GOZO. A Cultural Guide to 2018 Events. GIVE ME GOZ.VISITGOZO.COM

Transcription

1 GOZO A Cultural Guide to 2018 Events GIVE ME GOZ.VISITGOZO.COM 1

2 Carnival 9 13 February Carnival is a colourful and fun celebration in Gozo. For five consecutive days, the island s intense, natural Mediterranean blue and green are rivalled by the vibrant colours of carnival costumes and floats that meander through the main towns and villages in upbeat mood. Join the locals for five days of revelry, with young and old dressing up in intricate costumes or grotesque masks. Follow the Rabat parades with their floats and rhythmic dance for pure family fun. For an extravagant take on carnival, Nadur village is the unmissable choice. This carnival stems from village tradition and is essentially spontaneous. Here, the purpose of costumes is disguise. Join the party, in a palpable atmosphere of authentic, local fun! Photo by Hush Studios; Cover Photo by Daniel Cilia 2 3

3 Gozo Faith & Traditions 3 March 1 April Easter time in Gozo is deeply rooted in religious tradition. The solemn, religious rituals during Lent and the Easter weekend, are fascinating for any visitor. On the weeks preceding Easter, Gozo becomes a hub of activities in preparation for the Good Friday processions and pageants, which provide real life re-enactments of the passion of Christ. The pealing of church bells on Easter Sunday on the 1st April heralds the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. An exuberant mood prevails in villages where groups of bearers wearing the kunfratija, carry the statue of Christ along the streets, to the lively tunes of band marches. These celebrations intertwine with local life and traditions and offer the visitor an authentic experience of Gozo. Photo by Shaun Sultana 4 5

4 Gaulitana Festival of Music 1 29 April Bellini s opera Norma will be staged at Teatru Aurora, as the highlight of the Gaulitana Festival of Music. With its extraordinary fusion of sublime melody, vocal challenge, and dramatic power, Norma will enthrall audiences. It examines an ageless and archetypal situation: a powerful woman compromises her ideals for love, only to find herself betrayed by her lover. Directed by Enrico Castiglione, with costumes designed by Sonia Cammarata, Norma will be under the musical direction of Colin Attard who will conduct the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Gaulitanus Choir. Photo by Shaun Sultana 6 7

5 GOZO ALIVE 19 May A culture filled day and evening, that will alight Gozo and delight visitors. Bands, musical performances, reenactments, fireworks, art exhibitions, dance, short film screening and guided tours a programme of events that will surely entertain and present Gozo in a unique, exciting way for everyone to enjoy. Photo by CVC Media 8 9

6 Festi Are you in Gozo this summer? Festi are a unique way to experience local traditions, religious celebrations and a festive way of life eased by the long and warm summer days. Festi are about patron saints leading sombre processions, beautifully decorated churches and then lights, sounds and fireworks, as communities come together for a yearly celebration that awes visitors. Join a local festa between May and September and live Gozo the authentic way! Photo by CVC Media 27 May: Feast of St. Paul, Munxar 3 Jun: Feast of Corpus Christi, Għasri 10 June: Feast of St. Anthony, Għajnsielem 17 Jun: Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fontana 24 Jun: Feast of St. John the Baptist, Xewkija 29 Jun: Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, Nadur 8 Jul: Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Kerċem 15 Jul: Feast of St. George, Victoria 22 Jul: Feast of St. Margaret, Sannat 29 Jul: Feast of the Visitation, Għarb 5 Aug: Feast of St. Joseph, Qala 12 Aug: Feast of St. Lawrence, San Lawrenz 15 Aug: Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, Victoria 19 Aug: Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, Żebbuġ 26 Aug: Feast of Our Lady of Loreto, Għajnsielem 8 Sep: Feast of Our Lady of Victories, Xagħra 16 Sep: Feast of Our Lady of Graces, Victoria 10 11

7 21 st Edition of the Victoria International Arts Festival 13 June 15 July Victoria International Arts Festival has established itself as the longest-running festival of its kind on the islands, with events spanning five weeks between June and July. For the 21st edition, the organisers will be presenting 40 concerts. Both the opening and the closing concerts will be performed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of VIAF s Artistic Director, Prof Mro Joseph Vella. For the past 7 years, VIAF has also included a Baroque week within the larger framework of the Festival, hosting some of the world s best performers of Baroque music. More than 20 countries will be represented and over 600 performers will take part in the 2018 edition. Concerts will be held in 8 different venues all over Victoria. All concerts and cultural events are offered free to the public. More information on: Photo by Sam Cefai 12 13

8 Qala International Folk Festival September Music, folk dance, costumes... the 13th edition of the Qala International Folk Festival is organised by the Qala Local Council and the Qala Menhir Folk Group. A weekend of folk dance, music and traditional food. The quaint village square is brought to life by a unique intercultural programme, that has grown to attract locals and visitors for its quality entertainment in an intimate, village setting. Enjoy folk music, dance and local food. This event will make you remember Gozo for its unique hospitality and for the island s authenticity. Photo by Ted Attard 14 15

9 Fjakkolata A Celebration of Light 14 October Spectacular and incredibly beautiful. Experience the unique sight of light breaking the darkness on a Gozo hillside, as hundreds of flaming lanterns flicker through the crisp, autumn air. One of the smallest hamlets in Gozo, commemorates a religious tradition... Drive to Santa Luċija soon after sunset and set your eyes on Għar Ilma hill, for an inspiring moment, against the beautiful backdrop of the Gozitan countryside. Drop in at the quaint Santa Luċija village square, and enjoy the suggestive ambience as the procession with the statue of Our Lady of Fatima proceeds into the village church. Mingle with the locals in the ensuing festive celebrations, enlivened with folk dance, local food and unique hospitality. Photo by Daniel Cilia 16 17

10 Photo by Joe Attard Operas in Gozo 28 April Bellini s opera Norma will be staged at Teatru Aurora, as the highlight of the Gaulitana Festival of Music. With its extraordinary fusion of sublime melody, vocal challenge, and dramatic power, Norma will enthrall audiences. It examines an ageless and archetypal situation: a powerful woman compromises her ideals for love, only to find herself betrayed by her lover. Directed by Enrico Castiglione, with costumes designed by Sonia Cammarata, Norma will be under the musical direction of Colin Attard who will conduct the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Gaulitanus Choir October Aurora Theatre presents Giacomo Puccini s timeless classic, Tosca. The story tells of a dangerous love triangle a musical masterpiece haunted by melodrama and lyrical arias. The Aurora Theatre, in Victoria, is an exquisite performance space housed inside a regal nineteenth Century Villa. Designed by architect Louis Naudi, and ornately decorated by venerated local artist Chev. Emvin Cremona, the Aurora Theatre has been a prime location for critically acclaimed operas since its inauguration in Tosca promises to be an unmissable experience full of emotions & 27 October Giuseppe Verdi s La Traviata, will be mark Astra Theatre s 50th anniversary celebrations. Gabriele D Annunzio s telegraphic phrase about Verdi, colui che pianse ed amó per tutti (he wept and loved for all), sums up in a nutshell the Maestro s genius and flair. Perhaps in no other of his operas as in the magnetic La Traviata, does Verdi concentrate the essence of his genius as a supreme interpreter of human nature. Making full use of his dramatic prowess and intuitive sense of irony, Verdi s immortal score plumbs the depths of waywardness and redemption through love. Yet, there is no escaping the terrible truth that there is no redemption without the shedding of blood, be it physical or spiritual. Online booking on

11 Festival Mediterranea 11 October - 14 November Festival Mediterranea, is an annual celebration of culture, with Gozo as a beautiful island backdrop in warm Autumn. Mythology has it that the charm of this island aided the most beautiful nymph Calypso to halt Ulysses on his journeys and lure him away from his travels for seven mystical years. Today, Gozo s charm seeks to lure its visitors into a kaleidoscope of cultural events, highlighted by the celebrations of the arts in such festivals as the Mediterranea. Organised by Teatru Astra, the Festival Mediterranea s highlight is the spectacular presentation of La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi, with a double representation on the 25 and 27 October Gozo s Teatru Astra enjoys a well-established tradition of excellence, with the engagement of an internationally renowned cast, a fantastic opera chorus, imposing sets and scenery, outstanding costumes and spectacular lights. Live the Mediterranean, celebrating 7000 years of culture on Gozo! More info on: mt Photo by Daniel Cilia 20 21

12 KITE AND WIND FESTIVAL October Have you flown a kite since your childhood days? This is the right opportunity to feel at one with the sky and nature. The first Gozo Kite and Wind Festival will be held during the third weekend of October, and will include kite building, kite flying sessions and all the fun that comes along. This is a unique event, promising high flying fun for children and adults with a free spirit. Be there and pray for wind! Ħamiema, Tajra, Manuċċa, Fjamma...words used for kites in Malta towns and villages, which are testimony to the cultural diversity in language and yet, to the same human yearning for flying

13 Christmas, an island of joy 1 December - 6 January Christmas is a joyful time and Gozo steps up to celebrate. The town of Victoria and main village squares light up with decorations and there is a hustle and bustle around the island that heralds the festive event. Look out for beautiful choir singing and traditional cribs that reveal true craftsmanship. The traditional processions with the bambin Gesu are held in every village with the participation of children. Roam around Betlehem f Għajnsielem where a whole area known as Ta Passi, in the limits of Għajnsielem, is transformed into a nativity village, providing a cove where religion and local traditions intermingle. Check out the Gozo Christmas calendar and wrap yourself with the true spirit of Christmas. More info on: Photo from Schola Cantorum Jubilate Archives 24 25

14 Other Events 2018 January Mon, 1 Jan: A New Year s Toast, 6th edition by The Gaulitanus Choir Location: The Kempinski Hotel, San Lawrenz Organiser: The Gaulitanus Choir, Sun, 7 Jan: Feast of the Epiphany. The re-enactment of the arrival of the Three Wise Men and their offering of biblical gifts gold, incense and myrrh to Baby Jesus. Location: Victory Square, Xagħra Sun, 21 Jan: Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot. A traditional feast including a religious procession and the blessing of domestic animals. Location: Victory Square to Saint Anthony Square, Xagħra February Sun, 4 Feb: Feast of St. John Bosco, Victoria Sun, 4 Feb: The Gozo Youth Wind Band in Concert - Don Bosco Grand Concert 2018 An annual musical concert with the participation of Gozo youths. Location: Oratory Don Bosco, Victoria Organiser: The Gozo Youth Wind Band & Orchestra, gozowindbandorchestra@yahoo.co.uk Sun, 4 Feb: Nadur Organised Carnival. A variety of costumes, dances, colourful Carnival floats, hilarious sketches, live music bands & the traditional Kukkanja Location: Village Square, Nadur Organiser: Nadur Local Council, Fri, 9 Feb: Organised Carnival in Qala with dance performances, costumes, cart floats competitions and the kukkanja. Location: Village Square, Qala Sat, 10 Feb: Organised Carnival in Xagħra, including carnival floats, carnival dance groups and the traditional kumittiva dance. Location: Village Square, Xagħra Sun, 11 Feb: Organised Carnival in Għajnsielem, Xagħra and Xewkija. Carnival in Xewkija celebrates the traditional carnival delicacy, the prinjolata, costume competitions and the carnival floats parade. Location: Village Squares, Għajnsielem, Xagħra and Xewkija Organiser: Għajnsielem, Xagħra and Xewkija Local Councils Fri, 9 - Tue, 13 Feb: Organised Carnival activities,victoria; Spontaneous Carnival, Nadur The Victoria Carnival celebrations offer family fun for the young and the young at heart and include parades, dancing and colourful, themed floats. The Nadur carnival is celebrated after sunset and attracts thousands of people, many in disguise and relishing a unique, fun experience. Not to be missed! Locations: Republic Street, Victoria; Village Square, Nadur Organisers: Gozo Culture, Nadur Local Council March Sat, 3 Mar Sun, 1 Apr: Easter Activities, Gozo - Art, Faith and Traditions. A full programme of events in Gozo spanning 4 weeks. Look out for the detailed Easter activities brochure closer to the date! Sun, 11 Mar: FMVA Vintage Motors Festival 2018 Organiser: info@fmvamalta.org Sat, 17 Mar: A Concert of Sacred Music Organiser: Fondazzjoni Santa Ċeċilia A.D Location: St. James Church, Independence Square, Victoria Sat, 17 Mar: L-Imsallab fi Triqatna. A re-enactment of the passion of Jesus, through the streets of Victoria. Sun, 18 Mar: Via Crucis at Ta Għammar Hill, Għarb with meditations based on the teachings of Pope Francis. Fri, 23 Mar: Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. A number of traditional processions take place around the village cores, to celebrate this religious feast. The Xewkija parish organises an animated pageant along the old streets of the village. Sat, 24 Mar: A Concert of Sacred Music, Leone Band Club. Music, reflections and meditations by the Leone Band, with the participation of the Aurora Youth Choir and local artists. Venue: Gozo Cathedral Sat, 24 Mar: Freedom Day Concert Location: Victoria Organiser: Gozo Culture Sun, 25 Mar: Good Friday Procession. A devotional procession commemorating the Passion of Christ, with participants dressed up in rich period costumes, personifying personalities and biblical characters. The Gozo Cathedral Chapter of Canons and the Leone Band accompany the procession with funerary marches. Location: Gozo Cathedral, and around Victoria centre. Sun, 25 Mar: Palm Sunday. On the Sunday before Easter, Jesus s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, is commemorated with a village procession involving children and adults bearing palm leaves. In the late afternoon, a children s procession commemorates the Passion of Jesus Christ. Location: Victory Square, Xagħra Sat, 24 & Sun, 25 Mar: Jesus Christ Superstar (Live Musical). Andrew LLoyd Webber s all-time favourite will be staged in Vicotria. Location: Astra Theatre Organiser: La Stella Philharmonic Society, booking on Fri, 30 Mar: Good Friday Processions. Taking place in various villages, processions commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, are events of worship and prayer. The processions are a spectacle of splendid pegeantry, faithfully produced to the Gospels recount. Location: Various villages around Gozo April Sun, 1 Apr: Easter Sunday joy is celebrated within and beyond the Gozo Citadel walls and in various other villages including Kercem, Nadur, Xewkija, Żebbuġ, Qala, Xagħra, Fontana and Għarb. The statue representing the Resurrected Christ is paraded with joyful band marches. Sun, 1 Apr: Hip-Hip Hurray Family Fun on Easter Day Location: Villa Rundle, Victoria Sat, 7 Apr: Ir-Rakkont, a biblical musical in Maltese about the death and resurrection of Christ, with original scores by Mario Vella Cordina. Location: Oratory Don Bosco, Victoria Sun, 8 Apr: Fiera tal-għadira Organiser: Kerċem Local Council Sun, 1 Fri, 29 Apr: Gaulitana: A Festival of Music - 12th edition. A multifarious programme of events held in various localities around Gozo starting on Easter Sunday and ending with an OPERA+ Weekend (Apr 27-29), with Bellini s operatic masterpiece Norma on Saturday, 28th April

15 Location: Aurora Opera Theatre Sat, 21 Apr: Malta International Fireworks Festival (Gozo) Sun, 28 Apr: The Science in the Citadel (Victoria) Sun, 29 Apr: The 43rd edition of the Gozo Half Marathon. Run for it! The Gozo Half Marathon was organised for the first time in Xagħra, Gozo on the 6th February Apart from the half marathon, the event hosts an 8 mile run, a 4km and a 2km race for younger athletes, making it an ideal event for the whole family. The half marathon route is of varying elevation and takes the participants through various Gozitan villages, with breath-taking views of the island s landscape. May Sat, 5 May: The Gozo Ultra Trail is one of the most scenic routes in the Mediterranean. The event consists of a 50km trail run, 50km MTB challenge and a 21km trail run. The course is a gorgeous, circumnavigation of the island covering cliff edge single tracks, lush valleys and water courses, seaside salt pans, sandy beaches and rocky terrain; in short, you will experience the whole of the Mediterranean in one race. For the first time, in 2018, the 21km event will be a Qualifier for the Xterra Trail Running World Championships that will be held in Maui! More details on: Sun, 6 May: Feast of Saint Joseph The procession with the statue of St Joseph is led by the three confraternities of the parish followed by the clergy and the faithful reciting prayers. The Victory Band will be playing religious marches along the route. Location: Victory Square and nearby streets, Xagħra Sat, 19 May: Gozo Alive, Culture in the City. A festival of music, art and food. Location: Victoria Sun, 20 May: Marian Festival a Christian song festival organised with the collaboration of the Legion of Mary, Gozo. Location: Oratory Don Bosco, Victoria Fri, 25 Sun, 27 May: International Marian Symposium Location: Ta Pinu Sanctuary, Għarb Sun, 27 May: Feast of St. Paul, Munxar June Sun, 3 Jun: Feast of the Corpus Christi, Għasri Sun, 10 Jun: Feast of St. Anthony, Għajnsielem Sun, 17 Jun: Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fontana Fri, 22 Jun: Feast of Our Lady of Ta Pinu, Għarb Sun, 24 Jun: Feast of St. John the Baptist, Xewkija Fri, 29 Jun: Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, Nadur Sat, 23 & Sun, 24 Jun: Agricultural & Artisan Fair, a traditional exhibition of agricultural products and entertainment. Organiser: Nadur Local Council 13 Jun 15 Jul: The Victoria International Arts Festival is Malta s longest-running Festival, with an uninterrupted sequence of musical and cultural events spanning five weeks between June and July. In 2018, the organisers will be presenting the 21st edition: a concert will be held every evening, offering the public a total of 40 unmissable concerts. More information on: Thur, 28 Jun: Farm to Fork. Free Tastings - local and regional food stalls, local bands accompanied by local folk entertainment, tours in production areas and the traditional Mnarja dinner at Gozitano Main Square. Location: Gozitano Complex, Mgarr Road *Jun: Leone Goes Pop An open-air concert with live music performances by the Leone Band. Pop and rock classics are played with the participation of a line-up of renowned local singers and performers, for an evening of great music. Location: Independence Square, Victoria *Jun: OASI Day Commemorative Celebrations July Fri, 6 Jul: Hondoq by Night. A popular music festival in its 7th edition. This year s edition will feature top local bands and DJ s including Cash & Band, Ira Losco & Band, DJ Ryan Spiteri and DJ Darco. Hondoq bay will be illuminated with hundreds of flaming lanterns and special light effects, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages to enjoy! Location: Hondoq Bay Sat, 7 Sun, 8 Jul: Figs Festival A fair of local fig based delicacies and other typical Maltese products, accompanied by live music Location: Xagħra, Square Sun, 8 Jul: Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Kerċem Sun, 15 Jul: Feast of St. George, Victoria Sat, 21 Jul: Marsal Mużajk, Marsalforn Organiser: Gozo Culture office Sun, 22 Jul: Feast of St. Margaret, Sannat Sun, 29 Jul: Feast of the Visitation. This religious celebration includes a spectacular Infiorata, during which an intricate carpet of fresh flowers with thematic designs, is laboriously laid in the village square. The infiorata is an old Italian tradition, the oldest one originating in Gerano, the twin village of Għarb. Thu, 26 Sun, 29 Jul: DCAPITALS Live@Cittadella. A band concert with the participation of renowned Maltese singers and the band s resident singers under the Direction of Mro. George Apap. Location: Cittadella Ditch Organiser: DCapitals Mon, 30 Jul: Opera Vs Pop Under The Stars. The Gozo Youth Orchestra in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo and Embassy of the United States of America presents: Opera vs Pop Under the Stars 11th Edition. A programme of classical and operatic songs and arias, followed by an array of lighter pop arrangements from soundtracks and musicals. Location: Villa Rundle Gardens, Victoria Info and Reservation: gozowindbandorchestra@yahoo.co.uk August Mon, 30 Jul Sun, 5 Aug: Festival at San Lawrenz, featuring contemporary and traditional dance groups, local talent and a 3D Mapping show on the church façade. Location: Village Square, San Lawrenz Sat, 4 Aug: Ceramics Festival Location: Xlendi Organiser: Gozo Culture Sun, 5 Aug: Feast of St. Joseph, Qala Thu, 9 Aug: Leone Band in concert - The Festa Edition An open-air celebratory concert as the Leone Band kicks off its final week of street celebrations in honour of Santa Marija. Location: Republic Street, Victoria Sun, 12 Aug: Feast of St. Lawrence Sat 11 - Wed, 15 Aug: Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, Victoria. The Santa Marija festa, a devotional Catholic celebration, marks the culmination of summer and the height of the festa season in Gozo. The religious celebrations by the church, paralleled by lay events are spectacular for any visitor 28 29

16 with colourful street decorations, joyful band marches and massive aerial fireworks displays that light up Gozo s summer sky. National street horse races are also organised in Victoria on 15th August. Fri, 17 Aug: DB Celebration a special activity for children, including a Magic show, on the occasion of St. John Bosco s birthday. Location: Oratory Don Bosco, Victoria Sun, 19 Aug: Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, Żebbuġ Sun, 26 Aug: Feast of Our Lady of Loreto, Għajnsielem Fri, 24 Sun, 26 Aug: Gozo Film Festival The second edition of the Gozo Film Festival, featuring local and international films, is aimed at a discerning audience, offering open air screenings in a unique, historical setting. Organiser: The Gozo Film Club Location: Cittadella Aug: Għajnsielemfest. A two day event organised as part of the local festa celebrations. Location: Għajnsielem Square Tue 28 Wed, 29 Aug: Fior D Argenta. A traditional village square dinner in Xewkija that brings together a village, in a celebration that is animated by music, dance, culture and heritage, culminating in a tradtional bonfire. Location: Xewkija Square Wed, 29 Aug: Open-air children s Summer Concert Location: Oratory Don Bosco, Victoria *Aug: Riflessi Sajfin Festival Organiser: Oasi Location: Marsalforn September Sat, 1 Sept: Jazz Do. An eclectic mix of jazz styles that entertains an ever-growing crowd against the unique setting of Mgarr Harbour. Dine out or mingle in a local bar area, while bands jazz up the atmosphere. Organiser: Gozo Culture Sat, 1 Sept: Gozo Edition - Malta International Food Festival 2018 A street food festival. Taste the authentic Asian cuisines, the fresh Mediterranean delights and genuine Gozitan delicacies. Your perfect night to discover new tastes, brewery stands and special wines for a great culinary experience, set in the heart of a local village. Location: Xewkija Square Sun, 2 Sept: Rock Concert, Marsalforn Organiser: Gozo Culture Office Fri, 7 Sept: Commemoration of the Great Siege and Second World War. Re-enactment of the Entrance of the Grand Master and of a war air-raid. Location: Victory Square, Xagħra Fri, 7 Sept: Pyrotechnical Fireworks display at in-nuffara hill, Xagħra followed by festive marches on the Square and the surrounding streets. Sat, 8 Sept: Feast of Our Lady of Victories, Xagħra Sun, 9 Sept: Rock Concert at Marsalforn Organiser: Gozo Culture Mon, 10 Sept: Stage And Proms On The Sea. The Gozo Youth Wind Band presents the fourth edition of this spectacularly staged concert, on a large floating platform at Mġarr Harbour. Enjoy music in a unique Mediterranean setting, with a backdrop of sea craft and moonlit sky. Location: Mgarr Marina Info and Reservation: gozowindbandorchestra@yahoo.co.uk Sun, 16 Sep: Feast of Our Lady of Graces, Victoria Sat, 22 Sept: Traditions - Wine, Olive Oil & Honey festival Enjoy the best of local produce in one of Gozo s smallest villages, Għasri. A quaint village square setting, local folk and traditions... and the most genuine products to taste and take home with you. An experience to share. Location: Village Square, Għasri Fri, 21 Sun, 23 Sept: Qala International Folk Festival. A spectacle of dancing, singing, music and folkloristic costumes by local and foreign folk groups. Experience local life, traditions and local food as folk dancers and musicians enliven three evenings in Qala square. Location: Village Square, Qala Organiser: Qala Local Council in collaboration with the Menħir Qala Folk Group Sun, 30 Sept: Feast of Jesus the Nazarene. A show of music, song and a wine-tasting competition. Location: Ġnien Xibla Street, Xagħra October Sun, 7 Oct: OASI Cup Run. The OASI Cup Run encourages participants to endorse a healthy lifestyle through physical exercise. The Foundation works towards greater awareness about the harmful effects of illict drugs and alcohol abuse. The activity consists of a 10km run, a 5km walk and three runs for children. Location: Starts in Victoria Organiser: Oasi Foundation Sat, 13 Oct: Opera Night, Tosca by Giacomo Puccini Location: Aurora Opera Theatre, Victoria Tickets and further information: Sun, 14 Oct: A Celebration of Light. The locally known Fjakkolata is a spectacle of thousands of burning lanterns lit over Għar Ilma hill, overlooking the village of Santa Luċija, Kerċem. This is an old tradition that accompanies village celebrations in honour of Our Lady of Fatima, with a religiuos procession in the quaint village square setting. Visitors can enjoy the festivities including folk dance and traditional food. Worth a visit! Organiser: Kerċem Local Council Fri, 19 Oct: Symphony of lights, a musical concert at Santa Luċija, Kerċem. Sat. 20 & Sun 21 Oct: Kite and Wind Festival Thur, 25 & Sat 27 Oct: La Traviata Location: Astra Opera Theatre, Victoria Tickets and further information on: Thur, 11 Oct Sat, 24 Nov: Mediterranea. A cultural festival on the island of Gozo. Location: Astra Opera Theatre, Victoria Further information on: November Sat, 3 Nov: Leone Band in Concert. An annual symphonic concert by the Leone Band, with a repertoire varying from symphonic overtures and opera music to nineteenth and twentieth century music from the big and small screens and the world s most renowned orchestra houses. Location: Aurora Opera Theatre Sat 10, Sun 11 & Sat 17 Nov: Wojtyla L-Għajta t Alla, a musical production about Pope John Paul II composed and written by Antoine Mercieca and Joe W. Psaila. Location: Oratory Don Bosco, Victoria 30 31

17 Sat, 17 Nov: The Annual Grand Concert by La Stella Philharmonic Band 2018, free entrance. Location: Astra Opera Theatre Sun, 25 Nov: Gozo Road Race, Organised by the Gozo Cycling Club Location: starts from Xagħra Square December Sat, 1 Dec Sun, 6 Jan 2018: Gozo: Your Choice this Christmas! A full programme of events spanning five weeks, from 1st December to the 6th January, celebrating Christmas. Look out for the detailed Christmas in Gozo brochure closer to date. More detail on: Sat, 1 Dec: The official opening of the Christmas festivities, with the lighting of the Christmas tree, the Republic street lights in Victoria, and many other Christmas illuminations that brighten up the island. Children s choirs will also participate and fill Independence square with their angelic voices. Sun, 2 Dec: Swejjaq, the open Market Christmas Edition at San Lawrenz village. Beginning of Dec - Sun, 1 Jan: Bethlehem f Għajnsielem Spread on twenty thousand square meters of land, this nativity village takes visitors back in time to Judea of 2000 years ago, combining local customs and folklore which are usually associated with the Maltese crib. Location: Għajsielem Fri, 7 Sun, 9 Dec: Gozo International Choir Festival The International Choir Festival brings together local and international choir talent, for three evenings of beautiful choir singing. The events will be held in Gozo churches, for a wonderful experience of great music, voices and magical settings with Christmas decor. Sat, 8 & Sun, 9 Dec: The Christmas Village, hosting a series of events and activities, including music, beautiful illumination, food and wine stalls, offers an impressive selections of wine from 17 different countries and 37 different wine regions. Various factory tours and presentations will be held, where visitors have the opportunity to learn and attain first hand experience of the production of various agricultural products, including marmalades, olive oil, honey and beer. Gozitano attractions include production of traditional Christmas sweets, with the participation of artists, choirs, local bands and Father Christmas distributing presents. Location: Gozitano Agricultural Village, Xewkija Fri, 14 & Sat, 15 Dec: Carols by Candlelight. A choral concert by Schola Cantorum Jubilate. Location: St. Augustine s Priory, Victoria Sat, 15 Dec: Festival of Light. Organised by Fondazzjoni ta Klula to celebrate the patron saint, Santa Luċija. Santa Luċija square is decorated with flaming lanterns, bonfire and animated by children carrying candles in a traditional procession. Sun, 16 Dec: Dinja tat-tfal (Chrildren s world) This children s fun park will give the children the opportunity to meet their favourite characters and enjoy a variety of activities. Entrance is free of charge. Location: Gozo Sports Complex, Victoria Fri, 21 Dec: Nativitate Domini, a Christmas concert Location: Żebbuġ Parish Church Sat, 22 Dec: Christmas Parade A Christmas parade will commence from the lower part of Republic street, Victoria and will make its way up to Independence Square. The parade is a Christmas celebration exhibiting various beautiful characters such as Father Christmas, snowmen, and numerous other cartoon characters. Sun, 23 Dec: Christmas pageant at San Lawrenz Village Tue, 25 Dec: Twas the night before Christmas. A Christmas Eve concert from 01:30-02:30hrs featuring guest pop singers. Location: St. George s Square Tue, 25 Dec: Traditional Procession with Baby Jesus. During this procession children carry the statue of Baby Jesus. The Victory Band accompanies choirs singing carols. Location: Dun Gorg Preca Street to the church, Xagħra. Organiser: MUSEUM boys section Fri, 28 Dec: Grand Christmas Concert, at the Xagħra Basilica with the participation of a local choir. Dwejra Gozo Photo by Terry Camilleri Sat, 29 Dec: Christmas Concert by Fondazzjoni Santa Ċeċilja (A.D. 2013) Location: St. James Church, Independence Square, Victoria Mon, 31 Dec: The Rabat, Citta Victoria Local Council and the town s commercial community, create a festive celebration, heralding the New Year. The thousands of people who come to Victoria on the day, have the opportunity to celebrate together the arrival of the new year, in the historic town surroundings. Entrance is free of charge. Location: Independence Square and St. George s Square * Content is indicative of highlights of the Gozo cultural calendar and is not comprehensive of all events. For full details, changes to the original programme and for other unlisted events, please check visitgozo.com 32 33

18 GOZO PUBLIC AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS Monday, 1 January New Year s Day Saturday, 10 February Feast of St Paul s Shipwreck Monday, 19 March Feast of St Joseph Friday, 30 March Good Friday Saturday, 31 March Freedom Day Tuesday, 1 May Worker s Day Thursday, 7 June Sette Giugno Friday, 29 June Feast of St. Peter & St. Paul Wednesday, 15 August Feast of the Assumption Saturday, 8 September Victory Day Friday, 21 September Independence Day Saturday, 8 December Feast of the Immaculate Conception Thursday, 13 December Republic Day Tuesday, 25 December Christmas Day GOZO, YOUR NEXT STOP IN THE MEDITERRANEAN Experience Gozo s gems, secrets and magnificence, a perfect blend of history and myth, mediterranean culture and cuisine. History and culture have carved their own story on this island, symbolised by its prehistoric temples, magnificent churches and the towering Citadel. Blessed with a wonderful countryside, pristine beaches, and unique coastline, Gozo is there for you to discover. Gozo is connected to over ninety six (96) destinations through the Malta International Airport ( Once in Malta, drive to Cirkewwa Harbour (approximately one hour) and take the comfortable Gozo ferry for the scenic 25-minute crossing to Mgarr Harbour, gateway to Gozo. MALTA Salt harvesting Photo by Ted Attard (+356) ; (+356) visitgozo@gov.mt Designed by Keen Limited 35

19 Photo by Daniel Cilia