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THE ACTIVITY AND ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE The Official Events Guide of Malta & Gozo

MALTA 3 1 . o N e u s s I NATIONAL EVENTS - PLACES OF INTEREST HERITAGE - SPORT - RESTAURANTS & MUCH MORE... LOCALITY MAPS INSIDE

RMF Publishing & Surveys Ltd. In collaboration with MayMay 0808 SSSSSh... Captivating Gozo!

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. 03 Contents 21/4/08 10:17 Page 1

MALTA MALTA Contents Tourist Information ...... 4 Museums & Heritage Sites ...... 5 Heritage ...... 6 Malta Heritage Exhibitions ...... 7 Exhibitions ...... 10 Performances ...... 12 Festivals...... 14 Feasts ...... 15 Shaolin Monks ...... 17 Sports ...... 19 Gardens ...... 20 Eating Out ...... 21 Night Life ...... 23 RMF Publishing & Surveys Ltd Maps: Publisher Sliema/St.Julian’s ....26-27 Mario Zahra Rabat/Mdina...... 28 Birgu ...... 29 Advertising Sales Executive Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay..30 Valerie Rausi Valletta ...... 31 Compilation While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy Sandra Zahra of the information given in this booklet, no liability can be accepted by RMF Publishing and Surveys Limited for any error, omissions, or changes in the information Mapping given, or for the consequence of any reliance on the © 2008 RMF Publishing & information. Surveys ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in [email protected] a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, Contact Events Malta on: or otherwise - without the prior permission in writing from the publisher. This publication may not be resold, hired Tel: (+356) 21220766 out, or otherwise disposed of by way of trade in any form e-mail: [email protected] of binding, or cover other than that with which it is published, without the prior consent of the publishers. 103, G’Mangia Hill Pieta’ MSD1313 Malta. This edition was published in May 2008. © 2008 Published & Designed: RMF Publishing & Surveys ltd. 04 Info 21/4/08 17:13 Page 1

Tourist Info Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority Tourist Information 70 cents.The longest bus jour- ney takes about fifty minutes; 1 May - Worker's Day the average ride is between 20 On Thursday May the 1st, & 30 mins. which is a public holiday, Malta will be celebrating the Driving feast of St Joseph the Driving is on the left. There Worker, or as it is better is a speed limit of 80 kilome- known,Worker’s Day. To find tres per hour on arterial roads and 40 kph in urban areas. more about celeberations see page 15. Most of the Cycling shopping centres and other Cycling became popular again businesses will be closed. Public Transport since the introduction of all Malta’s public transport system terrain cycles (ATBs), which Boat Hire offers a cheap and efficient way are ideally situated to Malta Canoes, rowing boats, sailing of touring the Island.The main and Gozo. ATBs and bicycles boats, pedalos and speedboats bus terminus is in Valletta from may be hired from various are available for hire from where buses operate to all cycle shops throughout the a number of operators in parts of Malta, although there islands. Cyclists should the more popular seaside are also direct, point to point, remember to always follow resorts. Larger vessels and services. The cost of a bus the highway code and clearly yachts are also available for route ranges from 15 cents to hand signal their intentions. charter.

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Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority Heritage Museums & Heritage Sites Palazzo Falson hundreds of years and cre- Museum of Archaeology, Historic House ative models and visual aids to Citadel from Gozo or Museum highlight the history and folk- booked online from To celebrate the first anniver- lore from yester years to www.heritagemaltashop.com sary since its opening, after a nowadays. v 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 major restoration intervention u Westreme Battery, ¤ 21805018/9 by Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Mellieha Bay. Malta Maritime Museum, Malti, Palazzo Falson Historic v 43, 44, 45, 48 Vittoriosa House Museum is holding an A former British Naval Bakery, Open Day. All are invited to the museum shows visit free of charge throughout Malta’s the day. Guided tours will be maritime history within a held every half hour. Entrance Mediterranean context. It also is on a first-come first-served illustrates the global nature of basis. seafaring and its impact on u Palazzo Falson Historic society. House Museum, Villegaignon u Ex-Naval Bakery, Vitt- Str., Mdina. oriosa º 4 May, Open Day, 10am - º Mon – Sun: 9am – 5pm. 5pm. last admission 4.30pm. v 65, 80, 81, 84, 86 Tickets:Adults: €4.66, Children 6–12: €1.16, Students & Tunnara Museum Senior Citizens: €2.33, Infants: The Museum was built by the Free. knights of St John under the v 6 rule of Grandmaster Perellos Hal Saflieni Hypogeum ¤ 21660052 in 1716, to defend the bay This UNESCO World from different invasions. It was Heritage monument consists Inquisitor’s Palace also used as a Tunnara store. of halls, chambers and pas- Vittoriosa During the Second World sages cut in rock.The complex The Palace was built as civil War a beach post and a is grouped in 3 levels dating law courts for the Order of searchlight room were added from different periods, the St John and remained so to the Battery.After the war it deepest room being 10.6m until 1571. It was made an was solely used as a store for under road surface. official residence when then the Tunnara. The Tunnara was u Burial Street, Paola first general inquisitor Mgr an ancient method for catch- º 9am–11am, 1pm – 4pm, Pietro Dusina came to ing Bluefin Tuna. It consisted of guided tours on the hour. Malta. a series of large nets forming Tickets: Adults: €9.32, u Main Gate Street, Vitt- an inland and was placed in Children, Students & Senior oriosa the middle of the bay to trap Citizens: €4.66, Infants under º Monday – Sunday: 9am – tuna. This unique Museum 6: no admittance. Tickets 5pm. Last admission 4.30pm. stands to document for pros- can be purchased from Tickets: Adults: €4.66, perity the story of the Tunnara Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Paola Children 6 – 12: €1.16, the history of the Battery and National Museum of Students & Senior Citizens: through the ages. It combines Archaeology, Valletta €2.33, Infants: Free an attractive exhibition using from Malta and Ggantija v 6 original artifacts dating back Temples, Xaghra and ¤ 21827006

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Heritage Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority Cultural Tour A cruise to the Grand Harbour and other harbours. Transport leaves Sliema (Jesus of Nazareth Church) and Floriana (near Independence monument) º 4 May. 8.45am. Tickets: Knights Spectacular Palazzo Parisio & Children aged 5 - 12 & 1565 Dinner Show Gardens Senior Citizens €8.15; Adults An action packed musical spec- 19th century Maltese Palace, €10.48. tacle with 50 talented perform- home of the Marquis Scicluna v All Buses (Floriana) ers and 8 trained horses. Patrons family, with a history, architecture v 61, 62, 63, 65 (Sliema) are served a 3 course dinner and interior unique in Malta. A ¤ 21245168, 21232515 with free flowing wine and bev- glorious showcase of Maltese erages as the Knights of St. John and Italian craftsmanship with an in shining armour, vanquish the ornate gilded, mirrored ball- lavishly dressed warriors of room reminiscent of Versailles. The Suleiman the Magnificent in the u Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar Limestone epic siege of 1565. NXR 1700 Heritage u The Arena, Montekristo º Monday -Saturday 9am - Estates, Hal Farrug, l/o Siggiewi. 6pm(except public hols). Last º Every Thursday at admission 4.30pm. Tickets: 7.30pm. Tickets: Adults €48, Adults €9, Student €6, Maltese Summer Children under 12: €24. Children €4.50. Folklore Nights v Free transport available v 54, 55, 56, 65 ¤ 21228065, 99991565 ¤ 21412461 Delight all your senses with a trio of food, wine and song. The Bir Mula Enjoy a fabulous 3 - course it become 144m deep. buffet dinner including Exhibition Only the first 50m are open The exhibition includes a wine while enjoying, live to visitors. mandolin music and live folk read-through narrative on the Zejtun Road, Birzebbuga history of Cospicua. u entertainment by a team of º Monday – Sunday: 9am dancers, under the night u 79, St Margerita Str, – 5pm. Last admission Cospicua stars. A most memorable 4.30pm. Tickets: Adults: Maltese night out! Bookings º Saturdays & Sundays from €3.49, Children from 6 – 11: 10am - 12pm. recommended. €1.16, Students 12 - 17 & The Limestone Heri- v 3 Senior Citizens: €1.75, u ¤ 21661000, 21826427 tage, Mons. M. Azzopardi Str. Infants: Free. Siggiewi v 11, 12, 12 Ghar Dalam Cave & ¤ 21657419 º Every Friday at 8.30pm Museum, Birzebbuga Tickets: Adults: €40, Children The site is the earliest evi- Rabat/Mdina Multi Site under 12: €5. Free transport dence of human settlement Ticket: Domus Romana, St available on Malta round 7,400 years Paul's Catacombs & National v 89 ago. The cave was formed Museum of Natural History - ¤ 21464931, 99457475 by an overlaying river making €11.65, Infants: Free.

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Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority Heritage

Exhibitions of Malta’s seminal artists of their º 24 May - 8 June. Monday - era. Organised by Heritage Sunday 9am - 5pm. Free admis- Visage Malta and the Gozo Cultural sion. Last admission 4.30pm. An exhibition of drawings, etch- Council. v All Buses ings, oils and sculpture by u Exhibition Hall, Ministry for Jesmond Vassallo & Francesco Gozo,Victoria Gozo. Into my Imagination Astiaso Garcia. º 1 - 26 May. Monday - Friday An exhibition of old photos by u Contemporary Room, 8.30am - 4.30pm. Saturday and Joe Camilleri donated to Heritage National Museum of Fine Arts, Sundays 9am - noon. Free admis- Malta. Valletta. sion. u Heritage Malta Head Office, º 1 - 4 May. Monday - Sunday v All Buses Valletta. 9am - 5pm. Free admission. Last º 24 May - 22 June. Monday - admission 4.30pm. Views of Gozo (1800— Friday 8am - 5pm. Free admission. v All Buses 1940) in the National Last admission 4.30pm. Collection v All Buses An collective exhibition of paintings from the National Collection Other Events depicting views of Gozo through- The Recent Prehistory in out the ages. Organised by Alicante. From Neolithic Heritage Malta and the Gozo times to Bronze Age Cultural Council. A lecture by Jorge A. Soler Díaz, u Banca Giuratale, Indepen- director of exhibition of the dence Square,Victoria Gozo. MARQ Archaeology Museum º 1 - 26 May. Monday - Friday, Alicante in Spain. A lecture about 8.30am - 4.30pm. Saturday and the work carried out by MARQ Sundays 9am - noon. Free admis- to preserve, research and pro- sion. mote this patrimony. Organised v All Buses Treescapes … Lifescapes by Heritage Malta Heritage Malta Head Office, An exhibition of paintings by Jeni Mikrokosmos u Caruana. Valletta An exhibition of paintings by 9 May. 6.30pm. Free admis- u Heritage Malta Head Office, Helga Portanier. º Valletta. sion. u The Contemporary Room, v All Buses º 1 - 18 May. Monday - Friday National Museum of Fine Arts, 8am - 5pm. Free admission. Last Valletta. admission 4.30pm. º 10 May - 8 June. Monday - Heritage Malta, v All Buses Sunday 9am - 5pm. Free admis- Old University sion. Last admission 4.30pm. Buildings, Merchants The Lazzaro Pisani (1854 v All Buses Street, -1932) and Giuseppe Valletta VLT 03. Malta. Briffa (1901 -1987) Silence Tel: +356 2295 4000, Bequest A photographic exhibition by Lia 2295 4300 Collection Salie. Fax: +356 2122 2900 An exhibition of bequests from u The Loggia, National [email protected] the National Collection by two Museum of Fine Arts,Valletta.

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Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority Heritage salutes would be fired to honour visiting dignitaries or vessels to Malta. For hundreds of years, it also doubled as the official public time marker from where a gun was fired at sunrise, noon and sunset to provide the public with the exact hour of the day. The first and last soundings indicated the time when all town gates where to be opened or closed. Malta at War Museum, The noon-day round was meant Vittoriosa for mariners to calibrate their A vast wartime underground air timepieces on board for naviga- raid shelter formed by a labyrinth The Saluting Battery, tional reasons.After all these cen- of hand excavated tunnels. Used Valletta turies, the old tradition of firing a throughout WWII as a regional Sited at Valletta’s best vantage gun at noon (12pm) still takes civil protection centre and under- point under the Upper Barracca place here daily. Guided tours of ground accommodation for some Gardens and overlooking the the battery are offered before 500 persons during the raids. The Grand Harbour, the Saluting and after the display at 11am and interior of this property has been Battery is still equipped with 12.30pm. Open: Daily 10am and faithfully restored and recon- original cannon. In the past, it 1.30pm. Free transport from this structed to its original state. served both to defend the har- site to the Malta at War Museum Entrance is from Couvre Porte bour and as an official ceremoni- and Fort Rinella leaves daily at Gate, Vittoriosa (across from the al platform from where gun 12.15 and 1.15pm. bus station) through a permanent display of original artefacts dedi- Fort Rinella, Kalkara cated to the daily life in wartime Fort Rinella is Malta’s only his- Malta.This Museum also compris- toric live-museum. It is a unique es a wartime movie produced in example of late 19th century 1942 by the Crown Film Unit on military engineering in being the express wish of H.M. King built as a steam-powered George VI to document the hero- mechanical war machine to ic stand of the Maltese during the house and power the world’s conflict. Length of film is 20mins. largest gun ever made – the Open Daily 10am – 4pm. All Armstrong 100-ton gun. This gun still survives in this fort. In its buses to Vittoriosa or follow signs time, it could fire a one-ton shell up to a distance of 8-miles at to Three Cities and then local which range it could pierce 21inches of ship armour. signs to museum. This fort has been painstakingly restored by volunteers back to its original state. A historical re-enactment takes place here daily FREE TRANSPORT is offered from the Saluting Battery to the at 2.30pm recreating aspects of the daily life of the Victorian gar- Malta at War Museum and Fort rison. This includes live cannon and musket firing. A brand new Rinella daily departing at 12.15 audiovisual is also available which outlines the colourful history of and 1.15pm. Intermediate free the fort and its monstrous gun. Open: Daily between 10.00am trips are also available between the last two attractions through- and 5.00pm. Guided tours and film shows are offered on the out the day . hour till 1.00pm after which there will be the historical re-enact- Tel. 21800992, 21803091; email: ment. Directions: Bus No.4 to Kalkara from Valletta bus station or [email protected]; follow signs to Three Cities and local signs to fort. www.wirtartna.org

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Theatre Exhibitions Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority is important to give some- Exhibitions thing back to Gozo island and The Human Figure therefore he will help two Patrick Dalli’s exhibition major Fund Raising Causes. shows the artist’s incessant u Pergola Hall, Gharb, interest in the human figure, Gozo. an interest that has matured º 3 - 11 May. significantly over the last v 2, 91 decade and that has also ¤ 99855103 spread into the field of sculpture. His paintings, drawings, Artisian Exhbition and sculptures, show his pas- By Denise Agius and Marisa sion for capturing the physical Attard organised by Ghaqda structure of the body and the Paintings & Ceramics Filantropika Talent Mosti. variegated tactile qualities of Paintings by David Xuereb u Ir-Razzett tal-Markiz the flesh. are all mixed media varying Mallia Tabone, Wied il-Ghasel u Main Hall, St James from acrylics to stukko Street, Mosta. Cavalier,Valletta veneziano, sprays, acrylic º 3 - 17 May. 6 - 9pm. º 1 - 11 May sheets heated and shaped to v 43, 44, 45, 47, 49, 50 v All Buses various forms then sprayed. ¤ 21433675 ¤ 21322200 Also ceramic works by George Muscat. Art Brut in Austria Gallery Last Touch, Main Visions at Whitehall u This exhibition is the first fea- By the young Maltese artist Street, Mosta. 1 - 31 May. Weekdays turing artists from all Anton Abela. His style is con- º provinces, thus presenting the sidered an innovative tech- 9am - 7pm. Wednesdays and Saturdays 9am - 1pm. great variety of the Outsider- nique, using a mix of light, or Art Brut scene in Austria. shadows and complementary v 43, 44, 45, 47 ¤ 79594508 The artists Arnulf Rainer and colours: a skill that evoked Peter Pongratz, as well as the large interest locally and Cross Stitch Exhibition cultural scientist Peter Gorsen abroad. assisted the curator Angelica u British High Commission, Organised by Stitch In Time Club on the occasion of its Bäumer in the selection from Whitehall Mansions, Ta' Xbiex. hundreds of pictures. All three º 1 - 28 May. Mon - Fri, 9am 10th anniversary. Several cross stitch items (around 400) will are experts that not only - 2pm. Free admission. work intensively with the v 63 be on display. These range from framed pictures, cush- works of Outsiders since the 1960’s, but are also collectors Inside Out ions, bathroom sets, quilts, ornaments to others. of that art. In recent years Art An exhibition of abstract pan- Brut has not just been keenly els by Victor Agius. u Catholic Institute, Flo- riana. discussed but also collected u MAJI wine & Dine, 6, Sir intensively fetching high prices. Adrian Dingli Str,Victoria, Gozo. º 2 May, 10am - 1pm & 4 - 8pm. 3 May, 10am - 8pm. The current art scene cannot º 1 May - 30 June. Monday º 4 May, 10am - 6pm. be imagined without it. - Wednesday from 6.30pm v All Buses u Upper Galleries, St James onwards. Thursday - Sunday Cavalier,Valletta. noon - 2.30pm and 6.30pm Revelation º 3 May - 15 June onwards. Fund raising art exhibition by v All Buses v All Buses Raphael Labro. For Raphael it ¤ 21223200

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Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority Exhibitions Synergy Sea Dreaming An art exhibition by Irish - Following an active profes- Maltese artist Caroline sional career as a designer Said Laurence in aid of and teacher in the visual various philantropical and performing arts, Derek foundations. Nice has for the last 15 u Sinclair Stevenson Gal- years concentrated on the lery, 59, Trux Str,eet Gharb, development of his own Gozo. individual work as a painter º 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 May. sculptor collaborator. He is Open 10am - 12.30pm and based in the UK and in 4.30 - 7pm. Malta and his work reflects v 2, 91 on maritime themes. The ¤ 21562074 archeology, myth and legend of these islands, and the Silver Palette coastal edge of Northern Competition waters. Exhibition u Main Hall, St James Sponsored by Vee Gee Bee Cavalier,Valletta. Art.. º 16 May - 22 June u Malta Society of v All Buses Arts, Manufactures and ¤ 21223200 Com-merce, Palazzo de La Salle, 219 Republic Street, Of Faces & Figures Valletta. By Joanne Fenech Portelli and º 7 - 14 May. Open Audrey Mercieca. Monday - Friday 4.30pm - u Malta Society of Arts, De-Coding Beauty 7pm and Saturday 10am - Manufactures and Commerce, Art exhibition by George noon. Free admission. Palazzo de La Salle, 219 Scicluna.This exhibition shows v All Buses Republic Street,Valletta. sketches dating back to the º 21 - 31 May. Open early 90’s when George’s dis- Mikrokosmos Monday - Saturday 10am - tinctive style was beginning to A paintings exhibition by 12.30pm. Monday - Friday emerge. He then moved on Helga Portanier. 4.30pm - 7pm. Free admis- to large-scale monochrome u National Museum of Fine sion. paintings that depict the stat- Arts,Valletta. v All Buses ues of the Old Masters. º 7 May - 9 June. Characteristic of the next v All Buses Paintings Exhibition period is a series of paintings By Dr Ulrich Hackenbruch. ‘composition of a girl’ which Tempo di Medio Evo u German Maltese Circle, carry the style further on. Paintings exhibition by Luisa Messina Palace, St. Following this phase, one then Del Campana. Christopher Street,Valletta. arrives at the most recent u The Hall, Italian Cultural º 22 May - 27 June. Open paintings where colour Institute, St. George’s Square, Monday - Friday 9am - becomes more prominent. Valletta. noon and 4.30 - 8.30pm u Casa Scicluna , Paul º 15 - 30 May. and Saturdays morning Portelli Str.Victoria , Gozo. v All Buses only. º May - December ¤ 21221462 v All Buses v All Buses

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Theatre Performances Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority year presenting its first solely Performances A Capella Concert encom- u Auditorium of Society of Magical Musicals passing Classical, Negro Christian Doctrine (Museum), A live concert featuring top Spiritual, contemporary com- Blata l-Bajda. local artists accompanied by positions and many other º 3 May. 7.15pm. Paul Abela & Band.The show genres. The event augurs to v 71, 75, 80, 81 will be an assortment of the be an interesting and enjoy- most popular musicals from able performance. Broadway and the West End. u St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina All the talent put together in º 1 May. 7pm. Free admis- addition to the live music and sion. spectacular dance and light v 65, 80, 81, 84, 86 shows, is nothing but a guar- u St. Lawrence Collegiate antee of another highly pro- Church,Vittoriosa. fessional theatre bonanza to º 17 May. 7pm. Free admis- all musicals lovers. sion. u Aurora Opera House, v 6 Republic Str,Victoria, Gozo. º 1 May. 8pm. Songs from the West v All Buses End, Broadway and ¤ 21562974, 21559452 the Films A charity concert to raise Pianist Célimène funds for Ir-Razzett tal- Daudet in Recital Hbiberija. This concert is An Evening with Ms Célimène Daudet, who is being organised with the par- Gordon Giltrap a young French pianist was ticipation of Students from Masquerade Theatre Com- trained in the famous Ecole Arleen J. Barlow’s Vocal pany presents one of UK’s Française tradition. She won Studio. most respected guitarists - first prize at the u Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija, Gordon Giltrap. He has been Conservatoire National Marsascala. working in the music business Superieur de Musique de º 2 May. 7.30pm. for 40 years, and is regarded Lyon in 2003 and later in v 19, 20 by many to be one of the 2005 achieved the diploma ¤ 21636526 great acoustic guitarists with a for teaching. She has also a unique, individual style. For his Chamber Music diploma from Band Concert concert in Malta, Gordon will the Conservatoire National The St. Gaetan Band of be playing a mixture of mate- Superieur de Musique de Hamrun will celebrate the rial taken from albums dating Paris. Daudet’s playing has feast of St. George Preca with back to the late 60s! Gordon been acclaimed by various a Band Concert during which Giltrap’s guitar concert prom- critics mainly in France, the band will perform among ises to be a unique event to Germany and Malta. others new religious hymns be added to the growing list u Manoel Theatre, Old and a new Cantata in honour of memorable concerts by Theatre Street,Valletta. of St. George. Soprano Joan international musicians in º 2 May. 8pm. Mangion,Tenor Joe Aquilina, a Malta. v All Buses. children's choir and the u Manoel Theatre, Old ¤ 2124 6389 Mirabitur choir will accompa- Theatre Street,Valletta ny the band. The classical gui- º 6 May. 7.30pm. A Cappella Concert tarist Simon Schembri will also v All Buses The St. Monica Choir is this perform during this concert. ¤ 21246389, 79793737

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Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority Performances Piano Recital by Maria arias accompanied by harp. Light Music Concert Blanco u Sagrestia Vault, Valletta By the German Ensemble Maltese pianist, Maria Blanco, Waterfront. “Choryphaen”. was the winner of the 1999 º 9 May. 8pm. u German Maltese Circle, Young Musicians National v All Buses Messina Palace, St. Competition and the 10th ¤ 79680952 Christopher Street,Valletta. Bice-Mizzi Vassallo Music º 19 May. 7pm. Competition in Malta, 2005. Orchestral Concert v All Buses. Most recently she has been The Malta Philharmonic awarded the Malta Orchestra conducted by Mro. Flute and Percussion Government Scholarship Michael Laus will present an Recital Scheme to read for a Masters Orchestral Concert with a By the duo Giorgia Santoro in Music at the Royal Northern scrumptious programme. This and Vito De Lorenzi College of Music in concerto will see the partici- (Medievel Music from Europe Manchester, where she is pation of London Clarinetist to the Orient). Bir Miftuh studying with Carole Presland. Robert Plane. Festival - organised by the u Music Room, St. James u Manoel Theatre, Old Italian Cultural Institute. Cavalier,Valletta Theatre Street,Valletta u Santa Maria Bir Miftuh º 9 May. 8pm. Tickets €10, º 13 May Chapel, Gudja. €8. v All Buses º 23 May. v All Buses ¤ 21246389 v 8 ¤ 21223200 ¤ 21221462 Concerto lirico Pucciniano Annual Concert Organised by the Italian And Presentations of Embassy in collaboration with Certificates of the London Lucca Provence. College of Music by the Malta u Manoel Theatre, Old Society of Arts, Manufactures Theatre Street,Valletta. and Commerce. º 16 May. u Casino Maltese,Valletta. v All Buses º 30 May. 6.30pm. Free ¤ 21246389 admission. v All Buses Malta Philharmonic ¤ 21244339 Orchestra Wind Ensemble Movie Spectacular - The Wind Section of Malta Concert Philharmonic Orchestra con- The Malta Philharmonic ducted by Mro. Robert Plane Orchestra will present the Harp Concerto will engage in a programme of Movie Spectacular concert.. A A one-hour recital by harpist Serenade in C min K. 388 of concert with a repertoire of Anne Marie Camilleri W.A Mozart and Wind soundtracks from the most Podesta’ featuring works by Serenade in D minor, Op. 44 popular movies. Ortiz, Handel, Zabel, Rossler- by A. Dvorak. u Mediterranean Confer- Rosetti, Godfroid, Pachelbel, u St. Paul's Anglican ence Centre,Valletta Albeniz, and Granados. Guest Cathedral,Valletta. º 31 May. appearance by soprano º 16 May. v All Buses Marita Bezzina performing v All Buses ¤ 21243840

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Theatre Festivals Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority Garden of Rest Spring National Folk Singing Festivals Fete Festival Gozo 1234 Come and bring family and The Malta Council for A fantastic 4-day weekend. friends to enjoy this historic Culture and the Arts organ- Every morning and afternoon garden at its best in Spring. ises an open air festival - there will be a wide range of Refreshments will be available, a jamboree of local and events taking place simultane- as well as stands selling plants, Mediterranean folk songs. ously all over Gozo. From pick- cakes, and other items. To It features folk singing ing your own fruit to a walk reach the Garden, follow the groups and musicians, craft down a WWII shelter, from an road near the Excelsior Hotel exhibitions and traditional arts & crafts market to an exhi- and down past the Belt-is Sebh food and drink as well as bition of classic cars, from kids National Library in Floriana. local music traditions and theatre to horse riding to a his- u Msida Bastion Garden of instruments. torical re-enactment. Gozo Rest, Floriana. u Argotti Botanical Gar- 1234 consists of no less than 99 º 4 May. 10am - 3pm. dens, Floriana. things to see and do. At night, v All Buses º 16 - 18 May. 7.30pm. Gozo 1234 will turn into some- ¤ 21220358 v All Buses thing even more special, a moveable feast. On each of the 3 evenings there will be concerts, shows, speciality food, street entertainment, buskers, fireworks etc. Pick up a map & detailed programme on the ferry on your way up. u Gozo º 1, 2, 3, 4 May. The Earth Garden Festival In line with the aim of Earth Garden to serve as a showcase for The Great Spring artistic and music talent, the Greek Theatre will host a two-day Horticultural Show music concert with special live performances.This year’s music The show consists of over 200 concert will present an interaction between our top local musi- classes for competition - flow- cians and DJs, paired with London’s well-known artistes. For ers, fruit, vegetables and pot instance, there will be a session where Tribali’s percussionists plants. The exhibition includes will be jamming with London Reggae DJ Manasseh - definitely artistic floral arrangements a gripping mix! The main gig on each night will be taken up by due to a strong participation a 16-piece big band, who will be led by Sigmund Mifsud, giving by established and new flower different musical spheres on both evenings.The music concerts arrangers. Also exhibitions and will finish off with a spiced up closing music session! Saturday: demonstrations of local crafts, “A heavy doze from The Beatles followed by some rock beats such as ganutell, monastery and finishing off with funk music.” Sunday: “The music vibe work, crochet, weaving, gold from jazz pioneers…to freer elements of jazz…to the Latin embroidery as well as agro- rhythmic moving beats.” industry products. u National Park,Ta’ Qali u San Anton Gdns, Attard. º 10, 11 May. 2pm onwards. Concerts start at 8.30pm. Free º 3 - 4 May. Saturday 2pm - admission to the Open Village. Tickets for the GO Music con- 10pm. Sunday 8am - 9pm. cert €24 per concert. v 40, 80, 81, 84 v 65, 86 ¤ 21436619 ¤ 21494297

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Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority Feasts

Feasts St. Joseph the Worker Procession at 7pm. u Birkirkara º 1 May v 42, 43, 44, 45

St. Joseph Procession at 7pm. u Hamrun º 1 May v 71, 75, 80, 81, 88

St. Joseph Procession at 7pm. The Annunciation Qala Church, Qala, Gozo u Band marches every evening at 8.30pm. Thursday: Procession 1 May º of the Holy Eucharist at 7.30pm, followed by band march. v 42, 43 Saturday: Translation of the Relic procession at 6pm. Musical programme in church square at 8pm followed by band march. St. Joseph Fireworks display at 11pm. Procession on Sunday at 6.45pm. Procession at 6pm. Annunciation Parish, Main Street,Tarxien. Xlendi Church, Xlendi, u u 19 - 25 May Gozo º v 8, 11, 27, 29 30 º 1 May v 87 Holy Trinity Band marches every evening u St. Augustine Church, Old Holy Cross Bakery Street,Valletta. High Mass celebrated at at 8.30pm. Saturday: band marches at 2pm and 8.30pm º 22 May. 6.30pm followed by a pro- v All Buses cession at 7.45pm, with followed by fireworks display at midnight, and musical pro- the statue of St. Helen and St. Paul the relic of the Holy gramme in church square at 8.30pm. Sunday: band march at Band march on Saturday at Cross, accompanied by band 9.30pm followed by fireworks marches. 10.30am, musical programme at 6.15pm, procession at 7pm. display at midnight. Procession u St. Helen’s Basilica, St. on Sunday at 7.30pm Helen Square, Birkirkara u Holy Trinity Church, Cross Road, Marsa u Munxar Parish, Munxar, º 2 May Gozo v 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 49 º 14 - 18 May v 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 18,19, 27 º 24 - 25 May. v 50 St. Augustine Band marches every evening at St. Rita Open day of 17th century Corpus Christi 8pm. Procession on Sunday at Traditional Eucharistic proces- 7.30pm. vaults, shelters and models of ‘Mandragg’ and Old Bakery sion at 9.30am. u St. Augustine Church, Old Nativity Basilica, Xaghra, Bakery Street,Valetta. Street which will be held in the u church centre in St. John’s Gozo. º 3 - 4 May 25 May v All Buses Street. Procession takes place º at 6pm. v 64, 65 Events Malta - May 08 15 you’re virtually there!

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Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority Shaolin Monks The world’s most successful Kung Fu show presents the mystical incredible Powers of the masters of the Shaolin Kung Fu from the Province of Henan empire and the monastery. Shaolin Kung Fu is the mother of all martial arts world wide.

The monks of Shaolin Kung Fu are masters in controlling their Chi, the body’s imminent energy which moves along the meridians of every human being. In years of meditation, they’ve learnt to move their Chi to any desired part of the body. Thus they are able to become temporarily insensi- For more than 13 years the “Shaolin Kung Fu tive to pain and to suspend Monks” have attracted worldwide attention with the laws of physics known to their breathtaking show. In more than 2000 per- us. The monks can endure formances in front of an audience of more than 3 incredible strokes actually million, the visitors could see for themselves that without physical injuries or the Zen Buddhists from Shaolin are capable of wounds. It is the reality that overriding the laws of physics by mere concentra- fascinates the audience time tion and to develop nearly superhuman forces. and time again. Discover the truth behind tells the story of the The combination of each these strong, skilful and brave monastery. 1500 years ago, Shaolin show is the entrance monks and find out how their the Indian Monk Tamo found- of the only 7 year old Monk way of life has shaped all the ed Zen Buddhism there. He apprentice and of the venera- martial arts of today.A power- taught the monks the perfect ble 85 year old grand master ful, impressive and peaceful control of the body through Shi Wancheng, who radiates show, demonstrating how the meditation and by mimicking the dignity and wisdom of a body can be controlled by the movements of animals. life dedicated to Kung Fu. mind power. A show not only Over the centuries of the his- Childhood Kung Fu is the for those interested in martial tory of the monasteries the name of the exercise proving arts, but also for those inter- soldier monks served the that the control of the body is ested in China, for esoteric Emperors and defended the not a question of age, if one fans and for the whole family. only practices consistently. Commissioned by the There are many imitations Government of the Chinese but only one original! Province where the monastery lies, the monks have been Mediterranean Conference traveling around the world Centre, Valletta to show the spectators the Centre, Valletta 17 May, 8pm & 18 May, 6.30pm. mastering of the body in 17 May, 8pm & 18 May, 6.30pm ultimate perfection. The show 25595750/1, 99839770

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Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority Sports Sports FIRA-AER European National Powerboat Rugby Natiions Cup Race Malta vs Poland is the 7th and The 2008 Championship last home, Division 2B fixture consists of 6 races stretching in the 2006-2008 FIRA-AER from March to September. European Nations Cup for The races will all be held in the Malta Rugby Football the St. Paul's Bay area Union (MRFU). Rugby is between 10am and 4pm. Malta's fastest growing team There is a 2 or 3 day time sport and internationals have window in which the race become a unique entertaining may be held, this is so that, experience for Maltese and weather permitting, we tourists alike. would be able to choose the u Hibernians Stadium, most suitable day in that par- Horse Races Corradino. ticular weekend to hold the Horse races take place on º 10 May. 2pm. Tickets: races. Always call beforehand Fridays at 7pm and Sundays at Adults €8, Children: €2. to confirm exact date of race. 2pm v 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 u St Paul’s Bay u Malta Racing Club, ¤ 99881266 º 17 - 18 May. Racecourse Street, Marsa v 43, 44, 45, 48 º 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, 23, 25 May ¤ 99496979 v 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 18, 19, 27 Middle Distance Sicily-Malta Cross Triathlon Country Race Swim: 1.9km. Cycle: 90km. As part of the 80th Run: 21.1km. Anniversary of its found- Pretty Bay B’Bugia, near ation the Malta Olympic u Al Fresco Restaurant Committee has decided to 18 May. 7am include mountain biking in º 11, 12, 13 the Malta-Sicliy tournament. v European Judo KATA ¤ 79300773 The cross country race will Championships be held on the Pembroke The show is a technical con- Move for Health course. The best Elite riders frontation of fight simulation from Sicily are going to be The Health Promotion & containing techniques of judo Disease Prevention Depart- present and self-defence.The contests Pembroke ment (HPDP) is organising a u will be judged by EJU qualified Fun Run Event. The event º 3 May. 10am. Kata Judges. v 671 "Move for Health" (Caqlaq u University of Malta ghal Sahhtek), is a non-com- Triathlon: Sicily - Sports Complex,Tal-Qroqq. petitive one, and medals will Malta Tournament º 10 May:10am preliminar- be distributed to every par- ies; 3.30pm opening ceremo- ticipant who completes the Swim: 1.5km. Cycle: 40km. ny; 4pm finals. 3km route. Run: 10km. º 11May: 10am preliminar- National Park,Ta’ Qali. Salina Coast Road, Salina u u ies; 3.30pm closing ceremony; 24 May. 4pm. (infront of Coastline Hotel) 4pm finals. º v 65, 86 º 3 May. 2pm. v 42, 58, 69 v 68, 70 ¤ 21310463, 21319944 ¤ 23266115, office hours.

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Theatre Gardens Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority Malta’s first professor of natu- Gardens ral history. He assembled the Upper and Lower plants in Floriana’s Mall and 50 Barrakka Gardens years later they were moved Two gardens, facing the Grand to the site of the present Harbour in Valletta, both offer- Argotti Gardens, then the pre- ing a panoramic view. The serve of a deceased knight. Upper Barrakka Gardens offer the best view since they’re Buskett Gardens more centered and at a much No more than 2kms from higher level. It was the gift of an Dingli Cliffs, sitting under the eighteenth-century knight. The watchful eye of Cardinal Grand Anglican Garrison Church Master de Verdalle’s summer partly intrudes upon it.The gar- retreat, are Buskett Gardens. den is built on top of a demi- Panoplies of foliage spread their Palazzo Parisio bastion. The Lower Barrakka shade over the valley floor, pro- Gardens Gardens are part of St viding a welcome respite These privately owned gardens Christopher’s Bastion and have against the heat of summer. rank amongst the finest in a view of the harbour. At their There are orange and cypress Malta and have seasonal appeal center is a small Greek-style trees, irregular cacti, leguminous all year round. The two classic, folly built in memory of carobs, aromatic firs and the baroque walled gardens are a Governor Sir Alexander Ball, Judas tree, which foretells Easter charming mixture of Italian who led the siege against the with its pink blossom (this is symmetry and Mediterranean French in 1800 and subse- said to be the tree from which colour and perfumes. quently became Britain’s first Judas hung himself). u Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar civil commissioner of Malta.The NXR 1700 French during the 1798-1800 Hastings Gardens º Open Monday -Saturday siege cultivated these gardens. From the National Museum of 9am-6pm (except public Fine Arts, it is well worth taking hols.) Garden Tickets: Adults Argotti Botanical a stroll through the nearby €5.25, Students & Children Gardens Hastings Gardens, named after a €4.10. 54, 55, 56, 65 In 1805 the British governor former Governor General, the v appointed a Carmelite friar, Marquess of Hastings (1824-26). ¤ 21412461 Unique 19th Century Maltese Palace with one of the ﬁnest gardens in Malta

For further information, see Heritage and Garden Sections

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Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority Eating Out

Events Malta - May 08 21 Honda Civic 5 dr €27,487/€13,800 (Tax free price) With a groundbreaking new design the Civic is set to revolutionise the way we drive. It’s a five door, with the dynamic, sporty look of a three door. It’s extremely spacious and versatile inside without compromising on quality or comfort. But what makes the new Civic really different is its radical approach to the driving experience.

ASSOCIATED MOTORS CO. LTD - Mriehel By- Pass, Mriehel. Tel: 22 781222 Fax: 21 480150 SB AUTOCENTRE - Mgarr Road, Xewkija, Gozo. Tel: 21 556773 e-mail: [email protected] www.honda.com.mt 23 night life 22/4/08 15:24 Page 1

Events Malta • In collaboration with Malta Tourism Authority Night Life is in Villa Dragonara, once the private home of a 19th century Maltese aristocrat. St. Julian’s St Julian’s is now an extension of Sliema although it started life as a small fishing port based on Spinola and Balluta Bays. Like Sliema, it is now a major Paceville residential and tourist centre, St Julian’s and Paceville are and home to some of Malta’s Malta’s main nightlife areas. newest hotels. St Julian’s Paceville lies on the hill merges with Paceville, Malta’s between Spinola Bay and St main nightlife centre where George’s Bay. It is the scene of there are clubs, casinos and Malta’s year-round nightlife and numerous restaurants, cafes offers leisure, entertainment and bars. Picturesque Spinola and dining to suit all tastes. Bay is still used by fishermen There is plenty to choose whose traditional boats are from: Paceville has the latest in housed just below the restau- club DJ music, as well as piano rants. The bay is particularly bars, an elegant casino and attractive at night and as a superb restaurants. The casino venue for open-air dining.

Events Malta - May 08 23 24 25 Malta map 3/24/08 9:12 AM Page 1

Departure/Arrival Point 26 27 St Jul-Sli 21/4/08 15:58 Page 1

ST.JULIAN’S

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RABAT

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BIRGU

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31 HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

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