Malta Events Guide: May 2023

Here are some of the best activities you can enjoy when visiting Malta and Gozo during the month of May

Music and entertainment

Few things bring us all together more effectively than a captivating performance. From tongue-in-cheek comedies and music performances to new theatrical smashes and movie screenings, Malta has some incredible entertainment lined up this month!

Guayacan Orquesta

The Band's Visit

The Scandinavian Pink Floyd Project

Guayacan Orquesta
Date: 05 May
Location: Orpheum Theater, Gżira

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant Latin American dance world! Experience the rhythms and energy of one of the biggest salsa orchestras in the world, direct from Latin America. Don’t miss your chance to move to hits like “Oiga, mire, vea”, “te amo, te extraño”, “vestido bonito” and more.

Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com

Maltease
Date: 5-7 May
Location: Spazju Kreattiv Theatre, St James Cavalier, Castille Place, Valletta, Malta

MalTease – a Variety and Burlesque project inspired by the pulsating atmosphere of Valletta’s main artery of entertainment – Strada Stretta! This exciting event is back for the sixth time with ever more vavavoom. The performance revolves around acts, loosely tied in by a story which will take you on a journey through space and time, bringing back Malta’s cabaret heyday.

Get your tickets from kreattivita.org

The Band’s Visit
Date: 6, 7, 12-14 May
Location: Teatru Manoel, Valletta

The Band’s Visit, winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is based on Eran Kolirin’s 2007 film with the same title. In this delightfully offbeat tale, set in an Israeli town that is way off the beaten path, a group of Egyptian musicians arrive disoriented, out of nowhere. Under the spell of the desert sky, the band and their provincial Israeli hosts move tentatively towards each other, from breaking bread to sharing secrets, suffering and – most profound of all – music. With a book by Itamar Moses and a sophisticated, non-traditional score by David Yazbek featuring thrillingly talented actor-musicians, The Band’s Visit rejoices in the way music makes us laugh, cry, and ultimately, brings us together.

Get your ticket from teatrumanoel.com.mt

Valletta Resounds
Date: 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 24, 26, 31 May
Location: St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Triq San Gwann, Valletta

Valletta Resounds elegantly strings together Caravaggio masterpieces with theatrical storytelling and timeless classical music. Critically acclaimed Maltese musicians under the musical direction of Jacob Portelli are at the helm of the site-specific performance, bringing to life the works of Baroque Masters such as Handel and Bach along with the sound of sacred Maltese music by composer Francesco Azzopardi and more. Sung to perfection by some of Malta’s most esteemed sopranos, Dorothy Bezzina and Dorothy Baldacchino, the music is beautifully brought to life on Baroque Harp, Baroque Violin, Baroque Cello and on the Psaltery. This auditory delight is woven harmoniously with tales of the Oratory narrated by the ever-charming and regal character of Fra Bartolomeo performed by Jeremy Grech.

MSA’s 100 years at Palazzo de La Salle celebrations(live)
Date: 4 May
Location: Concert Hall of the Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta

Malta’s finest musicians will be joining forces to celebrate the Malta Society of Arts’ 100 years at Palazzo de La Salle with a series of monthly concerts and masterclasses, curated by Karl Fiorini. Award-winning saxophonist Philip Attard and pianist Christine Zerafa present a colourful programme, featuring two works by Maltese composers, one of which is a newly commissioned piece by Ruben Zahra for saxophone soprano and piano entitled ‘Hanging on the Edge’, which presents three short movements with a strong rhythmic character. The duo will also present three pieces which are considered as core repertoire for saxophone and piano.

The Scandinavian Pink Floyd Project
Date: 20 May
Location: Ghaxaq Music Events, Barbazzal, Ghaxaq

The Scandinavian Pink Floyd Project is long established as one of the biggest and most popular live acts in Europe. All the Floyd hallmarks are there: quad sound, films, lasers, lights and of course some of the best music produced during the last century. A three hour show that left audiences and critics speechless. The Scandinavian Pink Floyd Project typically consists of 10 professional musicians and vocalists. A great rock band with guts, intensity and close attention to the details of the Floydian universe. The band is also known for its ability to perform rarities from the early Floyd days with great presence and nerve.

Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com

Only Rock ‘n’ Rock
Date: 26 May
Location: Montekristo Estate, Triq Hal Farrug, Siggiewi

The best rock classics to sing along to; Queen, AC/DC, Pink Floyd, Whitesnake, U2 and more. Local artists including Chris Grech, Tiziana, Kenneth Calleja, Daryl Ebejer and others will perform with a live band, giving you the opportunity to sing and dance all night. Dress to impress in your best Rock n Roll outfit! Prizes will be given to those who wore it best.

Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com

Utopia
Date: 26-28 May
Location: Teatru Manoel, Valletta

Utopia is the result of a collaboration between Emanuel Gat and the ŻfinMalta company dancers, a celebration of their uniqueness, virtuosity, engagement, fearlessness, sense of responsibility and humanity. In a stream of choreographic consciousness, Utopia charts the personal journeys of ten individuals looking for connection and examining the role of the performer as an onstage, live creator.

Get your ticket from teatrumanoel.com.mt

history and culture

Villa Free Open Day

In Guardia Parade

Ta’ Bistra Catacombs Monthly Opening

Villa Free Open Day
Date: 07 May
Location: Pieta, Malta

Built during the 18th century, the villa became the residence of Sir John Hookham Frere, an English diplomat and poet of considerable repute. Following the death of his wife in1831, Frere built extensive terraced gardens on the rear of the property which was previously garrigue. The garden was built up through excavation and construction of terraces and some 13 wells were dug to irrigate the area. The garden was adorned by a number of garden follies in the traditional english style. The gardens contain a number of rare architectural features, more importantly are the exedra built at the highest level of the gardens which is referred to as a ‘tempietto’, a belvedere and a blind arcade. These botanic gardens also have two rural structures, arched reservoirs, covered passages, staircases and ponds. NGO Friends of Villa Frere has been working hard to protect the remains and to restore the gardens with life. In 2020, the historical site was given the highest level of protection by the Planning Authority in consultation with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.

For more information visit heritagmalta.mt

In Guardia Parade
Date: 14 May
Location: Fort St. Elmo, Valletta, Malta

The In Guardia Parade is a re-enactment of an authentic event that took place regularly inside important military fortifications in Malta and Gozo during the time of the Knights of St John. The re-enactment portrays the inspection of the garrison of the Palace by the Grand Bailiff in charge of military affairs.

Night at the Museum
Date: 19 May
Location: Fort St Elmo Valletta, Malta

Experience Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum like never before! The site will come alive during special extended hours from 7.00pm to 10.30pm, with re-enactors bringing history to life in every corner of the museum. Travel back in time through Roman, Medieval, and Early Modern eras, right up to the French occupation of Malta and World War II.You’ll get to wander through the impressive grounds of the fort, take in the stunning architecture of the two chapels dedicated to St Anne, and discover seven sections of the National War Museum covering 7,000 years of Maltese Military History. Don’t miss your chance to see notable artefacts like the Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520 FAITH, Willys Jeep ‘Husky’ used by both Eisenhower and Roosevelt, and Malta’s award for gallantry, the George Cross. Get your tickets at the door.

For more information visit heritagemalta.mt

Lejl Imkebbes
Date: 20 May
Location: Cittadella, Victoria Gozo

As you stroll through the narrow streets of Cittadella in Gozo, you’ll be surrounded by the soft glow of over 30,000 candles in all shapes and sizes. Additionally, carefully decorated artefacts will be set around the fortified city. The magical atmosphere created by the flickering lights offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Gozo’s hills, valleys, villages, and churches, as well as a stunning view across the sea to Malta. The festival offers a range of activities for everyone to enjoy, including historic re-enactments, extended and discounted museum entrances, opening of other public venues of interest, live entertainment on stage and around the city, together with children’s activities Admission is free, so bring your friends and family for a night to remember.

Ta’ Bistra Catacombs Monthly Opening
Date: 28 May
Location: Ta’ Bistra Catacombs, Mosta

Ta’ Bistra Catacombs will be welcoming the general public every last Sunday of the month. Opening hours are from 10:00-16:00.

Located half way between the ancient town of Melite and the once-important harbour of Salina, Ta’ Bistra Catacombs are, so far, the largest set of tombs and catacombs beyond the confines of the ancient city of the island. They were first recorded in the late 1800s but were only investigated in 1933 by Captain Charles Zammit, before part of the site was covered over by a new road leading down to Burmarrad. Further studies in 2004, 2013, and 2014, have brought the site back to life with new discoveries and hence, new interpretations.

food and drinks

Malta has everything you and your family could wish for on holiday and the cusine is just sometihng else. Here’s our pick of food-related activities to keep the whole family entertained

valletta food tour

traditional Maltese ravjul

Folklore Dinner Show

Maltese Ravjul Workshop
Date: 15 May
Location: Mediterranean Culinary Academy, Naxxar

The traditional Maltese ravjul holds a special place in the hearts of the Maltese people. This workshop, which happens to be also vegetarian friendly, aims to create a modern and refined version of your grandmother’s ravioli while not veering too far from the traditional recipe. The team of chef instructors will guide you through the process of making fresh pasta dough and shaping it into perfect ravjul. These will be filled with a farce made from locally sourced gbejna and pecorino, finished with a refined tomato sauce using quality local produce.

Reserve your spot at www.mcamalta.com

Folklore Dinner Show
Date: Every Wednesday and Friday
Location: Ta’ Marija Restaurant, Mosta

A cultural celebration through dance, characterised with local ‘Folklore’ performances. Enjoy a Maltese dining experience alongside this authentic tradition.

For more information visit tamarija.com

Maltese Rural Cooking Class
Date: Various dates/ Book your private class
Location: Diar il-Bniet Farmhouse Kitchen, Dingli

Choose this experience for a three-hour hands-on cooking class. You will have the opportunity to cook a full blown menu, from appetiser to dessert, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Whilst every dish will be introduced by a family story or a local tradition, you will learn the tricks of my grandmother’s traditional cooking. You will discover the secrets of the local peasant country cooking.

For more information visit diarilbniet.com

Valletta Food Tour
Date: Every Saturday
Location: Meeting point: Front entrance to St. John’s Co-Cathedral in St. John’s Square

Discover the culture and cuisine of this unique Mediterranean island in a food-filled three hour walking trail packed with curious and exciting information by an experienced guide – Graze while you go! The food tours offer a sumptuous glimpse into this world of local restaurants and gourmet food shops and featuring artisan cheeses and crusty bakes from local ovens, rich hand-made chocolates, local wines and local beer. Suitable clothing and sensible footwear are a must as trails will be held in all weather conditions. Tours are only available in English.

Book your spot by visiting offbeatmaltafoodtrails.com

family fun

Malta has everything you and your family could wish for on holiday. Here’s our pick of family-oriented activities to keep the little ones entertained.

The Nickelodeon Treasure Hunt

hiking adventures

Health and Green Fair

Health and Green Fair
Date: 21 May
Location: Salina Park, St Paul’s Bay

A celebration of healthy, sustainable living, and aims to bring together like-minded individuals from all corners of the island to enjoy a day of wholesome food, entertainment, and education. The festival promises to be a feast for the senses, with an array of vegan and gluten-free food trucks and stalls serving up delicious treats for visitors to indulge in. From mouth-watering burgers to decadent cakes, the festival will showcase an eclectic mix of food that is not only good for you, but good for the planet too. In addition to the food, there will be an abundance of stalls selling a wide range of eco-friendly products.

The Nickelodeon Treasure Hunt
Date: 27-28 May
Location: Valletta

The Nickelodeon Treasure Hunt is set to launch a range of exciting new activities in 2023 that will engage and inspire children and families to explore Valletta with the help of Nickelodeon’s beloved characters. From SpongeBob SquarePants and PAW Patrol to Transformers and Baby Shark, the Nickelodeon Treasure Hunt map will guide children through a variety of character-themed zones located throughout central Valletta, allowing them to create unforgettable memories and collect mementos along the way. Best of all, admission is free and no tickets are required. The activities will begin at 10:30 a.m and each participant will receive their own map to follow throughout the day.

Hiking Adventures
Date: Every Sunday
Location: Tigné Seafront, Tas-Sliema, Malta

Discover the most scenic routes in Malta, enjoy the friendly company of international people, whilst keeping fit and healthy! If you have a decent level of stamina, hiking will be fine for you. A different location is exlored every Sunday. Come equipped; wear comfy walking shoes, slap on some sun screen and bring a packed lunch.

Get your tickets from www.chitzo.com