TOP
10 FESTIVALS
IN GOZO
2015
www.visitgozo.com
Photo courtesy of viewingmalta.com
Photo by Tonio Schembri
1 | Carnival 13TH – 17TH FEBRUARY Carnival week is one of the most colourful events in Gozo. It provides five days of revelry with young and old dressing up in colourful costumes and beautiful or grotesque masks. The main activities take place in the town of Victoria (ir-Rabat) and in Nadur. Celebrations in Rabat include parades with floats, costumes and rhythmic dance. Carnival in Nadur is deeply traditional and essentially spontaneous. Here, the purpose of costumes is disguise – it is pure fun, a concoction of costumes that make people unrecognisable and most remain silent to aid their disguise, gaining the Nadur celebrations the sobriquet, the silent carnival.
Top 10 Festivals in Gozo | www.visitgozo.com
Photo by Daniel Cilia
2 | Gozo Faith & Traditions 20TH MARCH - 5TH APRIL Gozitans have preserved a strong sense of popular religiosity. During March, Gozo is a hub of activities in preparation for the Good Friday processions and pageants, which provide real life re-enactments of the life and passion of Christ. The pealing of church bells on Easter Sunday on the 5th April heralds the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. An exuberant mode prevails in some localities as groups of bearers wearing the kunfratija, gloriously lift the statue of Christ along the streets to the sound of lively band marches. These celebrations intertwine with local life and traditions and offer the visitor an authentic experience of Gozo. Top 10 Festivals in Gozo | www.visitgozo.com
Photo by KTV photography
3 | Gaulitana Festival of Music 11TH APRIL – 24TH MAY The 9th edition of Gaulitana: A Festival of Music. Held between the 11th April and the 24th May 2015, the festival features international and local performers – choirs, chamber ensembles and soloists – in a diversity of musical styles – from sacred to secular, from serious to light, from chamber to operatic. The highlight of this edition is the full scale production of Verdi’s popular opera Rigoletto to be held at Aurora Theatre on Friday 22nd May 2015. The festival is artistically directed by Gaulitanus Choir founder-director Colin Attard. Victoria is pushing ahead with its musical festivals in its efforts to be crowned the capital city of culture in the Maltese islands. But there is more to it than Gozitan efficiency as, once again, the Gualitana Festival of Music, under the direction of Colin Attard, has been at the cutting edge of musical culture, branding a new Gozo which, throughout the last three decades, has consistently emerged as a town brimming with cultural festivals. The Times of Malta (That Super City of Culture, April 2014) Top 10 Festivals in Gozo | www.visitgozo.com
Photo by Ted Attard
4 | Festas Immerse into local life, the festa way! Experience towns’ and villages’ traditions at their best, soak in the mesmerising atmosphere of sounds, lights and colours as communities come together to celebrate the patron saints. Bands march through the streets of the village and fireworks light up the skies as crowds enjoy traditional food from street stalls. Visitors are always welcome and joining a festa is a great way to get a real taste of local life. 25th May: Feast of St Paul, Munxar 31st May: Feast of St Anthony, Ghajnsielem 7th Jun: Feast of Corpus Christi, Ghasri 14th Jun: Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fontana 21st Jun: Feast of St John the Baptist, Xewkija 29th Jun: Feast of St Peter and St Paul, Nadur 5th Jul: Feast of the Visitation, Gharb 12th Jul: Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Kercem 19th Jul: Feast of St George, Victoria 26th Jul: Feast of St Margaret, Sannat 2nd Aug: Feast of St Joseph, Qala 9th Aug: Feast of St Lawrence, San Lawrenz village 15th Aug: Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, Victoria 23rd Aug: Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, Zebbug 30th Aug: Feast of Our Lady of Loreto, Ghajnsielem 8th Sept: Feast of Our Lady of Victories, Xaghra 13th Sept: Feast of Our Lady of Graces, Victoria Top 10 Festivals in Gozo | www.visitgozo.com
Photo by Joe Attard
5 | 18th edition of the Victoria Int. Arts Festival 10TH JUNE - 13TH JULY The 18th Edition of the Victoria International Arts Festival spans five weeks of uninterrupted, high-powered musical activity, with no fewer than 33 concerts by local and foreign musicians and the participation of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. The Festival is artistically directed by Musical Director Joseph Vella, A special feature is the inclusion of a 5-day mini-Festival of Baroque music within the programme. Undoubtedly, Victoria boasts of a community fully inspired to build two magnificent theatres that have brought to Gozo’s magic shores world renowned artistes from all over the world. This city has developed an irresistible passion for musical culture...the Victoria Arts Festival, under the direction of Joseph Vella, is launched in the middle of June and will last from Wednesday 10th June to Monday 13th July with its glittering musical choices. The Times of Malta (That Super City of Culture, April 2014) Top 10 Festivals in Gozo | www.visitgozo.com
Photo by Ted Attard
6 | Qala Int. Folk Festival 18TH – 20TH SEPTEMBER Music, dance, costumes...the 10th edition of the Qala International Folk Festival is organised by the Qala Local Council and the Qala Menhir Folk Group. A weekend of folk dance, music and traditional food in the quaint village square brought to life by an intercultural programme that has grown to attract locals and visitors for its quality entertainment.
7 | Festival of Lights Photo by Ted Attard
16TH OCTOBER When was the last time that you were truly awed? Make your way to Gozo and enjoy the crisp air as the sun sets and Ghar Ilma hill lights up in a spectacle of hundreds of flaming lanterns. The beauty of light like you have never experienced before. A unique moment to inspire you, against the beautiful backdrop of the Gozitan countryside. Drop in at the beautiful Santa Lucija village square and mingle with the locals, savouring local food and unique hospitality. Top 10 Festivals in Gozo | www.visitgozo.com
Photo by Joe Attard
8 | Operas in Gozo Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata” opens the operatic season at the Aurora Theatre, on Saturday 17th October. With a plot that sends us to the heart of 1700’s Paris, La Traviata has always been considered as the ultimate operatic fashion-parade of music, drama, scenery and costumes. On the 29th and 31st October, the opera “La Boheme” will be produced at the Teatru Astra, in Victoria. Puccini is well-known for his creative powers when it comes to composing endearing melodies which sets him firmly in the finest of the Italian tradition.The music in La Boheme is not merely catching, it is quintessentially emotional. “If only English National opera and Covent Garden had that sense of cutthroat competition, how much edgier London’s operatic life would be.” Opera Now, April 2014
Top 10 Festivals in Gozo | www.visitgozo.com
Photo by Joe Attard
9 | Festival Mediterranea 29TH OCTOBER – 28TH NOVEMBER Festival Mediterranea, now in its 13th edition, unveils Gozo as a mosaic of Mediterranean civilisation, heritage and art. It is indeed a showpiece of a hundred things our own, an opportunity for a break from the routine of conventional life; a chance to immerse oneself in the mellow world of Gozo’s autumn, and explore and live the cultural tradition of its 7000 years of history. Festival Mediterranea offers all that Gozo boasts of in the cultural and artistic arena: opera, classical and symphonic music, a wealth of archaeology and history, drama, folklore and gastronomy. And the backdrop to this festival is Gozo’s sheer, natural beauty in warm autumn. Top 10 Festivals in Gozo | www.visitgozo.com
Photo by Joseph Sultana
10 | Christmas, an island of joy Christmas is a joyful time and Gozo steps up to celebrate. The town of Victoria and main village squares light up with decorations and there is a hustle and bustle around the island that heralds the festive event. Look out for beautiful choir singing and traditional cribs that reveal true craftsmanship. The traditional processions with the bambin Gesu’ are held in every village with the participation of children. Roam around Betlehem f’Għajnsielem where a whole area known as Ta’ Passi in the limits of Għajnsielem is transformed into a nativity village providing a cove where religion and local traditions intermingle. Check out the Gozo Christmas calendar and wrap yourself with the true spirit of Christmas. Top 10 Festivals in Gozo | www.visitgozo.com
Other Events January 1st Jan - New Year’s Toast The Gaulitanus Choir, Kempinski Hotel, San Lawrenz. 18th Jan - Traditional Feast of St Anthony Abbott Xagħra 31st Jan - Feast of St John Bosco, Victoria
February 8th Feb - Pawlu Appostlu tal-Gnus, orchestral concert, Marsalforn
March 19th – 22nd Mar – Gozo Folk Festival 21st Mar - Erbgħa (4) A dance Spectacular by the National Dance company, Astra Theatre 21st – 22nd Mar - FMVA Vintage Motors Festival 20th Mar - 5th Apr - Two weeks of activities to celebrate the Easter season. 21st Mar - The Road to the Crucifixion - A Pageant of the Passion of Christ enacted along the streets of Victoria up to Castle Hill. 21st Mar - Gozo International Celebration - bringing together foreign nationals on the islands in a celebration of inter-faith dialogue including music, hymns, and works of art. 22nd Mar - Via Crucis at Ta’ Għammar Hill with meditations based on the teachings of Pope Francis.
22nd Mar - Holy Week Concert organised by Fondazzjoni Santa Cecilja at St Francis Church in Victoria. 27th Mar - Our Lady of Sorrows. An open air mass and religious, traditional procession in Victoria. Xewkija village organises an animated pageant along the old streets of the village. 29th Mar - Good Friday Procession in the main streets of Qala
April 3rd Apr - Good Friday Procession organised in Nadur, Victoria, Xagħra and Żebbug. 5th Apr - Christ the Risen Processions held in San Gorġ, Kercem, Nadur, Xewkija, Cathedral, Zebbug, Qala, Xagħra and Għarb 31st Mar - Freedom Day 4th Apr - Its Frozen , dance production by The Art Factory – Aurora Theatre 5th Apr - Easter Concert at St Francis Church with the participation of Soprano Marouska Attard and The Classique String Ensemble. Conducted by Mro Joseph Debrincat. 5th Apr - Easter Concert on Easter Sunday by Chorus Urbanus 18th Apr - Piano & Cello Recital A recital by Michelangelo Carbonara on the piano and by Kyung Mi Lee on the Cello at the Kempinski Hotel, San Lawrenz at 19.00hrs. 26th Apr - Gozo Half Marathon. Run for it! The 40th edition of the Gozo Half Marathon. The 2014 edition saw the highest number of participants ever – 420 athletes with a high number of return participants from across Europe.
May 2nd May - The Hellfire 55k Ultra Trail 2015 The trail route is over 55km with 4 checkpoints. The course is a gorgeous circumnavigation of the island which covers cliff edge single tracks, lush valleys and water courses, seaside salt pans, sandy beaches and rocky terrain – in short, you will experience the whole of the Mediterranean in one race! 22nd May - Opera Rigoletto, Gaulitana Festival 30th May - EPIC musical, a dance show presented by Power House, St George’s Square
June 5th Jun - Rockastra The third edition of ROCKASTRA, an open-air celebration of rock music featuring the La Stella Band together with a host of leading artists under the musical direction of Sigmund Mifsud - Victoria 6th Jun - Bis-Sahha Wine Festival in Santa Lucija Square. A festival of wine, live music and local food. Entrance is free. 13th - 14th Jun - Festival “Fiori d’Argenta”, Xewkija;. On the 13th June at 7.30p.m. at St John’s square - a festival of culture, music, and traditions. On Sunday 14th June a horse defile is held beginning from St. Bert Street ending at St. John’s square. 13th Jun - Leone Goes Pop Swing, rock, pop to the 8th edition of Leone Goes Pop, which is set to entertain the heart of Gozo’s town - the central square, It-Tokk. The Leone Band returns for
another year round with a night of pop, rock and swing music, that keeps a crowded square entertained for hours. 20th – 21st Jun - Agricultural Fair, Nadur
July 4th July Summer Nights, Xlendi 5th July Infiorata An intricate carpet of fresh flowers arranged in thematic designs. The Infiorata is an old Italian tradition, the oldest one originating in ‘Gerano’ the twinned village of Gharb which is found in the outskirts of Rome Italy and which Gharb adopted as an annual event since 2003. 6th Jul - Summer Nights, Marsalforn 11th Jul - Summer Nights, Mġarr 18th Jul - Summer Nights, Xlendi 21st July - Leone Goes Pop, Marsalforn 25th Jul - Summer Nights, Mġarr 27th Jul - Summer Nights, Marsalforn 27th Jul - Opera vs Pop Under The Stars The Gozo Youth Orchestra in collaboration with The Ministry for Gozo and Embassy of the United States of America presents: “Opera vs Pop Under the Stars – 8th Edition”.
August 1st Aug - Gozo Ceramics Festival, Xlendi Gozo Presentation of ceramic artefacts by local artists who will be working live, demonstrating different techniques such as throwing, coiling, modelling, slab building and also firing.
3rd Aug - Summer Nights, Marsalforn 8th Aug - Summer Nights, Mġarr 8th Aug - Riflessi Sajfin An open-air festival organised by Oasi Foundation’s primary prevention team, Marsalforn 16th Aug - Summer Nights, Marsalforn 27th Aug -Summer Nights, Mgarr 28th – 30th Aug - The Delicata Classic Wine Festival, Kunsill Gardens, Nadur 29th Aug - Feast of St John Martyr, Xewkija. Traditional village square dinner is organised with songs and music at St. John’s square, culminating in a traditional bonfire. 29th Aug - Summer Nights, Xlendi 31st Aug - Stage and Proms on the Sea, Mġarr Marina 31st Aug - Summer Nights, Marsalforn
September 5th Sept - Jazz Do Festival, Mġarr Harbour 7th Sept - Commemoration of the Two Sieges, Xagħra 12th Sept - A rock concert by The Travellers, Marsalforn 13th Sept - Summer Carnival, Marsalforn
October 3-5th Oct - Festubru – A festival of folk and traditional food organised in the picturesque valley of Lunzjata. 10th Oct - A Musico – Literary evening to commemorate Fr Karm Psaila, the National Poet. 2nd/3rd week - Festival of figs and Gozitan traditional food, Xagħra 17th October - Opera La Traviata Aurora Theatre
27th Oct - A concert by a Choir from Wales at St George Basilica, Victoria 29th, 31st Oct - Opera La Boheme, Astra Theatre
November 7th Nov - Leone in concert – Victoria
December 8th Dec - Feast of the Immaculate Conception – Victoria & Qala 11th, 12th Dec - Carols by Candlelight by the Schola Contorum Jubilate at St Augustine’s Priory in Victoria 12th Dec - Festival of Light organised by Fondazzjoni ta’ Klula. Santa Lucija square is decorated with flaming laterns, bonfire and animated by children carrying candles in a procession 19th Dec - Christmas Concert at St George’s Basilica by Chorus Urbanus 25th Dec - Christmas Day 25th Dec - Twas the Night Before Christmas – St George’s Square 26th Dec - Christmas Concert organised by Fondazzjoni Santa Cecilja at St.Francis Church in Victoria 31st Dec - New Year’s Eve concert in Victoria Content is indicative of highlights of the Gozo cultural calendar and is not comprehensive of all events. For full details, changes to the original programme that may occur due to organisations’ needs and for other unlisted events, please check visitgozo.com
GOZO
GOZO, YOUR NEXT STOP IN THE MEDITERRANEAN Experience Gozo’s gems, secrets and magnificence, a perfect blend of history and myth, mediterranean culture and cuisine.
MALTA
History and culture have carved their own story on this island, symbolised by its prehistoric temples, magnificent churches and the towering Citadel. Blessed with a wonderful countryside, pristine beaches, and unique coastline, Gozo is there for you to discover. Gozo is connected to over ninety six (96) destinations through the Malta International Airport (www.maltairport.com). Once in Malta, drive to Cirkewwa Harbour (approximately one hour) and take the comfortable Gozo ferry for the scenic 25-minute crossing to Mgarr Harbour, gateway to Gozo. Designed by Keen Limited
TOP
10 FESTIVALS
IN GOZO
Photo by Ted Attard
2015
www.visitgozo.com
MINISTRY FOR GOZO