January, February and March are relatively quiet in Malta and Gozo, but as April approaches, the calendar begins to fill up with exciting reasons to visit.
Most notable right now is Malta’s first Biennale, which kicked off 13 March and was touted as one of the Top Ten Cultural Destinations this year, according to The Guardian.
The exhibition of international arts and design includes an array of captivating performances, art films, enlightening lectures, interactive workshops, family-friendly events, and pavilions set in National Heritage sites around Malta, including Fort St Elmo in Valletta and Villa Portelli in Kalkara.
Biennale unfurls until the end of May, but in between, visitors can find a plethora of family-friendly, cultural and historic events to enhance a visit.
Here are a few of our favourites.
Anniversary of the George Cross
This year, 15 April marks 82 years since Malta received its priceless George Cross medal from Britain’s King George VI during World War II, a presentation made in 1942 and one dedicated to the bravery and courage of the people of Malta and Gozo who withstood heavy aerial bombing in WWII from enemy aircraft, and thwarted an amphibious landing. It remains as one of the proudest parts of Malta’s history.
The George Cross was added to the national flag in 1943, woven into the left hand corner, and the country became Malta GC, i.e. Malta George Cross, though the GC annotation is rarely used today.
Visitors can expect to see military marches in Valletta that include music and parades, as well as the George Cross on display in St George’s Square.
Malta International Fireworks Festival
From 20 – 30 April, the skies will light up in colourful bouquets of pyrotechnic pop and sizzle as the International Fireworks Festival gets underway.
This year’s displays will be given in Valletta, Marsaxlokk, Nadur and Mellieha and will culminate with an enormous and magnificent display over Valletta’s Grand Harbour. Displays are both terrestrial on round poles, as well as aerial, and will feature the works of the more renowned fireworks manufacturing factories in Mqabba, Qrendi, Birkirkara and Lija in Malta, and Nadur in Gozo.
During the 10 day event, visitors can expect beautiful displays of colour and coordination over Malta’s magnificent cities and villages. The festival also has a competitive edge and each year, hosts a Pyromusical competition, awarding the displays that best match the rhythm of the music, and the displays are impressive.
Fancy yourself an expert fireworks photographer? There will also be a photo contest. Check the website for more details.
Strawberry Festival
On 7 April, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the village of Mġarr celebrates the cultivation and harvest of its locally grown strawberries in the main village square. Known as Festa Frawli, the one-day fruity celebration invites visitors and locals to drop by and taste around stalls selling the freshly picked fruit as well as strawberry-inspired cakes, pastries, and beverages made with the best strawberries available.
There will also be children’s activities and our guided walks, departing on the hour, around villages. Heritage Malta will also offer special guided visits at reduced admission fees to UNESCO listed Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples
Kordin III Opening
Kordin III stands as the last beacon of an ancient civilisation that once flourished along a strategic ridge overlooking the Grand Harbour, and for one day only, on 28 April, the usually private gates of Kordin III will open to welcome the public through guided tours.
Tours at 9 a.m and 10:30 a.m. will be given in Maltese, while those at 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. will be given in English.
There is a limit of just 25 participants per tour, and tickets are available for €3.
Contact Heritage Malta
Or book online
Festival of Lights— Cittadella
On 20 April from 6 p.m. onward, stroll through the narrow streets of the ancient fortified city of Citttadella, in Gozo, and you’ll be surrounded by the flickering glow of more than 30,000 candles. It’s nothing short of magical and offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Gozo’s hills, valleys, villages, and churches.
Visitors can also enjoy historic re-enactments, extended museum opening hours at discounted rates, live entertainment and children’s activities. Entrance is free.
Fortunes Festival
Also on 20 April, springtime’s favourite music festival will take place at the iconic Fort St. Elmo and has a line-up of the international names alongside some local favourites.
Purchase tickets here
Wanderlust Festival
The first family festival of its kind in Malta, this premier family-friendly music and cultural celebration takes palace 6-7 April in Malta’s Ta’Quali National Park at the Picnic Area, and is a showcase of music, art, wellness, and outdoor experiences.
Come for the line up of diverse musicians and artists across various genres, yoga and meditation sessions led by world-renowned instructors, art installations and interactive workshops, as well as outdoor activities ranging from mini obstacle races to karaoke, kite shows, and plenty of kid-friendly fun.
Purchase tickets here
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Author bio: Albert Fenech
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