The Maltese summer festa season hits its peak on 15th August with the feast of Santa Marija or, to give it its official title, the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, which is celebrated in no fewer than seven towns: Mqabba, Qrendi, Mosta, Attard, Gudja, Ghaxaq, and Victoria in Gozo.

It’s not just a religious feast but also a public holiday marking the mid-point of our long hot summer, when most businesses shut up shop to give employees a breather as the thermometer continues to sizzle.

For festa enthusiasts, Santa Marija is the queen of the season, and the usual competition between the parishes goes up a notch or three as towns vie with each other to produce the biggest, most colourful celebration punctuated by the loudest and most creative fireworks.

In some towns, celebrations start two weeks prior to the big day, and culminate in spectacular fireworks displays on the 14th and 15th of August. One of the best pyrotechnic shows to watch will be the one produced by the St Mary’s Fireworks Factory of Mqabba, which is renowned for its ingenious displays. Get there early on the evening of 14th August to grab a good viewing post, as it will get very crowded. Not to be outdone by its neighbour, Qrendi’s Santa Marija celebrations are drawn out over four weeks from 30th July to 22nd August.

The famous Mosta dome, or Rotunda as the locals refer to it, glows bright as it becomes the focal point for all Santa Marija celebrations, with High Mass celebrated by the Archbishop on 15th August at 9:15am. The mechanised ground fireworks display is held outside the church on the eve starting at 11:30pm, while the procession with the titular statue starts at 6:45pm on 15th August, with the brass band playing the Ave Maria.

The elegant residential town of Attard is also en fête. Make sure to take a peek inside the parish church, which was built between 1613 and 1624 on designs by architect and sculptor Tommaso Dingli and is regarded as the finest Renaissance church on the island. A concert by the brass band La Stella Levantina will be held on the eve at 8pm in the parish square, followed by fireworks at 11:15pm. The procession with the titular statue starts at about 6:45pm on 15th August and finishes at around 10:30pm.

Another church built by Tommaso Dingli is that of the parish of Gudja, which is also celebrating the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady. Completed in 1666, it is the only church in Malta with three bell towers. When it comes to Santa Marija festa processions, Gudja holds the record for the oldest titular statue of the Assumption, sculpted out of solid wood in 1807 by Maltese sculptor Vincenzo Dimech. Sacred music will be performed by the Assumpta Est choir every day from 11th August in the church at 6:30pm, culminating in the pontifical mass on 15th August at 9am. There will also be two concerts by the La stella Band Club and Maria Assunta Band Club on 14th August from 9pm. The procession with the titular statue on 15th August starts at 7:30pm.

Ghaxaq goes to town with its street decorations for the Santa Marija festa, which is documented to have been celebrated in this village since at least the start of the 1800s. Many of its elaborate street decorations, including statues and pedestals, are over 100 years old. Celebrations actually kick off two weeks before on 30th July at precisely 12pm, when the church bells go wild, flags are hoisted up above the rooftops triggered by a 21-gun salute. A powerful siren, a World War II relic, is sounded from the St Mary’s Club in memory of the joyful arrival of the SS Ohio, which quite literally saved the island at the height of the Siege of Malta.

Head over to Ghaxaq on 13th August from 10pm for a street party like no other, where a procession with the statue of Our Lady ends with a confetti and fireworks show followed by a gig by DJ Armani. And on 14th August, bag yourself a vantage point on Valletta Road just outside the town to watch the “pyro-musical” spectacle “The Convoy” from 9pm, followed by mechanised ground fireworks at 11pm. At noon on 15th August, make sure you don’t miss a little tradition dating back to the 19th century when a mini statuette of the Assumption pops out of its elaborate sarcophagus on top of a grandfather-clock-like structure!

The capital of the sister island, Victoria, is also celebrating the feast of Santa Marija. The cathedral at the Citadel is the focal point for this festa, which also features traditional horse races along Republic Street as well as an agricultural fair at Villa Rundle on 14th and 15th August. Don’t miss the concerts by the Leone Philharmonic Society brass band which is based in the Aurora Theatre, one of Victoria’s two opera houses.

Today’s Hosts Global Destination Spotlight features one-of kind destination Malta, and Hosts Global Affiliate, and local experts Colours of Malta. Whether you’re a history buff, a night owl, an adrenaline junkie, or simply a rambler wishing to be bowled over by natural splendour, the list of things to do in Malta is endless.

Megaliths, Medieval dungeons and Calypso’s Cave – The Maltese Islands are positively mythic. The narrow meandering streets of their towns and villages, always leading to a huge Baroque church, are a sight to behold. Their Fortress Cities are architectural marvels and the countryside is dotted with medieval towers, wayside chapels and the oldest known human structures in the world. The Islands have been described as an open-air museum.

Read the full article: https://hosts-global.com/hosts-global-destination-spotlight-malta/

Having become a crowd favourite, SummerDaze Malta is back this August with some of the leading artists in the music industry.

The main events will take place on the 15th August in collaboration with BBC Radio 1 Dance Live and Creamfields, and on the 17th of August, in collaboration with Radio Deejay and M2O at the Ta Qali Picnic Area.

For the 15th of August, the headliners we are expecting are worldwide superstars Anne-Marie, Bastille, Elderbrook, G-Easy and Jason Derulo who will be performing, supported by BBC RADIO 1’s very own Sarah Story and Arielle Free.

On the 17th of August, audiences will be treated to Deejay Times’s Albertino, Fargetta, Molella & Prezioso with Live Performance by J AX, Baby K, Corona, Ice MC and Special Guest performance by Meduza. The show will include Dancers, MCs, host & musicians by Shake It crew.

Tickets for both main events are free but a donation of €3 will be required to cover the cost of a reusable cup that should be used throughout the festival, in accordance with efforts to reduce plastic waste. The remainder of the proceeds will be put towards a donation to the MTA Corporate Social Responsibility Fund. To register, follow the steps on www.summerdazemalta.com.

Supporting these two main shows, a series of satellite events will take place throughout the week. Renowned Italian rapper Ghali will kick off the week-long festival on the 10th of August with a performance at Uno in Ta’ Qali, followed by a pool party at the Bora Bora Resort on the 11th of August. On the 12th, Vida Loca will takeover the island’s Uno nightclub once again, with the best of Hip Hop, RnB and Reggaeton.

On the 13th, the festival will set sail for a boat party around the Maltese Islands. World renowned DJ and producer Sigala will be soundtracking a sunset pool party at Cafe Del Mar on the 14th of August ahead of the main event on the 15th. The penultimate day of the festival will be headlined by Italian rapper Tony Effe on the 16th of August with a beach party at the iconic Armier bay.

The 10th – 17th of August will be a week you don’t want to miss!

The pristine Mediterranean waters of Malta will serve as the ideal backdrop for the new season of Bravo’s “Below Deck Mediterranean” which will be premiering next Monday, with Captain Sandy Yawn and 163-foot motor yacht “Home.”

Different from previous charter seasons, Sandy is working with a complex hybrid vessel making it more unpredictable to navigate. To ensure smooth sailing this year, Sandy brings on a trio of new department heads, but when surprising friction in the galley intensifies between the Chief Stew and Chef, who came onto the boat as colleagues and friends, tension permeates through the entire boat.

Meanwhile, the deck team faces an uphill battle when one crew member is unable to adapt to the high demands of Mediterranean superyachting, forcing others to pick up the slack. From difficult charter guests to roller-coaster “boatmances” and challenges with hierarchy on board, these yachties go to unthinkable lengths to survive the charter season. 

“Bravo’s Below Deck Season 7 filmed on location in Malta will provide viewers with an excellent opportunity to see why Malta is a favorite hub for Mediterranean yachting,” said Michelle Buttigieg, Malta Tourism Authority Representative for North America, adding that “exploring the Maltese islands by yacht is like sailing through 7,000 years of history. With approximately 122 miles of Coastline, Malta’s clear blue sea allows yachting guests to enjoy beautiful, secluded beaches, an abundance of reefs, stunning caverns and caves.”

“Below Deck Mediterranean” is produced by 51 Minds with Nadine Rajabi, Jill Goslicky, Mark Cronin, Wes Denton, Shane Maroufkhani, Tania Hamidi, Christian Sarabia and Zachary Klein serving as executive producers.

The Maltese capital has an instant charm that may remind you of Venice and maybe even Prague in one fell swoop. Dripping with charisma and oozing an undeniable historical vibe, it is a place where baroque charm comes to life before your eyes. The ancient honey coloured buildings and walls perfectly capture the warmth of the Mediterranean light giving the city a glow that heightens the appeal. Here are just a few sights you may want to see during your visit to this beautiful European capital which finds itself, and deservedly so, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral
The 16th century Co-Cathedral is a masterpiece of baroque workmanship. The somewhat plane exterior hides a glorious internal space that radiates with a golden glow by virtue of its grand and regal craftsmanship. Wherever you look you see beautiful decorative works, whether golden ornaments or marble statues, and don’t forget to look down, as the cathedral floor is every bit as ornate as the ceiling and walls with its delightful stonework and memorials of one sort and another. A must see while you’re in the island’s capital.

National Museum of Fine Arts
For those interested in all things artistic, the National Museum of Fine Arts is not only one of the oldest buildings in the city, but is an undisputed treasure trove of rare antique maps and a host of other works spanning the last 500 years. The 1760s saw the building undergo extensive renovation for the Knight who lived here all those years ago. It’s easy to feel history come to life as you stroll through the exhibits and rooms.

Casa Rocca Piccola
This beautiful example of 16th century architecture makes for a highly interesting visit around its well maintained and preserved rooms. But perhaps the most intriguing feature lies underground in the form of the World War II air raid shelters which have only recently been opened to the public. This underground world offers a truly fascinating insight into island life during the European conflict.

National War Museum
Although a tiny island, Malta’s strategic location in the Mediterranean has seen it caught in the crossfire of many a conflict. The museum presents a glimpse into battles and conflicts dating all the way back to the bronze age up to the relatively recent conflict of World War II. On display you will see the British built Gloster Sea Gladiator, Roosevelt’s famous Husky jeep, and the Malta George Cross awarded to the island by King George VI in 1942 along with his handwritten letter, all of which serves to remind the visitor the island’s history hasn’t always been the peaceful Mediterranean retreat it now is.

A sanctuary
Offering a place of refuge from the hot midday sun are the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens with stunning views across the Grand Harbour. At noon everyday the tranquillity is slightly punctuated and only momentarily by the traditional canon fire of the Saluting Battery, a feature as old as the city itself. The lower gardens tend to be less frequented by visitors so may offer a more suitable retreat when things get busy.

Eating
The city is awash with options for eating out from places with romantic Mediterranean views to waterside features and subtly lit courtyards. All tastes are catered for from Asian favorites to Italian to local cuisine. You won’t go hungry in Valletta.

Annual Events
Then there are the annual events such as the synchronized Malta International Fireworks Festival held in April, the harbour side Malta Jazz Festival at the end of July, two annual wine festivals held at the end of July and August, and the Catholic Carnival in Valletta with interesting performances and brightly adorned floats sailing through the streets.

As far as European cities go, Valletta can compete with the best. History, charm, elegance are all to be found here in this little cultural oasis in the island of Malta, lying, as it does, firmly in the midst of the Mediterranean.

Article credits: https://www.welcome-center-malta.com/valletta-maltas-capital-city-and-unesco-world-heritage-site/

After a 2 year absence, Malta Fashion Week and the Malta Fashion awards are back! The 3 day event will be an al-fresco, cabaret style seating, at the impressive Grand Harbour Rooftop, one of Malta’s most prestigious events venue, with magnificent views of the Grand Harbour. Guests will enjoy a lavish evening with daily fashion shows of local & foreign designers, live music and entertainment.

View the full schedule here: https://www.fashionweek.com.mt/

Learn more: https://www.maltainternationalfoodfestival.com/

Plunked in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta has been squabbled over by empires for millennia. But today its people are fashioning their own story. Conde Nast Traveler’s Rick Jordan recounts his various visits to the island while giving a brief recount of Malta’s fascinating history and how it shaped the Malta we know today.

Read the full article here:  https://www.cntraveler.com/story/in-malta-roman-ruins-and-natural-wine-bars-sit-side-by-side

Malta has been one of the best kept secrets for a Jewish Heritage Experience.  Exploring a Jewish presence that dates to the Roman Period, the Malta Tourism Authority and Jewish Life Television (JLTV) proudly announce the premiere of The Jewish History of Magnificent Malta, as part of JLTV’s award-winning global travel series Air Land & Sea.

Hosted by Brad Pomerance, this two-hour program premiered on JLTV on Sunday, June 12, 2022.  This episode took the audience on a remarkable journey, uncovering the history of Maltese Jewry, believed to be one of the oldest Jewish communities in the entire world.

“Who knew that the Maltese islands in the middle of the Mediterranean would be so full of Jewish history?” said Brad Pomerance, JLTV’s Air Land & Sea Host. He also noted, “we were completely blown away to actually see evidence of Jewish life in Malta dating back to the early centuries of the 1st millennia and so much more. And it was abundantly clear that the Maltese are so proud to showcase and promote this Jewish Heritage as part of Malta’s 7,000 years of history.”

Michelle Buttigieg, Malta Tourism Authority Representative North America, added that “Malta is very proud to introduce this Jewish Heritage Malta experience in such depth through the lens of JLTV to its large North American audience. For the US & Canada, Malta is still an undiscovered gem, and even more so, its Jewish Heritage.” Buttigieg further noted, “what is also good to keep in mind for the Jewish Travelers, there are now direct flights (2 ½ hours) from Tel Aviv/Malta, so they can now combine their visit to Israel with a trip to Malta.”

“The pandemic brought with it challenges that are rapidly being turned into opportunities through various incentives and projects targeted to offer the necessary tools for our local hospitality industry to recover, rethink and revitalise. Once again, living in full normality we remain committed to make Malta  a hub of tourism excellence for the years to come. The goal to achieve this vision is an ambitious one, but together we can make it happen,” outlined Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo.

In the first two-hour episode, which will be available to watch live on JLTV (www.jltv.tv/channels for channel position) or www.jltv.tv/watch, Host Brad Pomerance and his intrepid crew explore and uncover some jaw-dropping historical proof of Jewish presence dating back to the turn of the Common Era.

Read the full article here: https://www.mta.com.mt/en/news-details/364

The World Famous BBC Concert Orchestra and BBC Radio 2 proudly return to MALTA with Classic Rock Anthems – brought to you by VisitMalta.

After wowing audiences last year with “It’s a Kind of Magic – The Queen Story” the BBC Concert Orchestra is bringing an epic evening of the world’s classic rock and pop anthems to the spectacular Granaries in Floriana.

On the 9th of July, the concert will feature an astonishing 20 number one hits and an awe-inspiring countdown to the best selling artists of all time. You will hear classic rock and pop anthems delivering feel good, fall in love, get mad, get sad, get even songs, that power us through, lift us up and bring us together.

Under the direction of the renowned conductor Mike Dixon, the 60-piece BBC Concert Orchestra, plus dynamic rock band, and cast of outstanding star singers Gloria Onitiri, Laura Tebbut, Tim Howar, Ricardo Afonso, Annie Skates, David Combes, Emma Kershaw, Lance Ellington and Tony Vincent, will perform classics by The Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie, Prince, Lady Gaga, Coldplay, The Beatles, Tina Tuner, Fleetwood Mac, Cher, Elvis – and more!

Read more: https://www.mta.com.mt/en/news-details/363