Gozo Carnival Traditions We’ll Never Get Tired Of

Jan 17 2024

Gozo Carnival, a historic celebration on the picturesque island of Gozo, is not just an event; it’s a cherished tradition marked by vibrant festivities, unique customs, and a camaraderie that brings people together. As the carnival season approaches, anticipation builds for the annual pilgrimage to Gozo, where a weekend of revelry awaits. In this article, we explore six Gozo Carnival traditions that enthusiasts eagerly look forward to every year.

The Long Trip Up to Gozo with Your Favorite Pre-Party Playlist

The excitement begins as soon as you hit the road for the annual journey to Gozo. Packed with friends and filled with anticipation, the trip is made memorable by the perfect pre-party playlist. Whether it’s a mix of carnival classics or your favourite party anthems, the journey sets the tone for a weekend of festivities.

A Delicious Traditional Gozitan Ftira Upon Arrival

No Gozo Carnival experience is complete without indulging in the mouthwatering flavours of a traditional Gozitan ftira. Freshly baked and bursting with local ingredients from beloved bakeries like Mekren’s, Tal-Mulejja or Ta’ Saminu, this savoury speciality is the perfect treat to kickstart the festivities.

A Weekend of Carnival Madness Including Parties and Nadur Celebrations

The heart of the Gozo Carnival lies in its vibrant celebrations. From unmatched parties to the unique Nadur Carnival, the weekend is a whirlwind of colour, music, and dancing. The infectious energy of locals and Maltese visitors brings people together, creating memories that last a lifetime.

The One Minor Issue with the Flat/Farmhouse That Pops Up Every Year

Despite the joyous atmosphere, there’s always a humorous twist when it comes to the accommodation. Whether it’s a problem with the heating or a busted light bulb, these minor issues become part of the tradition. Laughter (and a ħaqq here and there) ensues as friends navigate through the unexpected.

A Cheeky Post-Party McDonald’s

As the night winds down and the hunger kicks in, there’s nothing like a cheeky post-party visit to McDonald’s in Rabat. It has become a tradition to satisfy those cravings with a quick stop for a burger and fries. The golden arches offer a comforting end to a night filled with carnival revelry.

The Half-Asleep Trip Down to Malta After a Weekend Well Spent

With the weekend coming to a close, the exhaustion from days of celebration sets in. The trip back down to Malta becomes a half-asleep journey filled with contentment. Reflecting on the memories made, the camaraderie shared, and the unique traditions experienced, the journey home becomes a time to relive the highlights of a Gozo Carnival well spent.

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Bail Granted To Man Assaulted By Paceville Bouncers

Jan 17 2024

Ahmed Adam Idriss Albarjo, the man assaulted by nightclub bouncers on New Year’s Day in Paceville, has been granted bail, spending more time in custody than some of his attackers.

Abarjo, a 30-year-old from Sudan, faced charges of slight bodily harm for allegedly throwing a bottle and a sharp object at a bouncer during the altercation on January 6. The bouncer suffered cuts in the incident.

Serbian bouncers Ivan Marjanovic and Aleksandar Kovacic, part of the group that attacked Albarjo, were fined €100 each after pleading guilty to assault charges and apologizing in court.

Petar Bajic, another bouncer, was also arraigned. However, Ryan Zammit and Riald Gragjevi, charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Albarjo, remain in preventive custody.

Gragjevi, who was slightly injured by Albarjo, expressed forgiveness from the witness stand. Albarjo was released on bail with a €200 deposit, a €1,800 personal guarantee, and conditions such as signing a bail book three times a week.

Inspector Brian Xuereb is prosecuting, and lawyer Roberta Bonello Felice is representing Albarjo.

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Apple Overtakes Samsung As World Largest Smart Phone Seller

Jan 17 2024

Apple has surpassed Samsung to claim the largest share of the global smartphone market for the first time in 12 years, capturing over 20% of phones shipped in the past year, according to data from the International Data Corporation (IDC).

Samsung secured 19.4% of the market, while Chinese brands Xiaomi, OPPO, and Transsion followed. Smartphone sales globally saw a decline of over 3%, amounting to nearly 1.2 billion units sold in 2023, the lowest figure in a decade.

Economic challenges and high interest rates contributed to this downturn, but market experts anticipate a recovery in the coming year.

Despite the overall decline, Apple emerged as the “biggest winner,” selling more than 234 million phones in 2023, experiencing positive annual growth, and claiming the top spot annually for the first time.

Huawei, facing regulatory challenges and increased competition, has made progress in producing its own chips after being restricted from purchasing chips using US technology. Apple’s success is attributed to trade-in offers, interest-free financing plans, and sustained demand for premium devices.

Samsung, traditionally dominating in memory chips, smartphones, and televisions, faced a setback as global demand for consumer electronics remained weak.

Increased competition from affordable Android models, especially in emerging markets, contributed to Samsung’s challenges. The IDC also noted a shifting landscape in the smartphone market, with a growing array of Android providers diversifying the market and consumers showing increasing interest in foldable phones and AI capabilities.

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Malta Inflation Rate Over Eu Average In December 2023

Jan 17 2024

In December, Malta experienced an inflation rate of 3.7%, a slight decrease from November’s 3.9%. However, it remained higher than the EU and Eurozone averages.

The National Statistics Office revealed that the main contributors to Malta’s inflation were the Food and non-alcoholic beverages sector, with a substantial impact from rising vegetable prices.

Euro area inflation rose to 2.9% in December, up from 2.4% in November, while the EU recorded an annual inflation rate of 3.4%, an increase from 3.1% in November. A year earlier, the EU’s inflation rate was significantly higher at 10.4%.

The Food and non-alcoholic beverages Index had the most substantial impact on Malta’s inflation, followed by the Restaurants and hotels Index and the Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels Index.

The recent focus on food prices arose when the Maltese government urged retailers to lower prices by 15%, drawing criticism from the Chamber of Commerce.

In the EU, Denmark, Italy, and Belgium had the lowest annual inflation rates, while Czechia, Romania, and Slovakia recorded the highest. Eurostat reported that services had the most significant contribution to the euro area’s inflation rate in December, followed by food, alcohol & tobacco, non-energy industrial goods, and energy.

Meanwhile, the UK experienced unexpected inflation growth in December, challenging predictions of a slowdown and impacting hopes for an early interest rate cut.

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