Malta: A Cultural and Festive Hub in Late Summer and Fall
Malta, a Mediterranean archipelago and vibrant cultural hub, is renowned for its abundant sunshine and rich ancient history dating back more than 8,000 years. Summer is always jam-packed with festivals and events, but Malta and its sister island Gozo continue to be a lively hotspot in the late summer and fall, offering a diverse array of concerts, festivals, and activities to be explored and experienced.
Delicata Wine Festival – August 9 – 11
Wine enthusiasts attending the 21st annual Delicata Classic Wine Festival on the Mediterranean archipelago of Malta this summer can also delight in musical performances by former Maltese Eurovision All-stars. Set against the backdrop of Malta’s historic capital, Valletta, the festival will run from August 9th to 11th, in the Upper Barrakka Gardens from 7 pm to midnight. Celebrating Malta’s rich culinary and artistic heritage, the event offers a weekend-long exploration of the island’s culture. Additionally, Delicata will host another festival in Nadur, Gozo at the end of August.
Notte Bianca is one of Malta’s grandest annual arts and culture festivals. On the first Saturday of every October, the cityscape of Valletta illuminates with a dazzling celebration of creativity, welcoming all. Local museums, piazzas, state palaces, and churches are transformed into venues to host live performances and concerts.
BirguFest – October 11 & 12
In the medieval, waterfront city of Birgu, locals and tourists will be able to enjoy a breathtaking candlelit festival for one weekend only. Reduced pricing for museum tickets, food stalls, movie screenings, concerts, and art installations are this festival’s main appeal. Visitors can also explore the stunning historical architecture of Birgu’s churches and public buildings that open their doors to the public for this event.
Rolex Middle Sea Race, Valletta’s Grand Harbour – Beginning October 19
Malta’s capital of Valletta plays host to the 45th Rolex Middle Sea Race, a symbolic and highly-anticipated event, showcasing some of the world’s premier sailors aboard state-of-the-art vessels. Participants will embark on the 606 nautical mile classic, sailing anti-clockwise from Valletta’s Grand Harbour to the Eastern coast of Sicily, up towards the Strait of Messina, before heading North to the Aeolian Islands and the active volcano of Stromboli. Passing between Marettimo and Favignana the crews head South towards the island of Lampedusa, passing Pantelleria on the way back to cross the finish line back in Malta.
Opera is Gozo – October 12, 24 & 26
The first opera ever in Gozo, Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, was presented in Gozo in January 1977. The Astra Theater was originally inaugurated on January 20, 1968, and continued the tradition in September 1978 with Giuseppe Verdi’s famous Rigoletto and Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia respectively. Maltese artists, like Miriam Gauci and Joseph Calleja have also graced these stages throughout the years.
This year’s productions in Gozo are Puccini’s Il Trittico at the Aurora Theatre on October 12 and Verdi’s Giovanna d’Arco at the Astra Theatre on October 24 and 26.
Tickets for Il Trittico
Tickets for Giovanna d’Arco
*Featured image showcasing the Rolex Middle Sea Race
