15th Edition Of ŻiguŻajg Officially Launched

Jan 30 2024

The ŻiguŻajg season is making a comeback with a diverse program specifically crafted to captivate and inspire children and young audiences through a wide array of artistic activities. This initiative encompasses music, film, theater, science, and more, showcasing collaborative efforts from both international and Maltese creative talents.

Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, articulates that this year’s ŻiguŻajg season continues its commitment to promoting integration and fostering respect for diversity. The overarching aim of this program is to contribute to communities that actively celebrate and embrace their diversity.

“For this season, we’ve selected 10 projects spanning 5 different art forms, involving the talents of over 35 artists. Beyond being a celebration of the arts, this season serves as a proactive initiative to enhance inclusivity within the artistic community and beyond,” concluded Minister Bonnici.

Rupert Cefai, Chair of the Creativity Foundation, underscores how ŻiguŻajg has solidified itself as a cornerstone for arts and culture, shaping the future audience. He pledges to continue their efforts to ensure the ongoing success and expansion of ŻiguŻajg.

From his perspective, Daniel Azzopardi, the Artistic Director of Spazju Kreattiv, expresses the commitment to integrating creative arts into people’s lives through artistic excellence, cultural diversity, and social inclusivity. The ŻiguŻajg season for this year promises a enriching experience for children and their families.

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Kirkop’s Our Lady Of Sorrows Painting Restored

Jan 30 2024

An 18th century painting of Our Lady Of Sorrows, attributed to Francesco Zahra, was restored into its full glory this week.

The painting, which shows Jesus Christ taken down from the cross and place into his mother Mary’s arms, was restored by Atelier del Restauro.

The restored painting was inaugurated on the 28th of January in the presence of Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna and Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Councils Owen Bonnici.

The restoration took place through the financial support of the Maltese Council for Arts as well as APS Bank.

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Over 160 Youth Organisations Awarded Funds For Community Projects

Jan 30 2024

More than 160 voluntary youth organizations, along with organizations focused on youth initiatives, received funding totaling approximately €735,000 during an event organized by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ. The awards ceremony, graced by Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti, acknowledged and rewarded the organizations benefiting from these funding schemes.

Expressing gratitude for the continuous efforts of youth voluntary organizations in communities, Secretary Azzopardi Tanti emphasized the need for more volunteers in our society. He commended the dedication of these organizations and pledged ongoing support, citing the increasing annual investment in youth initiatives.

Aġenzija Żgħażagħ’s Youth Empowerment Unit Manager, Maria Carmela Borg, highlighted the agency’s growth since its inception. She emphasized the agency’s mission to aid youth organizations and those working with young people in enhancing their societal contributions. Ms. Borg noted that, since its establishment, the agency has facilitated over 1,000 projects, benefiting around 121,500 youths, with a cumulative funding surpassing €2.5 million through various schemes.

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Malta’s July 2023 Reached Temperatures Of 42.7°C

Jan 30 2024

In 2023, Malta became an attractive destination for sun-seeking tourists, experiencing weather warmer and drier than the climatic norm.

The Meteorological Office recorded 3,020 hours of sunshine, with July being notably the warmest month since 1922, reaching an average temperature of 29.6°C and hitting a peak of 42.7°C during a 10-day heatwave.

Despite December starting the winter season with an average temperature of 15.9°C, exceeding the norm by 1.4°C, February marked the only month below the climatic average.

The year saw 554.8 mm of rainfall, above the annual average, with storm Helios in February contributing significantly. However, March was exceptionally dry, receiving only 3 mm of rain, causing a drier-than-average spring. July remained completely rainless.

Autumn in Malta was uncharacteristically dry, with October being the driest on record, receiving only 0.2 mm of rain. Thunderstorms, usually associated with weather transitions in October, were absent.

Despite deficiencies in rainfall and lightning, wind exceeded the norm in eight months, with April and May being the windiest, and the strongest gust recorded at 53 knots in November. Overall, 2023 provided a sun-soaked and dry Mediterranean experience, attracting tourists seeking warmth and sunshine.

#MaltaDaily