Giant Buffon Sculpture Unveiled at Hamrun Chocolate Festival

Oct 27 2024

Football and chocolate fans alike were in for a treat at the 14th edition of the Hamrun Chocolate Festival, held on Saturday, 26th October.

One of the highlights of the event was a life-size sculpture of legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, crafted entirely from chocolate. Thousands flocked to St. Joseph High Street and its surroundings, enjoying a night filled with sweet delights and entertainment.

The stunning chocolate sculpture was the work of Maltese chocolatier Tiziano Cassar, renowned for his jaw-dropping creations. Cassar, who has previously impressed with chocolate renditions of Russell Crowe’s Maximus from Gladiator and Johnny Walker, did not disappoint with this year’s masterpiece. Buffon’s likeness, meticulously sculpted in rich chocolate, captured the essence of the football icon,

The festival, a beloved event in Malta’s cultural calendar, featured not only chocolate sculptures but also a variety of exhibitions, performances by local and international bands, singers, and other attractions.

Following the event, the Hamrun Local Council took to social media to thank everyone in attendance, pledging that it will continue to strive to make the festival a unique and sought-after event in the country’s cultural calendar.

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Another Gozo Channel Bomb Threat

Oct 26 2024

The Gozo Channel ferry service was temporarily suspended on Saturday following its second bomb threat in two days.

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) responded to the threat by inspecting all four Gozo Channel ferries and both the Ċirkewwa terminal in Malta and the Mġarr terminal in Gozo. Bomb disposal officers worked across the islands, with divers also inspecting the undersides of the vessels.

The disruption affected travel, with passengers on the 3:30 pm ferry asked to disembark, and significant traffic buildup reported along Mġarr Road as people waited for updates.

The AFM expects to clear the vessels for safe operations by around 7 pm, allowing ferry services to resume.

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri addressed the issue on social media, expressing confidence that those responsible for the hoaxes would be identified and brought to justice. Malta’s laws impose heavy fines on anyone convicted of issuing false bomb threats.

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Residents and Organisations Rally Against Villa Rosa Development at St. George’s Bay

Oct 26 2024

Earlier today, residents, Local Councils, and organizations such as Moviment Graffitti gathered at St. George’s Bay for a press conference to address concerns surrounding the Villa Rosa development scandal.

The event began with strong criticism of the government’s claims that this project is in a “consultation phase,” calling it an insult to the public’s intelligence.

Many believe the Local Plan revision has been manipulated to benefit contractor and developer‘ Tal-Franċiż’, enabling a massive project to proceed under the guise of consultation.

Speakers warned that allowing business interests to dictate laws and regulations threatens democratic values.

Appeals to “brands” and “tourism” were dismissed as attempts to justify overdevelopment, commercialization, and the unchecked spread of economic interests into public spaces.

According to Moviment Graffitti, the proposed Villa Rosa project would introduce dust, noise, traffic, and excessive commercial activity, affecting the surrounding valley, bay, and residential areas. Local residents vowed to oppose this development, defending both democracy and quality of life.

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Three Rescued Turtles Return to the Sea After Rehabilitation

Oct 26 2024

Today, NatureTrust Malta marked a special occasion with the release of three fortunate turtles—Wizy, Katy, and Rolex MiddleSea—back into their ocean habitat.

Although these turtles had not sustained serious injuries, their rescue and rehabilitation were necessary due to the growing threats of plastic pollution and accidental capture in fishing gear.

The reality for many other turtles is far harsher. Some require extended periods, often months or even years, in rehabilitation centers due to complications like fishing lines deeply lodged in their systems.

Before today’s release, volunteers conducted a beach clean-up at Gnejna Bay, where they collected substantial amounts of plastic and microplastics.

This cleanup emphasized the ongoing waste pollution that threatens Malta’s coastal ecosystems and the marine life that inhabits them.

NatureTrust Malta reminds the public that everyone can play a part in protecting marine life. Every piece of litter removed makes a difference.

Those who encounter marine debris are encouraged to dispose of it in one of the 10 Żibel Tribe bins located throughout Malta. For bin locations, interested parties can visit Żibel’s website or check social media for guidance on Marine Plastic Collection 101.

This small action can have a large impact on preserving the health of our seas—because it starts with each of us.

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