Bay, Gozo. t: 2155 6918 | m: 7900 1965 e: info@il-kartellrestaurant.com | w: www.il-kartellrestaurant.com
Missed an issue of Let's Gozo or looking for more information about the magazine? Head straight to www.letsgozo.com.mt where you can browse past editions, leave comments for the team and find out when the next magazine will be out. In the meantime, should you have any comments or suggestions we would love to hear them! Email the editorial team on feedback@letsgozo.com.mt. 44 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
COMPETITION
Winners
of the latest Let's Gozo competitions
2012 Winners March/April Rainy Day in Gozo by Joe Zammit Spring in Gozo by Christine Farrugia May/June Beach Life by Mikaela Galea July/August Festa Time by Victor B. Caruana
PHOTOS: PAUL SCICLUNA
Autumn in Gozo by Joseph Zammit
NEXT
ISSUE OUT WITH THE SUNDAY TIMES ON 20 JANUARY
Following on from our successful competitions in past issues, this edition it’s time for you to put your mark on Let’s Gozo, with your photographs. This issue's theme is CHRISTMAS IN GOZO, so enjoy the festivities and start snapping! Prizes are also up for grabs for the winners, including Gozo wine, restaurant vouchers and over-night stays. Visit letsgozo.com.mt for details, or submit your Christmasfocused pictures to feedback@letsgozo.com.mt. Kindly include details about where your picture was taken, and submit by the deadline 6 JANUARY 2013. Please note that only pictures related to the theme will be considered. We will be uploading the winning pictures to letsgozo.com.mt.
As we look forward to the New Year, we are already getting excited about Gozo’s cultural calendar for 2013. Of course, Carnival will be back with a bang, which means the island will become a treasure trove of colour and excitement once again. We can’t wait!
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Small and beautiful as it is, Gozo cannot be seen in just one day. As a place to relax, ‘hang out’ and live the good life the island is unsurpassed. After you set foot on Gozo, you’ll know why you need more than just a day to savour it’s leisurely charms. The more you enjoy your visit to Gozo, the more likely you are to return, and to recommend the island to others. If you are intrigued by this beautiful island’s ability to create ‘Gozo fanatics’ like ourselves, then plan a visit. We always stay for more than just a day. It’s the secret hideaway of all Maltese. Which is why we would prefer to leave it undiscovered by you. But it’s in our nature to share the best we have with visitors.
THROUGH THE KEYHOLE
The past few weeks have been busy on Gozo - with everything from topnotch operas to exciting festivals to attend. Here's a few Let's Gozo highlights.
01
Festubru: Gozo lace making changes hands from women to men.
01
02
Launch of the GTA Website: Official launch of the new Gozo Tourism Association website, held at St Cecilia Chapel.
02
03
European Federation of Carnival Cities: European participation at the FECC conference held on Gozo during a boat trip in Dwejra.
03
04
04
Gozo Day: Guests celebrating Gozo Day on 28 October 2012, in the foyer of the Banca Giuratale.
05
06
Turandot at the Aurora Theatre: A scene from Turandot. The two Gozitans, Noel Galea and Miriam Cauchi, who performed during the lyric opera Turandot.
07
Madame Butterfly at the Astra Theatre: A scene from the Madame Butterfly lyric opera staged at Astra Theatre. Soprano Daniela Dessi and tenor Fabio Armiliato performing in Madame Butterfly.
46 Let’s Gozo November & December 2012
06
07
Photos: (5) Leo Mario Haber (6) Anthony M. Bajada (7) Joe Attard
05
Frammenti: Gozitan photographers during the launch of the first collective photographic exhibition held at the Cittadella Centre for Arts and Crafts.