Valletta’s skies lit up last night with a stunning display to close the International Fireworks Festival in style.

In an exciting first, Malta became the first European country to launch fireworks using drones, according to the Civil Aviation Directorate at Transport Malta.

Footage sent to Lovin Malta captured the breathtaking spectacle over the Grand Harbour.

“Pyroemotions” the pyrotechnics company responsible for organizing this type of show in Europe is registered in Malta and a few months ago delivered similar shows in Aosta, Italy; Burgio in Sicily; with others expected soon in Italy and Montenegro.

The Transport Authority thanks the Malta Police Force, the Civil Protection Department, the Malta Pyrotechnics Association, and all other concerned entities for their full collaboration in making it possible for this drone show to take place in our country for the first time.

The Civil Aviation Directorate within Transport Malta, as a full member of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), has been collaborating with the Agency to introduce new concepts— first for drone swarms, and now for drone swarms equipped with pyrotechnics.

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As our incredible week drew to a close, we couldn’t be more thrilled to share some of the standout moments that made this event truly unforgettable. From breathtaking venues to rich cultural experiences, this was a celebration of Malta at its finest.

We kicked off the week in grand style with an awe-inspiring conference setup at the Eden Arena. A massive 30-meter LED screen that created a powerful visual impact and set the tone for what was to come.

The evenings were equally memorable, each one embracing Malta’s unique heritage. One night began with a welcome drink at the historic Saluting Battery, followed by a lively Maltese band that led guests on a scenic walk to the Sacra Infermeria. There, local vendors and musicians brought the venue to life, offering guests an authentic taste of Maltese culture.

Of course, no visit to Malta would be complete without experiencing the magic of Mdina. Guests enjoyed a welcome drink on the bastions, soaking in panoramic views before being surprised by a fleet of vintage buses awaiting them outside the city walls. The journey ended with a beautiful dinner at Xara Lodge, where talented musicians created a warm and enchanting atmosphere.

To top it all off, our final evening was nothing short of spectacular. Despite the early spring chill, we transformed Fort Manoel into a dazzling venue with a stunning crystal tent. Guests were greeted by the Inguardia re-enactment group and welcomed by a speech from the Grand Master himself. The night unfolded with a delicious dinner and a powerful performance by a brass band.

This event was a true testament to what can be achieved through teamwork, passion, and dedication. A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible suppliers, crew members, and partners who helped turn this vision into a reality.

Let’s start planning the next one

On Wednesday, March 19th, Malta celebrates the feast of St. Joseph, a public holiday marked by vibrant festivities in Rabat, a suburb of Mdina. This cherished event brings together locals and visitors alike to partake in religious processions, traditional food, and spectacular fireworks displays.

The village of Rabat is transformed with colourful decorations, including large flags and festoons, creating a festive atmosphere. One of the highlights of the celebration is the life-size statue of St. Joseph, which is paraded through the village streets. Accompanying this grand procession are marching bands and lively gatherings, adding to the joyous mood of the occasion.

A key aspect of the feast is its rich culinary tradition. Numerous stands line the streets, offering a variety of local delicacies that are deeply rooted in Maltese culture. Among the most popular treats are Żeppoli and Sfineg tal-Inċova—both beloved for their unique flavors and historical significance.

Żeppoli are made from choux pastry, shaped into small balls, and traditionally deep-fried, though modern variations often involve baking. Once cooled, they are cut open and filled with a sweet ricotta mixture, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy filling.

On the savoury side, ‘Sfineg tal-Inċova’ are crispy, golden-fried dough balls with a surprising twist—a salty anchovy hidden inside. This combination of flavors makes them a favorite among those who appreciate a balance of crunchy and savory elements.

The feast of St. Joseph in Rabat is not only a religious observance but also a celebration of Maltese heritage, bringing together music, tradition, and gastronomy in a vibrant display of community spirit. Whether attending for the cultural experience or indulging in traditional treats, visitors are sure to be immersed in the lively and heartfelt celebrations that define this special day.

Carnival in Malta is a vibrant and colourful festival celebrated annually in February, just before Lent. It features elaborate floats, lively parades, masquerade balls, and extravagant costumes, primarily in Valletta, Floriana, and Nadur (Gozo). The tradition dates back to the 16th century during the rule of the Knights of St. John. Known for its satirical and humorous elements, the festival blends Maltese culture with music, dance, and street performances, attracting both locals and tourists.

Programme available on this link: https://www.festivals.mt/karnival

Had a wonderful morning at Ta’ Xmun Olive Grove! 🌞 Charles gave us an insightful tour of the grove, sharing fascinating details about the olive oil production process. We wrapped up the experience with a delicious olive oil tasting and local treats, all while sipping on a refreshing glass of white wine. 🍷🫒 #OliveOil #LocalDelights #TaXmun #Malta #FoodieExperience

Over the weekend of December 7–8, the public had the opportunity to visit the newly inaugurated Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) in Floriana. Entry was free, allowing visitors to explore the exhibition by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos.

During a visit to the Open Weekend, Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici expressed satisfaction with the strong public turnout. He described MICAS as a landmark cultural project, integrating Malta’s historic fortifications with a mission to showcase world-class contemporary art. “The inauguration of MICAS marks a historic milestone, establishing Malta as a key hub for contemporary art and international cultural dialogue,” said Minister Bonnici.

credit: Malta daily

New Hotel welcoming it’s first guests on the 1st of November 2024

Last week we got out of the office and spent a few hours visiting the ME hotel, forming part of the Mercury towers by Zaha Hadid architects. It was a very interesting show round I would say a different and new experience when it comes to hotels on the Island.

The Me offers a maximum of luxury and comfort situated in the bustling town of St. Julian’s. It has 113 rooms, 27 suites and 35 residences, meeting space is also available with natural day light, the plenary will take a maximum of 240 pax.

The Valletta Cruise Port recently welcomed “Ilma,” a new cruise liner from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. This luxurious vessel boasts the highest space-to-guest ratio in its class, featuring 224 suites, each with a private terrace. Additionally, “Ilma” offers two new upper suite categories, each measuring over 1,000 square feet.

Later this summer and autumn, “Ilma” will explore various destinations, including the Amalfi Coast, Greek Isles, Monte Carlo, Rome, and Barcelona.

Next on “Ilma’s” itinerary is a one-way cruise from Monte Carlo to Rome, departing from Monte Carlo Port on the 2nd of September and lasting 7 days.

credits : Malta today

Casa Gourgion has been turned into a walk-through heritage home museum

A landmark, stately, 19th-century house in Mdina’s main square is now accessible to the public after the family who inherited it embarked on a four-year restoration project to turn it into a walk-through heritage home museum.

Anyone visiting the Silent City would have noticed the neo-Gothic – and somewhat “alien” – Casa Gourgion, bang in the heart of a medieval, baroque city. Now, they can satisfy their curiosity about its interiors and life beyond the iconic red apertures, with their pointed arches and intricate stonework.

Casa Gourgion has barely opened its doors. But locals are particularly interested in stepping inside the “nobleman’s home” they could only photograph on the outside, its owners say.

The unique property was inherited by Marian Galea in 2016. But due to old rent laws, it took a four-year court battle for them to take possession of her great-granduncle Baron Giuseppe De Piro Gourgion’s home.

Galea, however, already had clear plans for it from the get-go – and they did not include moving in, or the financially viable option of renting it out.

“I had visited a house museum in a similar piazza with a cathedral in Cuba and I thought it would be ideal for Casa Gourgion,” she said.

The plan was to preserve it for posterity, given that so much heritage was being lost, Galea continued.

So she enlisted her children and their spouses – two of whom are architects, Alan Galea and Andrea Vassallo Cesareo – and together, the team embarked on a “labour of love”.

The family also involved researchers and an in-house curator to piece together the puzzle, digging up information about their ancestor, his architect Andrea Vassallo and old plans of the house to recreate the layout of the 1890 home to bring it back to its former splendour.

In 2020, when the Galea family entered their property, they noted several changes that had to be removed to return it to its original state. The starting point was to be “as authentic as possible”, so anything from floor tiles to doors and apertures were retained and renovated.

Undoing the interventions of the previous occupants involved a lot of work, the family said. But through original plans and testimonies, its past could be retraced.

asa Gourgion was originally the garden of the adjacent palazzo on the prestigious Pjazza San Pawl, where Pinu, as he was known, lived. Until the late 1800s, the town square was also built up, explains her son, Alan Galea.

When the piazza changed, the extravagant and flamboyant dandy decided to “build a folly”, he continued.

The baron did so in a neo-Gothic style, which was popular elsewhere, but caused controversy among the local gentry because of its contrast with the surrounding architecture.

“It was opposed by many then, but he must have been an influential man and forged ahead,” the architect said.

The resulting eye-catching façade, the details indoors and “incredible stonework” on the ceiling are all testimony to the owner’s “colourful” character, reflecting his exuberance and love for floral motifs and decorations.

“Working on another architect’s project was an incredible experience,” Galea said.

Where they could not make out the coat of arms on the façade, because these had disintegrated beyond repair, they studied the family history to recreate it.

“Where possible, we replicated to the finest detail the stonework that was still in good condition, having withstood the test of time because it was well done,” they said.

And through the craftsmanship of a fine stonemason, they managed to follow in the footsteps of Vassallo, who was himself a master at intricate stonework.

A commissioned portrait of Pinu, taken from an old black and white photo, greets visitors in the entrance hall, and its animated version, hanging from a gold frame in the sitting room, introduces visitors to the property through a voiceover, bringing him and the space alive.

Antique furniture and artworks the mother had were used to decorate the house. Kept in storage and restored slowly, the legacy of the De Piro and Gourgion estates could now be gathered under one roof.

“Ninety per cent of the items in the house come down from the same bloodline,” Galea said. “Now, as I walk around the rooms, it is very emotional for me. I see my mother’s sala, because the furniture came from there, going back into the same family, and other items that remind me of my late aunts and uncles and have passed through the generations.”

The dining table is laid using fine crockery and silverware from the family’s inherited collection – now being put to good use, rather than collecting dust in storage.

Upstairs is the former owner’s living quarters, with his study and library of books, dating back to 1552; a free-standing bath in a spacious bathroom; and balconies overlooking the majestic St Paul’s Cathedral.

The baron’s inviting living quarters could soon host guests for a “night at the museum”, while the former maids’ quarters at the back of the house have been turned into two Airbnb bedrooms.

Twilight on the terrace and viewpoint rooftop of Casa Gourgion, with its floating, reversible platform and mock fortifications, is a unique experience, according to the family, with the cathedral – “so close it could almost be touched” – lit up and the chatter from the lively square beneath.

A mini souvenir shop has also been set up, complete with merchandise unique to Casa Gourgion, with its trademark flower pattern from the rose window at the front door, and sketches of the property by Galea’s son.

The cellar has been turned into an exhibition space, showcasing the old washroom, Roman stones and a shelter in the process of being excavated.

Key milestones of Mdina’s history in the period the house was built are chronicled in the basement, which also includes a permanent exhibition in tribute to the life and works of its “underestimated and unappreciated” architect.

Vassallo had also built the Ta’ Pinu Basilica in Gozo, although his son had signed off the work.

His original plans for the house, submitted to Public Works in the late 1800s, are hanging on the wall – although back then, a permit application was a letter from the owner, merely stating that he intended to build a home.

It is no surprise that in a video interview rolling on the basement wall, Prof. Peter Vassallo, who was born in the house during World War II, says Casa Gourgion was “like a castle” in the eyes of the young boy.

He still has fond memories of it, recalling how it was home to eight families during the war, each occupying one room.

Describing its restoration project as “splendid”, Vassallo hoped it would serve as a model for all houses that deserved to be preserved and brought back to life.

_{credits: Watch: Inside Mdina’s ‘controversial’ neo-gothic house that’s become a museum (timesofmalta.com)}

Corinthia Caterers have just launched a new venue, set in the heart of our Capital City Valetta St. James Cavalier was built in the 16th Century by the Order of St. John, this venue is surrounded by Auberge de Castille and other historical buildings. The Cavalier today is Malta’s National centre for Creativity with a roof top available for sit down dinners and events with amazing views of the Grand harbour and the Three Cities.