Malta Events Guide: September 2023
Malta Events Guide: September 2023
Here are some of the best activities you can enjoy when visiting Malta and Gozo during the month of September
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!
CHRISTINA AGUILERA LIVE IN CONCERT
TRIBUTE TO QUEEN
Star of Strait Street Official EuroPride 2023 Opening Ceremony
The Official EuroPride 2023 Opening Ceremony + After Party feat. NETTA
Date: 7 September
Location: Misraħ San Gorg, Republic Street, Valletta, Malta
The opening ceremony will feature the best local artists who will join forces to deliver a memorable and original performance of music, dance and audio-visual productions. Hosted by the inimitable Ray Calleja, Ron Briffa and Olivia Lilith, the official opening will draw Malta, as Europe’s leader in LGBTIQ rights, into the exciting 10-day events, which symbolise past achievements and future goals.
The Pride Village at Pjazza Tritoni will welcome the country’s highest authorities and many NGOs, together with thousands of Maltese and foreigners, who will launch this remarkable moment in our history. Celebrations will resume at Tritoni with an electrifying EuroPride 2023 opening after party, hosted by the special Angie Laus, Ryan and Josmar.
Get ready to dance the night away to the infectious beats of Brass House Unit and the dynamic tunes of DJ LEX, as they bring you an unforgettable set of Iconic Gay Anthems. Their performances are sure to create an atmosphere filled with joy, love, and acceptance. And the excitement doesn’t stop there! Prepare to be dazzled by the one and only superstar NETTA, who will grace the stage with her powerful vocals and incredible stage presence.
Secure your free tickets from www.showshappening.com
Aura: A Musical in the Darl
Date: 12-15 September
Location: Esplora Planetarium, Kalkara
A brand new queer musical experience set in complete darkness. This multi-sensory immersive experience will take you on a journey to Aura, a magical island where anything is possible. Join Lu’ as she navigates her biggest adventure yet with her dads, her unlikely friend Peppa and all the magical creatures in Aura including singing Jellyfish, a wise Octopus and a bird with attitude. This celebration of life’s complexities will feature live performances on a binaural microphone, multi-sensory effects and lots of surprises making it a unique experience like none other. With an original concept and script by Vikesh Godhwani and Marta Vella, music and lyrics by Luke Saydon, and sound design by Matteo Depares, this show promises to be a highlight of the theatrical season.
EuroPride 2023: The Classical Shift
Date: 14 September
Location: Teatru Manoel, Valletta
A fusion of classical music, ‘The Classical Shift’ will honour and celebrate diversity through the works of queer composers with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the talented Dutch conductor Ali Groen.
Get your ticket from teatrumanoel.com.mt
LIQUID SPIRIT Boutique Festival Gozo
Date: 14-18 September
Location: Zebbuġ, Gozo
Join exclusive takeovers and momentous boat parties and a crowd of like-minded, happy, music-loving souls for a magical musical journey and summer festival vibes in Gozo. Experience a sensational lineup of UK heavyweight DJs playing House, Soul, Disco, and Old Skool Anthems.
The Official EuroPride Valletta Concert feat. CHRISTINA AGUILERA
Date: 16 September
Location: The Granaries, Floriana
Christina Aguilera, a renowned artist with global fame and immense popularity within the LGBTIQ+ community, will grace Floriana’s legendary Fosos with a captivating performance. The show marks an extraordinary conclusion to the EuroPride 2023 festivities and will be completely free, delighting thousands of fans in Valletta. Aguilera’s impressive list of achievements includes multiple Grammy awards, top spots on the Billboard Music charts, and numerous MTV Awards wins. With an extensive collection of number-one hits and over 100 million records sold, she has achieved remarkable success in her career.
Secure your free tickets from www.showshappening.com
Out of the Darkness
Date: 21-23 September
Location: Valletta Campus Theatre VCT (Ex MITP), Valletta
A riveting production incorporating stunning visuals, great acting and a story that transports audiences to the small town of Jackson Falls 1986, where we find a group of teenagers in a quest to save the town after a mysterious girl arrives during a devastating storm. Her arrival sets off a chain of events that awakens a malevolent spirit, intent on destruction. With amazing acting, stunning visuals, awesome soundtrack and a riveting storyline crafted by the talented UK writer & Director David Hirst Samuels, this production will keep you on the edge of your seat. Included is a guest performance by Malta’s very own -Alan Montanaro. Inspired by the Netflix hit sensation “Stranger Things,” this is a theatrical experience not to be missed.
Sunrise
Date: 23 September
Location: Teatru Manoel, Valletta
Ola Gjeilos’s renowned Sunrise Mass for chorus and string orchestra is an exceptionally light and moving piece; it conveys the composers modern and original take on the centuries-old tradition of sacred music.
Ola Gjeilo notes that he wanted to present the traditional Latin text in a new way – the Sunrise Mass turns a remarkably bright, spacious, almost cosmic sound into one more worldly and rugged, while feelings of lightness are replaced by much more dramatic emotions. KorMalta presents this work, in collaboration with Teatru Manoel, for the first time with its full formation, proposing what is certainly a highlight in the choir’s repertoire and for the inaugural concert of its 2023/2024 Season.
Get your tickets from www.teatrumanoel.com.mt
Majesty: A Tribute to Queen
Date: 30 September
Location: Gianpula Main Room, Żebbug
Get ready to break free with the world’s biggest Queen tribute band – Majesty.For over 10 years, Majesty has been captivating audiences worldwide with their electrifying and energetic stage show dedicated to the greatest rock band in the world! Featuring some of the UK’s finest actors and musicians, Majesty is guaranteed to blow your mind! Prepare to be transported back in time and experience the energy, passion, and iconic music that made Queen one of the greatest bands in history. Get ready for a night of pure rock ‘n’ roll bliss!
Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com
history
Explore Malta’s rich and lavish history, culture and traditions
victory day celebrations
World War II Harbour Cruise
Ta' Bistra Catacombs Monthly Opening
Victory Day Celebrations
Date: 8 September
Location: Fort St Angelo and Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum
On Victory Day – in celebration of Malta’s triumph in two historical events, Heritage Malta will open the majestic doors of Fort St Angelo and Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum to the general public at a reduced admission price.
Fort St Angelo will offer a time travelling experience back to the triumphant days of the winning of the Great Siege, thanks to the participation of various local re-enactment groups depicting the Early-Modern era.
Just across the Grand Harbour, which will on the day be the stage for the popular and traditional Regatta, Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum in Valletta will also be animated, but here with a particular focus on the World War II period. This year marks the 80th anniversary since the surrender of the Italian navy and thus the end of the war for Malta in 1943, which emerged victorious once more after two long years of bombardment, starvation and death.
Reduced admission tickets can only be purchased at the door of both sites on the day, and Heritage Malta members presenting their membership card will be admitted free of charge.
Opening hours are from 10:00 – 18:00, with last admission at 17:30.
World War II Harbour Cruise
Date: 19 September
Location: Sliema, Malta
A historical journey through the harbours flanking the victorious city of Valletta, the main target of Axis air raids during World War II. Led by Senior Curator for Fortifications, Matthew Balzan, and Head of Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit, Prof. Timmy Gambin, this cruise will re-trace the dramatic history of the Second Great Siege of Malta, which transformed the area between 1940 and 1943. Imagine the bombs raining down on the fortifications and military installations of our beleaguered capital and learn more about the underwater heritage that stud the seabed.
Get your tickets from heritagemalta.mt
Autumn Equinox
Date: 20-21 September
Location: Qrendi, Malta
To celebrate the Autumn Equinox, Heritage Malta will be organising guided tours at Mnajdra, where visitors will view the first rays of the rising sun light up the central passage in the South building, just as it did from over 5000 years ago. A tour will also be given of the Central and East buildings at Mnajdra. Complimentary coffee and snacks will be offered to participants after the tour. To guarantee that all visitors get to observe the rising sun from inside these sites, a limited number of tickets are available on both dates of this event.
Tickets: €30 per person, €20 for Heritage Malta members. Participants for these events are to meet at 06:15am outside the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Visitor Centre.
Get your tickets from heritagemalta.mt
Ta’ Bistra Catacombs Monthly Opening
Date: 24 September
Location: Ta’ Bistra Catacombs, Mosta
Ta’ Bistra Catacombs will be welcoming the general public every last Sunday of the month. 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.
Get your tickets from heritagemalta.mt
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
cheese and wine festival
Folklore Dinner Show
Cheese and Wine Festival
Date: 9 September
Location: Qormi Square
The festival will display a selection of over 30 different types of local and international wines, as well as numerous varieties of the finest cheese available in Malta. Cheese can be served in an array of various platters paired with the wine of your choice to cleanse your palate. There will also be lots of entertainment including different bands playing live music.
Festa Qargħasel
Date: 16-17 September
Location: Mosta, Malta
Festa Qargħasel is an annual event on the calendar of the Mosta Local Council. This event, which is held alongside Jum il-Mosta, promotes local culture, traditions, food, and talent. It also fosters inclusion within the entire community. In Mosta, the tradition of honey and pumpkin pie has deep roots in our history. As Mosta was predominantly a farming community, pumpkin pie served as an affordable and filling meal for workers and families.
The bee population in Wied il-Għasel was so abundant that honey would reportedly seep from the rocks in the valley, giving rise to the name Qargħasel.
Attractions such as Mosta Church and Ta’ Bistra Catacombs will be open for public visits, ensuring a delightful and entertaining experience for all attendees.
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
Fontana Wine Festival
Date: 22 September
Location: Triq tal-Ghajn, Fontana, Gozo
A unique festival, featuring a vast selection of Gozitan wines, which are cultivated locally by Gozitan farmers and produced by various wineries. The fourth edition of this event will feature various local bands, including The Travellers, providing a festive atmosphere for all attendees to enjoy.
