Malta's Summer 2010: Big On Cultural Events
Suddenly its summer in Malta. From the first weekend in June to late autumn islanders see the start a very hectic cultural and social calendar of events. In fact, so much is packed into the three peak summer months that it's easy to double book evenings. Not that that's a problem; the beauty of Malta's small size means you can quite easily make two events in the same day, and stress free.
Regular events like DJ sets are de rigeur for some, while others might prefer the tradition and merriment of the annual parish festa - or feast - that dominates the hearts, minds and skylines of all Malta, all summer.
One early summer, annual event is Ghanafest, which takes first week of June over three nights, usually in the evocative Argotti Botanical Gardens perched on bastions overlooking the harbour. It's Maltas version of folk and country music and offers a medley of indigenous Mediterranean music featuring Maltese Ghana, as well as international acts such as those this year from Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is good all-round family entertainment.
Another regular early on in June is the MTV Mobile Earth Garden a bonanza of events under the label of Maltas largest Green Festival and held in the centre of the island at a large public space known as Ta Qali. As Earth Garden's name suggests, its eco-friendly, ethnic, alternative, family-orientated, clean fun with some good homely food on offer.
Later this summer, Malta is playing host to some big names headlining some big events, several of which are becoming known in international gig circuits. For now, they woo and wow tourists who just happen to be holidaying in Malta. But the word is getting out and some visitors now plan a Malta trip to coincide with key event dates.
It would be difficult to pick the best of the coming summer's events but these tend to stand out:
Isle of MTV Malta Special which takes place on 30 June at a historic and picturesque venue ona square covering old 18th century granaries just outside Maltas baroque capital, Valletta. Held in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, this is the fourth Isle of MTV Malta special. The free open air event has become one the high points of the European summer music-festival circuit. This year sees: Kid Rock, Scissor Sisters and Kelis among the big names. Audience should number around 50,000.
Malta Arts Festival from 123 July offers an eclectic programme of arts, drama, music, street performance and more with something every night over three weeks. Its Maltas premier cultural festival and offers a chance to see class acts from home and abroad. Again, all events take place in glorious venues like palace courtyards. The highlights are too many to single out, but the opening night with world-renowned conductor Wayne Marshall and the Malta Philharmonic promises a magical night and for fast-paced fun head to see the Globe Theatre's Shakespeare; the touring company returns to much acclaim.
Last but not least, and straddling three balmy evenings from 15-17 July right by Vallettas Grand Harbour is the Malta Jazz Festival 2010. Contrast is the keyword in the Malta Jazz Festival. This years line-up offers a panorama of the contemporary jazz scene, with all its diversity, from u-jazz to fusion, from vocal jazz to world music. Once more, Malta Jazz features the cream of todays jazz scene, presenting a star-studded line-up and offering a palette of artists catering for both the layman and the seasoned jazz enthusiast.
Later in July, on 24th, Malta welcomes its own with the visit of Maltese-born but internationally renowned tenor Joseph Calleja along with friends Dionne Warwick and Claudio Baglioni. A virtuoso evening of vocal fusion.
Come autumn and 26 September and Malta welcomes back Elton John, this time with Ray Cooper. His last visit seven years ago was an impressive two and a half hour non-stop performance with a good humoured crowd drawn from across the generations.
So, visit Malta this summer and youll have enough culture to choose from whatever your taste, from clubbing and DJs to classical, pop, theatre and jazz.
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