Are you ready for a blast of colour?

Carnival 2010 (or il-Karnival as it is known in Malta) will kick off on 12 February this year and it will bring a much awaited injection of colour to Valletta. Here are some pictures from last year's Carnival.

Citta' Magica

The 9th of January holds a few surprises to those visiting or staying in Valletta. Citta Magica follows the events of Notte Bianca and Notte Magica. The only difference is the event caters for creatures of the day as well as those of the night. Citta Magica starts at noon and will go on until midnight.

The newly restored St George's square will feature heavily but events will also be spread out in other parts of the city such as Merchants Street and Freedom Square. Visitmalta.com lists the events taking place.

All the events are within walking distance from Valletta G-House.
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Malta Arts Festival and Censorship

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It does not augur well for the annual Malta Arts Festival when the Arts Council decides to exclude an installation by artist Raphael Vella from a collective at 68 St Lucy Street.

It is not the first instance that the Maltese islands have been in the news for censorship. This year, the play “Stitching” was banned on moral grounds (Case is pending in court) and, egged on by Gozo Bishop Msgr. Mario Grech, police arrested a group of young men who dressed as Jesus during the Nadur carnival celebrations.

All is not doom and gloom for the 2009 Arts Festival. The Malta Jazz Festival has returned to its original form, taken away from the hands of purely commercial private interests. The annual Jazz Festival will hopefully become a fixed appointment on the calendar of many a true jazz enthusiasts, both local and foreign.
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Fireworks festival postponed

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The Malta International Fireworks Festival, which was to be held tomorrow and the day after at the Grand Harbour, has had to be postponed due to a mechanical fault in the ship carrying some of the fireworks. The organiser of the festival, the Malta Tourism Authority, said it is doing its utmost to hold the festival on Friday and Saturday.
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Mingle with a medieval mob

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Mdina is a superb city. I've frequently compared it to Joan Collins - It's so well preserved it looks the same as it did in it's heyday, but without the smut. Most Valletta G-House guests love it (Mdina, not the smut), while some complain it is too immaculate, lacking in city colour.

This coming weekend Mdina becomes Medieval, with pageantry, jousting tournaments, medieval football (If that is anything like Florence's Calcio Storico, that'll be a feast for the eyes), human chess games, medieval knights, men in Medieval costumes and, best of all, traditional medieval food and an abundance of wine and beer.

There will also be guided tours and relics of the past (no more Joan jibes please) as well as attractions like Punch and Judy, jesters, jugglers and donkey rides.

If you want a respite from the primitive throng outside, I beg you to take a peek at the amazingly beautiful Palazzo Falson. Chances are it might also be crowded but with a rather more enlightened assemblage, one would imagine. If not to look at the historical artifacts on show, perhaps you could have tea in the highest place of all, upstairs.

Take bus number 80, 81, 82, 84, 86 to Rabat Bus Terminus from Valletta Gate


The table is set at Palazzo Falson
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Suggestions for an evening with fireworks

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On the eve of 30 April, after an appetizing meal at Rubino's, head to the other side of Valletta. In front of the Knights old Hospital (The Mediterranean Conference Centre) you will find a flight of steps leading down to the Grand Harbour. Sit there, amongst the fishermen's huts and at 21:30 hrs you're in for a pleasant surprise.

The 8th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival will start off with a 15 minute fireworks display, designed by one company, followed by various other local factories, all vying for a trophy. Unfortunately I can't promise you'll be alone watching the display but it certainly makes for a romantic evening for you and your significant other.

The festival also commemorates the 5th anniversary to Malta's accession into the European Union.

FLASH NEWS | 29 April 2009:
Fireworks festival postponed
The Malta International Fireworks Festival has had to be postponed due to a mechanical fault in the ship carrying some of the fireworks. The organiser of the festival, the Malta Tourism Authority, said it is doing its utmost to hold the festival on Friday and Saturday.
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Children's theatre in Valletta

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Teatru Qroqq will be producing two well loved children's plays in April and May. I shall be writing about them nearer to the time but, for those who want to make sure they book their tickets in time, I thought I'd tell you booking is now open.

A poem from Africa

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When I born, I Black
When I grow up, I Black
When I go in sun, I Black
When I scared, I Black
When I cold, I Black
When I sick, I Black
When I ill, I Black
When I die, I still Black
And you white fella
When you born, you pink
When you grow, you white
When you go in sun, you red
When you scared, you yellow
When you cold, you blue
When you sick, you green
And when you die, you grey
And you calling ME Coloured?

I love this poem by British poet Levi Tafari. On Tuesday 10 March he will be reading his own poetry at the St James Cavalier (within walking distance from Valletta G-House). His poetry has the ability to make you smile. Trafari has written for stage and has been involved in TV as well as music projects. Entrance is free.
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Carnival frivolity

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Doesn't carnival give you the same weird feeling that clowns do? It's tragic and comic at the same time. Must say, it did not help that I went to Valletta on my own and was trying a bit too hard to enjoy myself. Must say it was still a fascinating experience from an anthropological viewpoint. I'm sure I would have acted differently had I also had a mask.



Well, Carnivals can turn out to be rather exciting too. I had a Lovely Pinocchio nuzzle his nose under my left ear! (Don't ask. Anything is allowed in Carnival apparently)

I ended the evening with a simple pasta meal at Crianza in Archbishop Street, Valletta...on my own, to enjoy reading the local Sunday papers in peace.
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Weekly Film Club

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Kinemastic are holding a film club every Tuesday at No 68, (68 St Lucy Street, Valletta, 10 minutes' walk from Valletta G-House). The series started with Benjamin Christensen's film/documentary Haxan - Witchcraft Through The Ages (1968) last Tuesday 17 February.

Kinemastik also hold the annual Short Film Festival in the start of Summer and the twice a month afternoon showings at the Malta Contemporary Art in Marsa. See Kinemastik's blog for more information.
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VGH amongst Elle magazine's hip new destinations

December's issue of Elle magazine is full of ideas in its travel section on how to dodge the credit crunch.

From four-day trips to 10-day luxe breaks, there's a HIP NEW DESTINATION for every budget. What credit crunch?

Amongst some amazing destinations it features Malta as "a more grown-up, less expensive Ibiza" highlighting some of the less well known entertainment places like the gorgeous Bedouin Bar in Paceville, with its chilled Moroccan atmosphere (must give it a try myself, as soon as I have a moment).

It could not but mention the stylish Twotwentytwo in Valletta (although the correspondent managed to get the name and url wrong, calling it Twenty Two). This bar/restaurant has hogged the international press' attention and is being hailed as the way forward for Valletta, contemporary architecture that compliments the history and culture of the city.

Elle also mentions Muddies in Balluta (not my kind of thing at all) as well as "the elegant waterfront restaurants in St Julians" and then concentrates on the city of Valletta which it says "is a great base with unbeatable views and shopping".

When it comes to where to stay, Elle lauds Valletta G-House

Valletta G-House is a chic apartment in a 16th century townhouse. It's crammed with original features, oil paintings adorn the stone walls, the kitchen is sculpted out of the cellar and heavy antique furniture gives a sense of grandeur. Stone stairs lead to the huge bedroom with a mosaic floor and vast oak bed.

The oil paintings mentioned by Elle magazine are photographic reinterpretations of two famous paintings - Liberty Leading the People and The Raft of the Medusa

Winter - What's on in Malta

We're at the end of October already. Wasn't it Summer a moment ago? I've heard John Lewis in the UK is already set up for Christmas, and I don't think it will be long before shops here in Malta catch on.

Personally, I'm rather looking forward to the annual Wine Festival that's being organised in Valletta this year. That's from 02 to 09 November from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 17:00 to 23:30 at Great Siege Square in Valletta. Traditional Maltese food accompanying some exquisite Maltese wine - seems like heaven.



Also in November is the little known annual Brazilian music concert - Cafe Brazil - organised by Fringe! Productions at MITP in St Christopher Street, Valletta. Entertaining us will be pandero Sergio Krakowsky, guitarist Sandro Zerafa and flutist Jocelyn Mienniel. From Paris, Brazilian singer Catia Werneck will also be performing a selection of sambas and bossa novas, original songs and Brazilian classics. (Get your tickets from +356 7940 4134. Concert starts at 21:00 on 21 November.

December still seems far off but, as far as Christmas pantomimes go, this is the time to book as they are extremely popular here. MADC's panto is the classic one in this country and will have you in fits as well as keep you up to date with all the latest local gossip. Alan Montanaro has hogged the part of the Dame for years now and this year he will be playing the part of Zeza in The Remakable Voyage of Sinbad (the tailer). Dates: 19 -23, 26 - 30 Dec 2008, 2 - 4 Jan 2009 | Time Weekdays - 19:3, Sat & Sun Evenings - 20:00, Matinées - 15:00 | Location MFCC. Ta'Qali

At the beautiful Manoel Theatre in Valletta, it's Masquerade's panto "Jack and the Beanstalk" that will be performed this time round. Performances: 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 DEC; 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Jan | All shows start at 7.30PM, except for Saturdays and Sundays with 2 shows at 3pm & 8pm. Booking is open.

My Liza

First thing I do as soon as I know I'm visiting the islands is to contact my sister and plot the visit's cultural programme. We'll look at what's on at the Manoel and the St James Cavalier Centre, which World Cinema film or theatre production to watch. I have no inkling however whether my sister will submit to accompany me and admit to a secret admiration for the stereotypical love of gay men - Liza with a "z". On Minelli's first concert tour in Italy, her production team has included Malta, partly I think due to their mistaken impression that the islands of Malta make part of Italy (Liza's official programme reads "Malta, Italy").

Liza will be performing at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta (literally up the road from Valletta G-House) on 04 November 2008 and tickets can be bought from the MCC.

NOTE: THIS CONCERT WAS FEATURED ON LISA'S WEBSITE BUT SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. WHEN I LAST LOGGED INTO MS. MINELLI'S WEBSITE I SAW NO MENTION THE CONCERT IN MALTA

Streets Alive

The theme for this Friday's celebrations organised by BOV Streets Alive is Valletta Romantica. For the occasion streets such as St Ursola, St John and Sta Lucia will be candle-lit. The part I am going to miss most, not being in Malta at the moment, is the Neapolitan song at the Upper Barakka Gardens. Last month I was in Naples itself and its music brings it all back. If anyone out there has a camera and would like to share the experience with us, please do not hesitate to leave a message and I will get in touch. Apparently last Friday's celebration featured the wonderful folk group Etnika.