So … jazz? Which side are you on? Because there’s no middle ground with jazz. You don’t ‘kind of like it’ and it’s not something you can ‘take or leave’ – you either love it, or loathe it! And, as you might guess, the Malta Jazz Festival is to be avoided like the plague for those in the latter category - like me!   Yes, I am of the opinion that jazz sounds like – as some wise person once said –“Lots...

Banging tunes, thousands of people throwing shapes and internationally known acts from the music world are the order of the day when sunny Malta becomes the Isle of MTV. Once a year, in late June, this tiny island is transformed into a hot-bed of talent when the  largest free open air concert in Europe - takes place on the Granaries in Floriana.   Not surprisingly, what with it being free and all, it goes down a storm with crowds of around 50,000 people rocking up to...

In 1903, the Wright brothers climbed aboard a dubious looking creation made of wood and canvas, called Flyer, and managed 120ft of powered flight that lasted 12 seconds. The tragic thing is that even after more than a century of development and evolution those two Americans still had more legroom then you’ll have flying over to Malta with Ryanair and they didn’t have to pay extra to take their bag!   Ever since that historic moment in aviation history took...

If an informed Maltese art lover were given the choice of one night to spend in Valletta then their choice would be as easy as selecting a fillet steak from a tray of burgers. They would instantly opt for Notte Bianca - an annual night-long spectacle of culture and the arts held in the capital’s main streets and its many cultural and tourist venues.   The event is not a long-standing affair but since 2007 it has been held in September or October establishing a...

In most countries, setting off fireworks is restricted to just one or two dates on the calendar, Chinese New Year, the 4 th of July for the Americans and Guy Fawkes’ Night for the British. The Maltese, however, are not nearly so discerning when it comes to lighting up the night sky. They'll take absolutely any excuse to set off some eardrum bursting explosions!   Every village has a festa during the summer and every festa is accompanied by loads of fireworks,...

There’s something magical about candles! Switch off the lights in your lounge and light a few candles and the atmosphere suddenly changes. Instant romance! Do the same in a quaint little harbour town like Birgu, throw in some historic re-enactments, music, food and other attractions and you’ve got yourself a truly wonderful night out!   It’s called Birgufest and lasts for three days each October in – no surprises – Birgu, but you might also...

Heavenly voices are guaranteed every two years in Malta when choirs from around the world descend on the island to take part in The Malta International Choir Competition Festival of Sacred and Secular Music. Forget the long mouthful of a title; this is a chance to hear some of the sweetest singing around.   The festival has been held at the beginning of November during odd numbered years for more than two decades. It is open to various categories of choirs, which turn up...

For art lovers on Malta the first three weeks of July is the period that is eagerly awaited each year. That’s when the Malta Arts Festival comes to the island – a mixture of theatre, dance, music and art.   Festival events are mainly centred on the capital city of Valletta , although performances also take place in other places such as Mdina and Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa, one of the Three Cities ). During this three week period, these localities are...

Almost every developed Christian nation has a go at staging a carnival in some guise or other to mark the start of Lent - and Nadur, on Gozo , is certainly not one to be left out on that score! What’s great about this carnival, however, are the strange characteristics and peculiarities that make it utterly memorable and entirely unique.   At most carnivals, you can happily find yourself a new persona, and for a few days let yourself change into someone you’ve...

The Eurovision Song Contest – now there’s a funny old thing! In some countries it is treated as little more than a joke. The UK, for example, enjoys a good laugh at the bizarre strains of Euro-pop dished up almost as much as the hugely predictable political voting tactics from the Baltic States. But for many Maltese people, Eurovision is a really big deal!   The annual competition, held among active member countries of the European Broadcasting Union, is...