Christmas In The Capital Programme 2023 Launched

Nov 20 2023

Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici together with Valletta Cultural Agency Chairperson Jason Micallef announced details on ‘Christmas in the Capital’, a programme of festive events taking place in Valletta from the 25th of November till the 31st of December 2023.

Minister Owen Bonnici described this programme as an opportunity for Maltese and Gozitan families to visit the Capital City during the Christmas period.

“Our Capital City is the perfect place for celebrations like these. This event builds on our commitment to celebrate culture in its various genres and to continue supporting artists,” said Minister Bonnici, emphasizing that the Government is committed to further enhancing cultural activities in the Capital City and various locations in our country.

Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef said that given the ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world, they have incorporated activities promoting peace and serenity into the Christmas Programme. One such feature is the traditional Baby Jesus procession, a cherished and meaningful tradition for many Maltese people.

Mr Micallef further stated that over a month VCA has planned 29 events and activities in the Capital City. The programme includes stilt walkers, musical choirs and concerts by famous bands and singers including The Travellers, Michela, Ira Losco, Gianluca Bezzina, Centrestage Children’s Choir, Sean & Veronique, RIONA, Opening Doors, EnKor, Malta School of Music, Kor Malta, Choral and Orchestral Society Maria Bambina and others. He also announced that the National New Year’s Eve Celebrations will once again take place in the heart of the capital at St George’s Square. The entrance will once again be free of charge.

The VCA Head of Programming and Production, Jessica Muscat said that on the 25th of November, the Christmas lights in Valletta’s main streets and a Christmas tree will be switched on while a traditional Christmas crib will be inaugurated near the entrance to St John’s Co-Cathedral. The spectacular projections in St George’s Square will start from the 4th of December. Throughout the Christmas period, Christmas music will also be playing in Republic Street.

Other highlights found in this year’s Christmas programme include children’s workshops at the Valletta Design Cluster, street animators and pop-up events by Dancel Dance Studio.

Visit the Valletta Cultural Agency website vca.gov.mt and Facebook page for more information.

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It Will Now Be Illegal To Test For Virginity In Malta

Nov 20 2023

Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg announced on World Children’s Day (Monday 20th November 2023) that testing for virginity will be made illegal in Malta.

Addressing a press conference, Buttigieg revealed that the law will be applied to not just the person committing virginity testing but also anyone who assists in the practice, even parents.

The Parliamentary Secretary said that this discriminatory practice takes place under the false impression that a person can determine whether a girl or woman has had sexual relations. There is no scientific basis for such tests, Buttigieg said.

The punishment could entail between one to five years in jail for who helps, encourages, advises, incites, acquires the means for or forces the testing.

The law will be tabled in parliament as violence based on gender, and will prevent such practices from taking place on the island due to them not being illegal up until this point.

This meant that young girls could be tested for virginity no matter their age, with the law seeking to remove the practice entirely.

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Maltese Photographer Captures Mount Etna From Żurrieq

Nov 20 2023

Local photographer Franco Aloisio took a snapshot of Mount Etna and the Sicilian Hyblaean mountains and coast, as seen between the island’s two tallest high-rise structures.

The largest active volcano in Europe can be seen in between Mercury Tower and Portomaso Tower, with the photo taken on the 19th of November 2023 at 0945hrs.

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A post shared by Franco Aloisio (@franco__aloisio)

The photo even managed to capture an oil tanker next to Portomaso Tower due to the great visibility. Using a 400mm lens, Franco’s photo shows one of the Maltese’s favourite vacation destinations, with the volcano having erupted a few days ago.

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PN Call For Authorities To Protect Ġgantija Temples National Heritage

Nov 20 2023

Addressing a visit to the Ġgantija Megalithic temples, Opposition leader Bernard Grech said that such sites are of great national and global importance and that they should not be placed under risk due to a lack of action by those designated to protect them.

Grech was speaking following the announcement that a construction project will be taking place close to these temples, despite warnings by UNESCO and public outrage.

The Nationalist Party leader said that this ‘scandalous permit’ is a confirmation that the Authority for Planning has become ‘the department for permits’.

Grech urged Robert Abela’s government to take the necessary actions to protect the sites and eliminate any potential risk which could impact them through construction.

Grech was accompanied by Deputies Alex Borg, Chris Said, Julie Zahra and Stanley Zammit.

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