Typically, Easter celebrations in Malta last a long few days and have a strong religious significance also know as Holy Week.

The celebrations begin the Friday preceding Good Friday when a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows is carried in a procession through the streets of Valletta, the capital, as well as many other small towns and villages. This is the kick off of the Easter celebrations and is a wonderful experience.

Towards the end of Holy Week, the celebrations really kick up a gear on Maundy Thursday. This is when the Last Supper is commemorated and worshippers pay visits to seven ‘Altars of Repose’, all in different churches. ‘Altars of Repose’ are altars where the Communion hosts, which are consecrated during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday are placed, in preparation for Good Friday, and so form a crucial part of the Easter celebrations. The altars are beautifully decorated and offer a real visual treat, as well as the opportunity to reflect on the holiday and celebrations. Then comes Good Friday, a rather sombre affair, seen as a day of penance and is observed through veneration of the cross and processions in different locations, during which scenes from the Passion and Death of Christ are carried out. Although this may seem a gloomy day, it is a crucial part of the whole Easter experience in Malta.

Easter Sunday is a day of huge celebration, thus day starts with the ringing of the bells in churches to celebrate the resurrection. At mid-morning, a statue of the Risen Christ is processioned through the streets and carried triumphantly into the church. This is a day for celebration, fun and another crucial aspect… followed up by many traditions. It is a tradition to present children with chocolate coated Easter Eggs as part of the celebration, along the typical figolla, which is an almond filled pastry in the shape of a rabbit, lamb, heart or fish. Both of these are treats following the fantastic family feast which takes place after 40 days of potential fasting and no sweets.

The Easter feast is the pinnacle of the celebrations and is an occasion for the whole family to get together. Delicacies include kwarezimal, also known as ‘Lenten’ cookies, which are sweet, traditional cakes or biscuits, more common during the period of Lent, but also widely celebrated and enjoyed as an Easter sweet.

Due to the covid-19 restrictions, churches have been shut and no processions or religious ceremonies are being held during Holy Week this year.

• Valletta – The Capital City, a city built by the Order of the Knights of St John and HOME TO St Johns co Cathedral and the Caravaggio Museum
• Birgu – well known for its vital role in the Great Siege of Malta of 1565
• Mnajdra and Hagar Qim Megalithic Sites (Qrendi) – World Heritage Sites that date back to the Ggantija Phase (3600-3200 BC)
• The Hypogeum – the only underground burial prehistoric site in Malta, its over 600 years old and a Unesco Heritage Site
• The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady (Mosta) – the 3rd largest dome in Europe, and the 9th largest on the world, survived a German Luftwaffe bomb in 1942
• Mdina – one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city and extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture
• St Paul’s Catacombs Rabat – this site represents the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta
• St Paul’s Church and Grotto, Rabat – one of the earliest places of Christian worship on the island and St. Paul’s gift of healing and him remaining unharmed after a snakebite made the locals regard him as a God
• The Roman Domus – a museum that contains what remains of an ancient Roman townhouse built during the Roman reign in Malta
• Dingli Cliffs – highest in Malta at around 825 feet (250 m) with splendid views of the open ocean and of the Maltese islet of Filfla
• Ta’ Qali artisanal village – the hub where Maltese artisans showcase and sell their master works to locals and tourists alike
• Hand made blown Malta glass –  glass items to suit all, one of Malta’s top artisanals
• Maltese Wine- Grapes grown on the island are blessed with a favorable Mediterranean climate all year round, yielding wines that are ripe with character and flavour.
• Marsaxlokk – small, traditional fishing village in the South Eastern Region of Malta. It has a harbour, and is a tourist attraction known for its views, fishermen and history
• Sanctuary of Our Lady in Mellieha – located at the edge of a hill, in the heart of Mellieha. Built in the late 19th century, this church is popular both for pilgrimages and for the magnificent views it offers over Mellieha bay, Gozo and Comino.
• WW11 Shelter – The shelter was a fully functioning mini city with a maternity ward and infirmary during World War 2
• Blue Grotto – a number of sea caves in the southern part of the island, famous for the extraordinary sea reflections and remarkable shades of blue
• Gozo –  famed for its character and places of interest. Some of these include the Calypso Cave and the Ġgantija Neolithic temples which are among the oldest surviving man-made structures
• Comino – known for the famous Blue Lagoon bay with its crystal clear and azure-coloured water
• Rabbit – Traditional Maltese stewed rabbit, better known as ‘Stuffat tal-Fenek’, is considered Malta’s national dish

What is the Maltese cross?
The Maltese cross is a symbol that is most commonly associated with the Knights of Malta ,who ruled the Maltese islands between 1530 and 1798. The Maltese cross is nowadays widely used and associated with Malta as a country, used by the national airline Air Malta as part of its livery, and even featuring on the Maltese Euro coins, for example.

What does it look like?
The shape of the Maltese cross is star-like with four V-shaped arms that are joined together at the tips. It’s frequently used either in black and white or red and white and is symmetrical both vertically as well as horizontally

What’s the history behind the cross?
Although the Maltese cross is most famously associated with the Knights of Malta, as well as Malta itself as a country, it is thought the symbol evolved from a closely resembling cross found on coins minted in Amalfi (an Italian republic) during the 11th century.

What’s the meaning of the Maltese cross?
The Maltese Cross formally adopted by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John in 1126, stylistically owes its origins to the crosses used in the crusades, when it was identified as the symbol of the “Christian warrior”: Its eight points denote the eight obligations or aspirations of the knights, namely “to live in truth, have faith, repent one’s sins, give proof of humility, love justice, be merciful, be sincere and whole¬hearted, and to endure persecution”.
With time, the eight points also came to represent the eight langues (or “tongues”, but in effect national groupings) of the noblemen who were admitted to the famed order, namely those of Auvergne, Provence, France, Aragon, Castille and Portugal, Italy, Baviere (Germany), and England (with Scotland and Ireland).

The Maltese cross remains the symbol of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, which is still in existence (and active as an international organisation for medical and humanitarian aid) today. As part of its present-day teachings, the cross represents eight beatitudes (or ‘blessings’). A good first aider in service of the Order of St. John is Observant, Tactful, Resourceful, Dextrous, Explicit, Discriminating, Persevering and Sympathetic.

The season of blooming flowers, mild evenings and religious celebrations. Spring in Malta is the time of undeniable beauty. The sea is still too cold for swimming but exceptionally calm. The trees are getting greener and the blossoms are all out. It’s the start of the al fresco dining season and ideal weather for any outdoor activities both by the sea and in the countryside.

Spring welcomes the most significant dates in the Roman Catholic calendar – namely the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. In Malta, the religious rituals observed during Holy Week are faithfully attended by the locals.

Spring days provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation in the sunny outdoors, allowing you to lounge in the sun or ramble through countryside lushness.

L-Għar tal-Mixta sits overlooking the beautiful red sands of Ramla l-Ħamra, on the opposite side of the iconic Calypso Cave on the island of Gozo.

This cave, secluded and far off the beaten track can be reached by trekking north of the ancient town of Nadur. By following a small rock-covered path and negotiating a few steps, one can access the beautiful cavern which is typical of many caves around the island. Alternatively, you can visit Ramla Bay and take an up-hill path from the shore, which will take you around 40 minutes. What makes this cave particularly interesting is its name – a cave with a similar name, also on the island of Gozo, was inhabited by troglodytes and the word “mixta” is said to derive from the word ‘mxett’ meaning ‘wintering’. Over the years, lots of Bronze Age pottery has been discovered in and around the cave which have confirmed the fact that they were homes for ancient inhabitants. It is supposed that the cave was created by humans as a way of providing shelter and protection from invaders’ vessels, whilst also serving as a vantage point for Gozitans looking to secure their shoreline.

Another thing that makes the trek to Għar Mixta worth it, is the stunning view from the entrance to the cave. The view of Ramla Bay and the surrounding countryside is one of the location’s best features and has led to it being known as one of the most beautiful and picturesque places on the island.

Charles & Ron is a contemporary lifestyle brand with a distinct Mediterranean flair and a dedication to superior quality. Maltese culture is at the heart of the Charles & Ron design ethic and the designers invite you to be part of their Mediterranean “love affair”.

Charles & Ron feature on an international level with fashion shows held in New York on a yearly basis and have exhibited at both New York and Los Angeles fashion week since 2014. Some of their couture was also selected to be placed on display at Buckingham Palace for Vogue’s Commonwealth Fashion Exchange.

Charles & Ron Malta inspired designs truly have an international appeal and have been often seen being donned by international celebs like Jessie J, Kelly Rowland, Ally Brooke, Nicole Williams, Michelle Williams, Ashanti, Mercedes Mason amongst many more.

Ġbejna (plural ġbejniet) are cheeselets made in the Maltese Islands from goat’s or sheep’s milk. They are prepared and served in a variety of forms: pickled, salted, peppered, covered in herbs, dried or plain, fresh cheeselets.

Legend has it that sea water was used as a curdling agent for these cheeselets. The ġbejna is a key ingredient in Maltese dishes varying from soups, to sandwiches, as an appetizer, as a condiment and sometimes even in sweets.

Prior to Malta’s accession to the EU, the EU accepted Malta’s request to protect the traditional ġbejna as a traditional sole product of the Maltese Islands!

The Maltese Carnival 2020 was celebrated over five days until last Sunday and was described as a resounding success with over 60,000 people attending the parades in the Capital City, Valletta. These were marked by the customary colourful floats and thousands of children and adults alike, dressed up in fancy costumes. One could often hear Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ blaring loudly and frequently through the city’s loudspeakers.

The weather didn’t disappoint either with the sun blissfully shining right through the entire week. No wonder the enclosure at St George’s Square was sold out every day!

The spontaneous and macabre Carnival in our sister island was also bustling, with a record 47,900 passengers crossing to Gozo for the Carnival festivities. The main controversial theme this year was definitely the corona virus, but the local and international politicians and recent political scandals didn’t go unnoticed either.

The Michelin Guide was first published in 1900 by the Michelin tire company as a guide to help French motorists find lodging on the road. Over the decades, the guide has far surpassed its humble origins to become the final word in fine dining. Not only has Malta been finally included in the Michelin Guide but to the island’s surprise, not one, but three local restaurants have gained a One Michelin Star. The much coveted star was awarded to The de Mondion Restaurant in Mdina, Noni in Valletta and Under Grain, also in the Capital. Michelin remains secretive about the criteria used to award stars, but the quality of the products; the chef’s mastery of flavour and cooking techniques; consistency in the food as well as in the overall dining experience; and extra points for the chef’s ability to instill his culinary “personality” in each dish, are known to be key.

A further three restaurants were awarded with a Bib Gourmand which is a just-as-esteemed rating as a Michelin Star, but that recognizes friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices. Those awrded are Terrone in Marsaxlokk, Commando Restaurant in Mellieha and Rubino in Valletta.

A further twenty local eateries were included in the Guide and received The Michelin Plate which is the symbol for those restaurants that have neither a star nor a Bib Gourmand but which still offer very good food. Those awarded the Plate are: Capo Crudo, The Golden Fork, Hammett’s Macina Restaurant, The Harbour Club, Aaron’s Kitchen, Rampila Restaurant, Fifty Nine Republic, Guze Bistro, Briju, Tartarun, Barracuda, KuYa Asian Pub, Susurrus, Caviar & Bull, Bahia, The Lord Nelson, Root 81 and The Medina Restaurant, as well as Tmur (Mgarr) and Ta’French in Gozo.

Following an extensive €30m refurbishment and renovation, the Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa has started to welcome its guests on Monday, 13th January 2020.

The contemporary-designed hotel overlooking the picturesque surroundings of Balluta Bay, St Julian’s has 301 totally renovated rooms and suites — including 25 new Club rooms, suites and a 150 sqm presidential suite with views of the iconic bay — as well a complete transformation of its restaurants & bars, leisure and conference facilities. In addition, the hotel will be introducing the state-of-the-art M Club, a 200 sqm executive lounge on the 13th floor giving guests the best views in town.

The hotel’s British designers RPW, one of the world’s leading interior design companies have acknowledged elements of traditional Maltese craft in a modern way, combining beautiful interiors with functionality, offering enriching experiences and sophisticated spaces.