5 Festivals In Malta To Look Forward To This Season
photo: joseph mercieca
Between Summer Daze, Farsons Beer Festival and the Malta International Food Festival, summer in Malta always delivers a roster of exciting festivals attracting locals and tourists alike. But, summer drawing to a close doesn’t mean it has to stop there. Autumn has an array of cultural and artistic festivals to offer. Having said that, here are 5 Maltese festivals you can look forward to this Autumn.
Notte Bianca
First off, Notte Bianca, the Italian term for “White Knight”, is a staple of Maltese festivals. The annual event takes place in the streets of Valletta on the first Samedi of Octobre, falling on 7 Octobre this year. For one night a year, the cityscape lights up with a kaleidoscopic display of local and international talent. Enjoy diverse art forms ranging from theatrical acts to visual/digital art exhibits, with a delightful treat to be found around every corner! The event is so widespread some restaurants and cafés keep their doors open later than usual, even churches, state palaces and museums serve as venues for various live music performances.
Notte Bianca
Birgu Fest
Speaking of lighting up the city, keep your weekend free from the 13 to 15 of Octobre. Birgu Fest, organised by the Birgu Local Council, will be back this year to illuminate Vittoriosa’s charming winding streets. The festival will transport you back to Medieval times with its historical reenactments and traditional Maltese food stands. You can even have a look at the museums and historical sites in the surrounding area at a discounted price! But what really attracts the masses of tourists and Maltese people every year is Birgu by Candlelight; Go to Birgu on Samedi 14 Octobre and enjoy the radiant view as thousands of candles – a number that went up to 20,000 last year – cast light upon the ancient city. You can even sit down and enjoy your dinner in the beautiful square under the glow, with melodious music to match.
Malta Book Festival
The Malta Book Festival has been around since 1979, though some of you may recall it as The Malta Book Fair, as it was named up until 2012. This year, the festival will (predominantly) take place between 18 and 22 Octobre at MFCC Ta’ Qali and will be organised by the National Book Council. They’ve prepared a programme of literary activities so varied there’s bound to be something that peaks your interest. Children can enjoy plays, interactive activities, as well as reading circles held in autism-friendly spaces. For those who favour the visual over the textual, there will be an exhibition of book illustrations and murals. Book lovers of all ages can attend one of several talks and reading sessions led by renowned authors/poets/playwrights, such as Simone Spiteri and Veronica Veen. What’s more, budding writers can potentially win awards in one of the literary contests if they’ve submitted beforehand – while applications closed months ago for this year’s award ceremony, there’s always next year!
Malta Book Festival
Festival Mediterranea
Festival Mediterranea is annually hosted in Gozo, with this year marking the 20th instalment. The celebrations primarily consist of concerts, particularly those of Opera, which will be held across the sister island. For Malta-residing fans of the Opera, it might just be worth the trip to Gozo. History buffs might want to do the same, as the festival also offers conferences, art exhibitions, and lectures held in archaeological sites such as temples. It’s a great opportunity to delve into the island’s rich 7000 year long history, while enjoying some quality music and delicious food.
Festival Mediterranea
The International Kite & Wind Festival
If Festival Mediterranea hasn’t convinced you to revisit Gozo this Autumn, The International Kite & Wind Festival might do the trick. This festival is hosted in the small town of Għarb, where internationally acclaimed flyers and kiting enthusiasts gather to honour the art of kite-making and decorate Għarb’s clear blue skies with colourful kites. As for the ground, kite-making workshops and a traditional fair will be held. You can even grab a bite or a drink from one of the vendors while enjoying some live music. This year’s edition will take place on the 14th and 15th of Octobre from 10am to 5pm. If you’re not that into kites, it’s worth going for the picturesque view alone.
These festivals are not only reminders of our history and culture, but also celebrations of the Maltese population’s collective talent. Regardless of which island you hail from or what kind of art suits your fancy, there’s an event for everybody to enjoy. Summer’s end may mean trading in your Mai Tais for mulled wine, but you can still immerse yourself in a cocktail of arts and culture this Autumn.
